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Easy Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe

Caramel Apple Crisp

iamwinfred
This Caramel Apple Crisp captures everything wonderful about autumn in one dish. Tender apples mingle with gooey caramel under a crunchy oat topping that bakes up golden and irresistible. The caramel adds a rich depth that elevates simple apples into something special, while warm spices blend seamlessly with the fruit. The topping stays crisp even after baking, providing perfect texture contrast, and it all comes together quickly with pantry staples in one baking dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Apple corer (optional)
  • Baking sheet (optional) to catch any bubble-over

Ingredients
  

For the Filling

  • 6 cups apples peeled and sliced; firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold work best
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce 120g; warm slightly if thick
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 16g
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats 90g
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 90g
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar 100g, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 113g, cold and cubed; keep refrigerated until ready to use
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Serving (Optional)

  • vanilla ice cream for serving
  • whipped cream for serving
  • warm caramel sauce for drizzling
  • toasted pecans for topping
  • powdered sugar for dusting
  • fresh apple slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Clear counter space and gather all ingredients. Measure everything accurately, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack in center, and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  • Wash apples thoroughly and pat completely dry. Peel, core, and slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces uniformly, placing slices in a large mixing bowl immediately to prevent browning.
  • Add flour and cinnamon to apple slices and toss gently until every piece is coated. Warm caramel sauce slightly if thick, then drizzle gradually over apples and fold until evenly distributed but not soggy. Transfer to prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer without packing down.
  • Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly and breaking up any sugar lumps. Add cold butter cubes all at once and use a pastry cutter to work butter into dry mix until pea-sized crumbs form; finish with fingertips if needed. Mixture should hold when squeezed but crumble easily.
  • Sprinkle topping evenly over apple filling and press lightly to adhere without compacting, covering every surface. Place dish on a baking sheet optionally to catch any bubble-over, then bake 35-45 minutes until golden, checking at 35 minutes. Apples should bubble and topping brown deeply.
  • Remove from oven carefully using thick oven mitts and let rest 10-15 minutes minimum to set filling and prevent runny servings. Scoop with a large spoon into bowls and serve warm for best texture.

Notes

  • Choose apple varieties wisely for texture. Mix tart Granny Smith with sweet Honeycrisp for balance.
  • Cut butter properly cold from fridge. Frozen works too for extra flakiness.
  • Taste apples before adding caramel. Adjust sweetness accordingly with extra drizzle if needed.
  • Use homemade caramel sauce when possible for fresher flavor.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt to topping for a salted caramel effect.
  • Double topping recipe for extra crunch lovers.
  • Let crisp rest fully before cutting to maintain structure.
  • Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months successfully.
  • Prepare filling and topping separately up to 24 hours ahead; store refrigerated in airtight containers and assemble and bake fresh for best texture.
  • Refrigerate baked crisp up to 4 days maximum in an airtight container; freeze baked crisp up to 3 months, portioning first for easier thawing.
  • Reheat at 325°F covered with foil, uncovering last 10 minutes for recrisping; avoid microwave to prevent mushy texture.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free flour blend and certified oats; verify caramel sauce labels carefully.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 4gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 6mg
Keyword apple dessert, caramel apple crisp, caramel apple recipe, easy apple crisp, fall dessert
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