The Warmest, Most Heavenly Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe

Sweet autumn memories dance through this irresistible caramel apple crisp that promises comfort in every delectable bite.

Crisp mornings and cozy sweaters inspire such delightful desserts.

Orchard-fresh apples combine with rich, golden caramel for a nostalgic treat.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave magic into each serving.

Layers of buttery crumble create a delightful contrast against soft, tender fruit.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, you’ll want seconds before finishing your first helping.

Baking this dessert will fill your kitchen with an enchanting aroma that welcomes everyone home.

Why Caramel Apple Crisp Is the Perfect Fall Dessert

• Customize with Ease: Swap different apple varieties to match your taste preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
• Quick Family Dessert: Perfect for bringing everyone together with its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Comfort in Every Bite: Delivers a warm, nostalgic experience with classic ingredients that remind you of home-cooked goodness.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Needed: Requires basic mixing and arranging techniques, making it accessible for beginner bakers and cooking enthusiasts.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Crisp

• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that provides the base for this delightful dessert.

• Flour: Helps create a crumbly and textured topping for the crisp.
• Oats: Adds a hearty and rustic element to the crumble topping.
• Brown Sugar, Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps caramelize the topping and fruit.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the apple flavor and adds depth to the dessert.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crumble topping together.

• Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Creamy accompaniments that complement the warm apple crisp.

How to Bake Caramel Apple Crisp

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly ready for baking.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange Apples

Carefully slice apples into even, thin pieces and spread them across a baking dish.

Step 3: Create Sweet Cinnamon Blanket

Whisk together sugar and cinnamon, then shower this magical mixture over the apple slices, ensuring every piece gets a delightful coating.

Step 4: Mix Crumbly Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar

Incorporate softened butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like delicate, sandy crumbs.

Step 5: Layer the Crumble

Generously sprinkle the crumbly mixture over the cinnamon-kissed apples, creating a golden, crispy landscape.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown topping and bubbling apples that signal it’s ready.

Step 7: Serve and Indulge

Let the crisp rest briefly after removing from the oven. Serve while warm, crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for pure dessert bliss.

Tips for Delicious Caramel Apple Crisp

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your crisp.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
• Prevent browning by tossing apple slices with a splash of lemon juice before assembling the crisp.
• Add a pinch of salt to the crumble topping to enhance the overall flavor and balance the sweetness.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Variations to Try with Caramel Apple Crisp

• Caramel Pecan Variation: Replace half the oats with chopped pecans for a nutty crunch and deeper flavor profile.
• Berry Fusion Crisp: Mix sliced apples with fresh raspberries or blueberries to create a vibrant fruity combination.
• Salted Caramel Version: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the crisp before serving for extra richness and depth.
• Maple Walnut Spin: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup and add crushed walnuts to the crumble topping for a woodsy, autumnal feel.

Pairing Suggestions for Caramel Apple Crisp

• Pair Sweet Caramel Bourbon: A smooth, rich bourbon like Maker's Mark complements the caramel and apple flavors, enhancing the dessert's warmth and depth.
• Scoop Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a perfect contrast to the warm, spiced crisp, balancing the dessert's temperature and adding luxurious creaminess.
• Match Cinnamon Chai Latte: A spiced chai tea with milk creates a harmonious blend of cinnamon and warmth, mirroring the crisp's aromatic profile and offering a comforting beverage pairing.
• Drizzle Salted Caramel Sauce: A homemade or premium salted caramel sauce intensifies the dessert's existing caramel notes, adding an extra layer of decadent sweetness and complexity.

Storage Tips for Caramel Apple Crisp

• Store leftover caramel apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent other food odors from seeping in.
• Wrap the crisp tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Warm the crisp in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and retain moisture. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping.
• Reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Let stand for a minute to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

FAQs Regarding Caramel Apple Crisp

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet caramel and sugar.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to create a gluten-free version of the crisp.

• How do I know when the crisp is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown crumble topping and bubbling edges. The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork, which typically takes 30-40 minutes in the oven.

Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm caramel apple crisp delights palates with its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Homemade comfort comes alive through buttery crumble topping and tender cinnamon-spiced apples you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Sugars:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Crisp Topping and Spices:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Wash and slice the apples into uniform thin wedges, arranging them in a 9×13 inch baking dish to create an even layer.
3. Generously dust the apple slices with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring each slice is lightly coated for balanced sweetness.
4. Create the crumble topping by blending flour, oats, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles rough, pebble-like crumbs.
5. Carefully distribute the crumble topping across the seasoned apple layer, covering the fruit completely and creating a textured surface.
6. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit edges as indicators of doneness.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the crisp to rest for 10-15 minutes, which helps the filling set and intensifies the caramelized flavors.
8. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the dessert’s rich, autumnal profile.

Notes

• Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and balanced sweetness in the dessert.
• Toast the oats before mixing into the crumble topping to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Drizzle caramel sauce over the crisp right after baking for an extra indulgent touch that elevates the entire dessert.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on apple tartness to ensure the perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 263 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg