Easy Caramel Apple Crisp: Your New Favorite Fall Dessert

Welcome to your new favorite fall dessert! This delightful Caramel Apple Crisp takes a classic comfort and elevates it with a rich, buttery caramel swirl. It’s perfect for those crisp autumn evenings or any time you crave something sweet and satisfying.

You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, bringing warm, cozy flavors to your table with minimal effort. Get ready to bake a truly special treat!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Crisp

This Caramel Apple Crisp recipe will quickly become a go-to for many reasons.

• It offers a rich, complex caramel flavor that perfectly complements the tart apples.
• The satisfying crunchy oat topping adds a wonderful texture contrast.
• This dessert is a perfect comforting treat for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings.
• Its quick prep and minimal effort make it incredibly beginner-friendly.
• It is truly great for fall gatherings or a cozy weeknight dessert.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible Caramel Apple Crisp. Fresh apples and a homemade or good-quality store-bought caramel sauce are key to success.

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 lbs Granny Smith Apples
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Serving (Optional):

• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

Notes & Substitutions

• For the best flavor, choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; they hold their shape and balance the sweetness beautifully.
• According to chefs, Granny Smith apples are often considered the best for baking due to their ability to hold their shape and provide a balanced tartness.
• You can use your favorite homemade caramel sauce or a good quality store-bought version for convenience.
• If you need a dairy-free option for the topping, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. For a gluten-free crisp, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats in the topping.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools to make this delightful crisp.

• A medium mixing bowl for the topping and a large bowl for the apples.
• Four 6-ounce ramekins or a small 8×8 inch baking dish.
• An apple peeler, corer, and a sharp knife for prepping the fruit.
• Basic measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• A baking sheet to catch any potential drips in the oven.

How to Make Caramel Apple Crisp

Whipping up this amazing Caramel Apple Crisp is super simple. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect dessert every time.

Step 1: Prep Oven & Ramekins

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). If using individual ramekins, lightly grease them or set them on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling overflow. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Make the Oat Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Using your fingertips, quickly rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This prevents overmixing and creates a tender topping. Finally, stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats. Place the bowl into the freezer or refrigerator to chill while you prepare the apples. Keeping the butter cold helps achieve a perfectly crisp topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and cut your apples into small, uniform chunks. Smaller pieces ensure the apples cook evenly and become tender. In a large bowl, toss the prepared apples well with the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt. The salt enhances the caramel flavor and balances the sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Divide the delicious apple mixture evenly among your four prepared 6-ounce ramekins. Now, retrieve your chilled oat topping. Sprinkle the crumbly topping generously and evenly over the apples in each ramekin. This layering creates that wonderful texture contrast we love.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 40-50 minutes in the preheated oven. Look for the fruit filling to be bubbling around the edges and the crisp topping to be golden brown. To check for doneness, gently insert a knife into an apple piece; it should be tender.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Carefully remove the baked Caramel Apple Crisp from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the filling set a bit and prevents burns. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Crisp

• To ensure your Caramel Apple Crisp turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind. Select firm, tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
• Always ensure your butter is very cold when making the topping; this creates flaky, distinct crumbs. Don’t overmix the crisp topping, as this can make it tough instead of crumbly. Use a high-quality caramel sauce for a richer, more authentic flavor.
• Finally, adjust baking time slightly if using a single larger baking dish instead of individual ramekins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid over-soft apples in the filling by not pre-cooking them; they will soften perfectly during baking. To prevent a soggy crisp topping, ensure your butter is cold and don’t pack the topping down. Not chilling the topping before baking can result in a less crisp texture. Also, strive for even apple cuts, which guarantees uniform cooking and tender apples throughout the dish.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile Caramel Apple Crisp is perfect for any occasion and easy to manage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your warm crisp with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent finish. A small sprinkle of sea salt can beautifully enhance the caramel notes. For a lighter touch, pair it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover Caramel Apple Crisp covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While some suggest room temperature storage, it is recommended to refrigerate baked crisps to maintain freshness and safety. To reheat, warm individual portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the topping soft.

Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions

You can assemble the crisp ahead of time; simply cover and refrigerate the unbaked crisp for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready. To freeze, bake the crisp completely, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen crisp, covered, in a 350°F (175°C) oven until thoroughly heated, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to crisp the topping.

Flavor Variations

Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Experiment with different spices like a pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon. Feel free to use other fruits like pears, peaches, or a mix of berries for a seasonal twist. For a different texture, try adding a streusel topping with oats and chopped nuts.

Nutrition Information

This nutrition information for Caramel Apple Crisp is an estimate per serving, providing a general overview. Values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Note: This information is an estimate and should not replace professional dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Easy Caramel Apple Crisp truly brings together the comforting warmth of fall with an irresistible caramel twist. It is incredibly simple to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and busy parents seeking a delicious, homemade treat.

Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and experience its delightful flavors. We encourage you to share your creations and comments with us! Enjoy every warm, sweet, and crunchy bite.

Jake

Caramel Apple Crisp

No ratings yet

This cozy Caramel Apple Crisp features tart apples and a rich caramel swirl under a buttery oat topping. A simple yet satisfying dessert for chilly nights and festive gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 345

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 lb Granny Smith Apples
• 0.25 cup caramel sauce
• 0.25 tsp salt

Equipment

• mixing bowls medium for topping, large for apples
• Ramekins or baking dish four 6-oz ramekins or 8×8 inch dish
• Apple peeler and knife for prepping apples
• measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• baking sheet to catch drips in oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease four 6-ounce ramekins or use a baking sheet to catch drips.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly, then stir in oats. Chill mixture while preparing apples.
3. Peel, core, and dice apples. Toss with caramel sauce and salt in a large bowl.
4. Divide apple mixture among ramekins. Top evenly with chilled oat mixture.
5. Bake for 40–50 minutes until topping is golden and filling is bubbling. Cool 5–10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 4.3gFat: 3.6gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 69mgPotassium: 344mgFiber: 7gSugar: 48.6gVitamin A: 29IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 2mg

Notes

• Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for best texture and tartness.
• Swap dairy butter for plant-based if needed.
• For gluten-free, use certified GF oats and GF flour. 

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Looking for more comfort recipe like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.