If you’re searching for that cozy, irresistible dessert to elevate your apple game, look no further than this classic Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples swimming in luscious caramel sauce topped with a crunchy, buttery oat crumble baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of fall and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this recipe captures all the comforting flavors you crave, with just the right balance of sweet and tart in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor harmony in your Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe. From the tartness of Granny Smith apples to the rich creaminess of caramel sauce, every item contributes to making this dessert shine.
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples: Choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps the apples caramelize as they bake.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the apples with warm, spicy notes that pair perfectly with caramel.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning while adding a hint of acidity.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce: Brings that luscious, buttery flavor that makes this crisp unforgettable; save extra for drizzling later.
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats: Creates a satisfyingly crunchy topping texture that contrasts the soft apples.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Binds the crumble together, giving it structure without heaviness.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor and helps the topping brown beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Doubles down on spice in the oat topping for extra warmth.
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth topping—use cold butter for best results.
How to Make Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect baking temperature when you’re ready. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze and allowing that crisp topping to brown evenly on the edges.
Step 2: Toss the Apples with Flavors
In a large bowl, combine your peeled and sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and half of your caramel sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the apple slices. This ensures each bite bursts with sweet and spicy flavor, while the lemon juice adds just enough brightness.
Step 3: Create the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique keeps the butter chilled, resulting in a beautifully textured topping that bakes to golden, crispy perfection.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour your apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the fruit evenly. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping generously over the apples, making sure to cover every corner. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the apples beneath are bubbling with caramel-infused goodness. Let it cool slightly to set before digging in!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe to the next level, don’t forget the finishing touches. A generous drizzle of extra caramel sauce over each serving adds a glossy, indulgent touch. Pair that with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast that makes every spoonful heavenly.
Side Dishes
This dessert is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea or rich coffee, helping balance the sweetness. For brunch or a more substantial treat, serve it alongside warm cinnamon-spiced oatmeal or a fresh fruit salad to brighten the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your crisp in individual mini ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation that’s perfect for gatherings. Alternatively, spoon the crisp over warm pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast twist. For a rustic look, serve straight from the baking dish with a rustic wooden spoon—because sometimes, simplicity is the most inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its moistness and prevent the topping from getting soggy. It’s an easy dessert to enjoy as a quick sweet fix after dinner.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, this crisp freezes very well. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth and crispiness, reheat your apple crisp in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld again and the topping to regain its crunch. Avoid using a microwave if you want to preserve the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal because of their tartness and texture, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might require slightly less sugar in the recipe.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture and a more classic crisp experience, but if you prefer the added fiber and rustic look, you can leave the skins on. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This swap keeps the crisp just as tasty without any gluten concerns.
What’s the best way to make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?
Homemade caramel is surprisingly simple. Melt sugar slowly over medium heat until amber, then carefully stir in butter and cream while whisking constantly. Let it cool before using. This fresh caramel adds a rich, buttery depth unmatched by store-bought versions.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the oat crumble add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apples and caramel beautifully. Just fold them in with the oat topping ingredients before adding the butter.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite ways to embrace the flavors of fall any time of year. The combination of tender, spiced apples and that crispy, buttery topping is pure comfort in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself—once you do, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation just like it is in mine.
Print
Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious Caramel Apple Crisp featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble, enhanced with rich caramel sauce for a perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Crumble Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine peeled and sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of caramel sauce. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble Apple Layer: Pour the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out as a base layer for the crisp.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, mix old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired for extra sweetness and gooey texture.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert experience.
- You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce based on preference.
- For a twist, substitute pears for apples for a delicious variation.
