Skillet Apple Crisp Recipe: Easy and Delicious Dessert

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Making a skillet apple crisp is a simple way to enjoy a classic dessert with a crunchy oat topping and a warm, syrupy filling. You’ll love how easy and fast this recipe is, perfect for any occasion. Just grab a cast-iron skillet and a few basic ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time.

Whether you’re whipping up a treat for a potluck or just craving a sweet ending to dinner, this skillet apple crisp recipe is sure to please. Keeping the apple skin on adds a rustic touch, while the crumb topping turns golden and crunchy in the oven. Enjoy the wonderful aroma of baked apples and spices filling your kitchen.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Apples

You need 6 cups of sliced apples. Any variety works, but Granny Smiths are great.

Possible substitute: Pears can be used instead of apples for a different flavor.

Butter

4 tablespoons of salted butter are required.

Possible substitute: Unsalted butter with a pinch of salt.

Brown Sugar

1/2 cup of brown sugar adds sweetness.

Possible substitute: White sugar or coconut sugar.

Flour

1/2 cup of flour helps thicken the filling.

Possible substitute: Gluten-free flour can be used if you’re avoiding gluten.

Cinnamon

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is for flavor.

Possible substitute: Pumpkin spice mix or just nutmeg.

Nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

Possible substitute: Allspice or cloves.

Salt

Just a pinch is needed.

Possible substitute: Sea salt or omit if using salted butter.

Oats

1 cup of rolled oats is for the topping.

Possible substitute: Quick oats can work too, just adjust the cooking time a bit.

Lemon Juice

1 tablespoon for a bit of acidity to balance sweetness.

Possible substitute: Lime juice or apple cider vinegar in a pinch.

Apply these ingredients and substitutes to fit your taste or dietary needs to make your perfect skillet apple crisp.

Instructions

1. Prep the Apples

   • Peel, core, and slice the apples about 1/4 inch thick.
   • Uniform thickness helps them cook evenly.

2. Preheat Your Oven

   • Set your oven to 350°F (or 375°F for a conventional oven).

3. Prepare the Skillet

   • Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-low heat.
   • Melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter in the skillet.

4. Combine Ingredients

   • In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and lemon juice.
   • Make sure the apples are well-coated.

5. Transfer to Skillet

   • Place the apple mixture into your preheated skillet.
   • Cook the apples over medium heat for about 3 minutes to start caramelizing.

6. Make the Crisp Topping

   • In a medium bowl, use a fork or pastry cutter to mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
   • Optionally, add old-fashioned oats for extra crunch.

7. Top and Bake

   • Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the apples.
   • Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.

8. Serve

   • Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Here are a few helpful tips for making the perfect skillet apple crisp. When peeling and slicing apples, try to make the slices even, so they cook uniformly.

Using cold butter for the topping makes for a crispier texture. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter with the dry ingredients until it resembles small peas.

Don’t skip the spices; cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to the flavor.

For a little twist, you can mix in some nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to the topping.

To store your apple crisp, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or zip-top bag.

If you plan to eat it within a day or two, you can leave it on the counter. Otherwise, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

When reheating, a few minutes in a 350°F oven will make it taste fresh and maintain the crisp topping better than microwaving.

For a quick dessert later, you can also freeze apple crisp. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Different Apple Types: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for complex flavor.

Add-ins: Sprinkle in some cranberries, raisins, or nuts for extra texture and taste.

Spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, cloves, or allspice.

Topping Variations: Use granola instead of oatmeal for a crunchy twist or add crushed nuts for extra zing.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix for the regular flour.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

For Brunch: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Quick Table of Variations

Variation	Description
Apple Types	Mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
Add-ins	Cranberries, raisins, nuts
Spices	Cardamom, cloves, allspice
Topping Variations	Granola, crushed nuts
Gluten-Free	Use almond flour or gluten-free baking mix

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with vanilla ice cream
• Drizzled with caramel or chocolate
• Topped with whipped cream

Try these simple variations and serving ideas to make your skillet apple crisp unique and delicious!