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There is nothing quite as comforting and irresistible as a warm dessert that combines tart, tender apples with a crunchy, buttery topping and a luscious drizzle of caramel. This Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe captures all those cozy feelings in one easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply treating yourself. The harmony of cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a golden oat crust crowned with rich caramel sauce makes this dessert an absolute winner every single time. Let me take you through this delightful recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to deliver big flavor and wonderful texture. Each element plays a special role, from the tart Granny Smith apples providing brightness to the buttery oat topping giving that irresistible crunch and the caramel adding that silky sweetness.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm apples that hold their shape well during baking for the perfect filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with warm, comforting spice perfect for fall flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the spices.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a touch of refreshing acidity.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide texture and substance to the crisp topping.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients while maintaining a delicate crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the oat topping.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and create a tender, crumbly topping.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzled on top for that decadent finishing touch, either store-bought or homemade works beautifully.
How to Make Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking dish early means it’s ready for the apple filling as soon as you finish mixing. Be sure to grease a 9×13-inch dish so your crisp won’t stick and will come out beautifully when baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat each slice with spice and sweetness—this step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Spread this juicy apple mixture evenly in the greased baking dish to form a delicious base layer.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, mix together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir until you get coarse crumbs that will bake into a golden, crispy topping. The oats add a hearty texture while the butter and sugars create a rich, crumbly crust that perfectly complements the soft apples underneath.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling to create a thick, crunchy layer. Then, drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce on top of the crisp layer. This drizzle melts into the topping during baking, infusing it with luscious caramel flavor and a beautiful glossy finish that makes this dish extra special.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the assembled crisp in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and you can easily pierce the apples with a fork. Let it rest a few minutes outside the oven so it sets slightly and becomes even more irresistible to serve.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
The topping is already a star, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes this dessert to a whole new level. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds elegance and a lovely nutty crunch that guests adore.
Side Dishes
This caramel apple crisp is wonderful on its own but also pairs fabulously with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For a richer treat, serve alongside warm spiced mulled cider or a glass of creamy eggnog during holiday gatherings for a cozy seasonal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a traditional casserole-style presentation, try serving portions in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Or layer the warm apple crisp into parfait glasses alternating with whipped cream and caramel to impress guests with a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover caramel apple crisp can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping it tightly sealed preserves the freshness of the tender apples and the crunch of the topping, so you can enjoy this treat later without losing any magic.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dessert longer, you can freeze it before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you have a delicious dessert ready whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat your caramel apple crisp in the oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains its crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible since it can make the topping soggy. A quick oven warm-up brings back all the wonderful textures and flavors just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, feel free to experiment with varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter filling. Just keep in mind that softer apples might break down more during baking.
Is it okay to make caramel sauce from scratch?
Yes, homemade caramel sauce tastes incredible and can be tailored to your sweetness preference. However, store-bought caramel is a great shortcut and works perfectly well in this Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe without losing any decadence.
How can I make the crisp topping gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free. This slight adjustment keeps the topping just as crumbly and delicious.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
You certainly can! Assemble your crisp up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when you’re ready to serve, ensuring a warm, freshly baked dessert that’s easy to plan ahead for.
What is the best way to serve leftover crisp?
Leftover crisp tastes fantastic cold or warmed up. You can enjoy it straight from the fridge for a cool contrast with ice cream, or reheat it gently to restore its warm, comforting texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a hug from the inside out, this Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe is your new go-to. It’s classic, simple, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re serving a holiday crowd or indulging in a cozy night at home, the balance of spiced apples, crunchy oat topping, and sweet caramel drizzle will leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a cherished staple in your dessert lineup.
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Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert featuring tender Granny Smith apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble, and finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings, it’s simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, which will create the crunchy topping.
- Assemble the Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the oat and flour crisp topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the topping for added sweetness and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the crisp to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness which balances the sweetness of the caramel and sugar.
- If desired, substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a richer flavor.
- For a nuttier topping, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp mixture.
- Allow the crisp to cool slightly to avoid burns when serving hot caramel.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
