Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully balances tartness from fresh apples with the rich sweetness of caramel, all wrapped up in a wonderfully crunchy oat topping. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds—whether it’s a weekend treat or a holiday centerpiece, this dish never fails to impress your taste buds and your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe, but don’t worry—it’s all simple, wholesome pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role, from the tartness of Granny Smith apples to the buttery crisp topping, making the final dessert irresistible.

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These apples provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, essential for a lively filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just right, balancing the tanginess of the apples.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers warm, comforting spice that enhances the apple flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty depth without overpowering.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the juices released by the apples during baking.
• 1/3 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling): Brings that luscious caramel richness that makes this crisp extra special.
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats: For a hearty, crunchy topping that’s simply addictive.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Binds the topping ingredients and ensures a crisp texture.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds caramel undertones and moisture to the topping.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the topping with warm spice for extra flavor layers.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates that irresistible crumbly texture in the topping when baked.

How to Make Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish so your crisp won’t stick. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until every slice is coated with sweet, spiced goodness. Next, pour in the caramel sauce and gently fold it through, ensuring every apple slice gets a bit of that sticky, buttery magic before transferring the mixture into your baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Now for the fun part—cut in the cold, cubed butter using either a pastry cutter or your fingers. Work quickly until the mixture looks crumbly, like coarse sand, with little pea-sized lumps of butter dotted throughout. These butter pockets melt during baking, giving that perfect crunch and richness. Spread this mixture evenly over the apple layer, creating a thick, even blanket.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop your assembled crisp into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a lovely golden brown and the apple filling bubbles vigorously around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen with that classic fall dessert scent that’s impossible to resist.

Step 4: Final Touch with Extra Caramel

When your crisp has cooled slightly—just enough so the caramel drizzle won’t run everywhere—take a spoon and drizzle extra caramel sauce generously over the top. This finishing touch adds an irresistible shine and deep caramel flavor that elevates the comfort factor.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of a warm caramel apple crisp is nothing short of heaven. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm filling, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon completes the picture with lightness and extra spice.

Side Dishes

This crisp stands gloriously on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or fragrant chai tea for a cozy afternoon snack. If you want to double down on sweetness, a drizzle of rich caramel or even a small scoop of sharp cheddar cheese makes for an intriguingly delicious pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, shareable dessert, serve the crisp straight from the baking dish right at the table—everyone loves passing around a warm dish filled with tender apples and crispy topping. For a charming individual presentation, use small ramekins to bake single servings. Top each with a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar to impress your guests visually as well as with taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover and store them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The crisp topping might lose just a bit of its crunch, but reheating will help bring back some of that wonderful texture.

Freezing

This Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply cool it completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive the crisp’s crunch after refrigeration or freezing, warm individual servings in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delicious crumble texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp offer great tartness and texture, feel free to experiment with Gala, Fuji, or any apple you love. Just keep in mind that firmer apples hold up better during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the topping crunchy and safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

How can I make the topping crunchier?

For an extra crunch, try mixing in 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping. Using cold butter and not over-mixing also helps achieve that perfect crumbly texture.

Can I prepare the crisp in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the crisp a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated until oven time. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled before baking.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating in the oven at a moderate temperature helps restore the topping’s crispness and warms the filling evenly. Microwave reheating tends to make the topping soggy, so it’s less ideal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about enjoying a slice of this Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe fresh out of the oven, with caramel dripping enticingly and the perfect hint of spice in every bite. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that brings people together and celebrates the best flavors of fall, yet works perfectly any time you crave comfort in dessert form. I can’t wait for you to whip this up and enjoy every sweet, crunchy moment!

Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe

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3.9 from 41 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Caramel Apple Crisp is a delightful fall dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples layered beneath a buttery oat topping, all generously drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, this easy-to-make crisp is ideal for cozy nights and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Ingredients

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Apple Filling

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)

Topping

• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Mix Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Stir in the caramel sauce thoroughly before transferring the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apple filling, covering it completely to create a crunchy layer during baking.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and cooked through.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly once removed from the oven. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.

Notes

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic finish.
• For added texture and flavor, mix 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping before baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American