Skillet Apple Crisp

5 from 1 vote
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Apple crisp has always been one of my favorite fall desserts. Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm, tender apple filling, perfectly balanced with the crisp, golden streusel topping. Served warm with vanilla ice cream or homemade cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate creamy combo. So easy to make and it’s even better in a cast iron skillet!

Golden apple crisp in a cast iron skillet topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and a serving removed.

Why I Love This Recipe

Admittedly, I don’t bake that often, so I especially love simple desserts that are easy to put together without a lot of complex steps. This simple apple crisp recipe is comprised of a layer of apples tossed in sugar and spices and topped with a crumbled mix of oats, sugar, butter, and more spices. The deliciousness of apple pie but even easier to throw together in minutes.

I love plain bases for dishes—you can take a Dutch Baby and add any fruit. You could even use this crisp fruit filling as a topping! Apples also go nicely in martinis, and there’s always a classic Sangria if you’re feeling fruity.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Raw ingredients for apple crisp laid out on a wooden cutting board.
  • Granny Smith apples: Granny Smith apples are the ideal choice for apple crisp due to their ability to withstand the baking process while offering necessary complementary tartness. Other apple varieties such as Golden Delicious, Braeburn, or Cortland work well for baking as they maintain their structure without excessive breakdown.
  • Lemon juice: fresh lemon adds acidity and fresh tartness to the apple mix. While it can be omitted, it enhances apple flavor and balances the sugar.
  • Old-fashioned oats: use regular old-fashioned oats, or quick oats. Not to be confused with instant oatmeal. This is better for overall crunch and final texture. Instant oats are processed and are too fine. I like Bob’s Red Mill.
  • Brown sugar: I use brown sugar in the streusel for flavor and texture. It helps the mixture to caramelize and crisp up along with the butter. I prefer dark, but light also works.
  • Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: these two spices are critical for the apples and streusel components. It adds the signature fall flavors in the dish.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 2.

Combine streusel topping in a bowl and toss until mixed. Use your hands to work the butter into the mixture until fully mixed and slightly crumbly.

Brown sugar, flour, oats, and butter mixed together in a small stainless steel bowl.

QUICK TIP

The smaller you dice the butter the easier this step will be. You can also use a pastry cutter. Cold butter works best.

Step 3.

Combine apple filling in a 12-inch cast iron skillet (image 3a) and toss until the apples are fully coated in the cinnamon sugar (image 3b). Ensure the topping is evenly distributed in the skillet.

Sliced granny smith apples in a cast iron skillet topped with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter.
Sliced raw apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a cast iron skillet.

QUICK TIP

Depending on the size of the apples, add more cinnamon and sugar as needed to taste.

Step 4.

Top with streusel, forming an even layer. Bake for 35 minutes uncovered. The apples should be very tender when pierced with a toothpick.

Unbaked apple crisp in a cast iron skillet topped with flour, oats, and brown sugar.
A bowl of golden apple crisp topped with melting vanilla ice cream.

More Skillet Desserts

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5 from 1 vote

Skillet Apple Crisp Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Classic apple crisp is one of my favorite fall desserts. Served warm with vanilla ice cream. It’s the ultimate sweet, tart, and creamy dessert made in a cast iron skillet.

Ingredients 

Apple Filling

  • 6 medium-large Granny Smith apples, optionally peeled and thinly sliced (1/4 inch thick)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, (half a lemon)

Streusel Topping

  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purous flour
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (or light), packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, (cold) diced
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
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Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Combine streusel topping in a bowl and toss until mixed. Use your hands to work the butter into the mixture until fully mixed and slightly crumbly. The smaller you dice the butter the easier this step will be. You can also use a pastry cutter.
  • Combine apple filling in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and toss until the apples are fully coated in the cinnamon sugar. Ensure the topping is evenly distributed in the skillet.
  • Top with streusel, forming an even layer. Bake for 35 minutes uncovered. The apples should be very tender when pierced with a toothpick.
  • Let cool slightly and serve topped with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

Notes

Peeling the apples can result in a smoother texture and a more uniform appearance in the finished dish. Leaving the peels on can add a slightly rustic element to the dessert.
You can substitute apples with Golden Delicious, Braeburn, or Cortland, or a combo!
You can also use quick oats in place of old fashioned rolled oats. Just do not use instant oats as they’re too fine.
This recipe can also be made in an 9×13 dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6, no ice creamCalories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 5.2gFat: 11.9gSaturated Fat: 6.5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 58mgFiber: 8.5gSugar: 41.8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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About Shawn Williams

My name is Shawn, author behind Kitchen Swagger. I'm a food & drink enthusiast bringing you my own simple and delicious restaurant-inspired recipes.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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