Nothing says autumn quite like the warm and comforting flavors of Caramel Apple Crisp. This classic dessert combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping, all drizzled with rich caramel sauce. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness, making it a must-have treat for cozy fall evenings.
The magic of this dessert lies in its simplicity. Fresh apples are tossed with warm spices, caramel, and a touch of lemon juice to enhance their natural sweetness. The crisp topping, made with oats, brown sugar, and melted butter, creates a delicious contrast to the soft fruit beneath. When baked, the apples turn beautifully tender, while the topping becomes golden and slightly crisp.
Caramel Apple Crisp is incredibly versatile—it’s perfect on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just treating yourself to a seasonal dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
With minimal prep time and just a few pantry staples, you can have this mouthwatering dessert on the table in under an hour. Follow the simple steps below to create your own warm, buttery, and caramel-drizzled delight!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 cups apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for topping)
For the Crisp Topping:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Apples – In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and caramel sauce. Stir until well coated, then spread the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Make the Crisp Topping – In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Assemble & Bake – Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple mixture. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown.
- Drizzle & Serve – Remove from the oven and let the crisp cool slightly. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat!
Variations
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping for extra crunch.
- Maple Twist – Swap the caramel sauce for pure maple syrup for a deeper, autumn-inspired sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Bourbon Infusion – Stir a splash of bourbon into the apple filling for a rich, spiced flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples – Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Don’t Overmix the Topping – The butter should coat the dry ingredients without making the mixture too wet. A crumbly texture is key!
- Let it Rest – Allow the crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving to let the caramel and juices thicken slightly.
- Make Ahead – Assemble the crisp ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Perfect for easy entertaining!
Caramel Apple Crisp is the ultimate dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. Whether enjoyed with friends and family or savored all on your own, it’s a treat that never disappoints. Happy baking!
