This Caramel Apple Crisp is the ultimate cozy fall dessert. Juicy, spiced apples are baked under a buttery, crunchy topping and drizzled with rich caramel. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or an afternoon treat, it’s simple to make yet full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm & comforting: Perfect for chilly fall evenings.
- Easy to make: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Sweet & spiced: Apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of caramel.
- Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile dessert: Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup caramel sauce, for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Spread evenly in the prepared dish.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for extra flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a nutty crunch.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep covered for 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked crisp (topping separate) for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen when ready.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
- Serve with hot tea, coffee, or spiced cider.
- Perfect as a dessert after a cozy fall dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?
Apple crumble and apple crisp are similar, but the topping differs. Apple crumble usually has a soft, buttery, crumbly topping made with flour, butter, and sugar. Apple crisp has a crunchy topping, often including oats or nuts, giving it a crisp texture.
How to make caramel for apple crumble?
To make caramel for apple crumble, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns golden, then carefully stir in butter and cream. Let it thicken slightly, then pour it over the apple filling before adding the crumble topping.
What is the secret to a good apple crisp?
The secret is using firm, tart apples, a balanced mix of sugar and spices, and a crunchy topping with oats or nuts. Baking until the apples are tender but not mushy ensures the perfect texture.
Why won’t my caramel stick to my apples?
Caramel may not stick if the apples are too wet or cold. To fix this, dry the apples well and ensure the caramel is warm and slightly thickened when poured. Adding a small amount of butter to the caramel also helps it coat the apples evenly.
Ready to Make It?
This Caramel Apple Crisp is easy to make and perfect for enjoying the flavors of fall. Pin it to your board or make it tonight for a cozy dessert!
You Might Also Like
- Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies – Sweet twist on a classic cookie
- Autumn Spice Cake – Moist, spiced, and perfect for fall
- Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Focaccia – Soft and sweet breakfast bread
- Pumpkin Spice Waffles – Cozy breakfast treat
Caramel Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Juicy, spiced apples under a buttery crumble topping, drizzled with caramel. Perfect for a cozy fall dessert.
Ingredients
6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
4. Spread in dish. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt.
5. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle topping over apples.
6. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and apples are tender.
7. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for flavor. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to topping. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Reheat leftovers in oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg