Introduction
Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is the perfect fall dessert that combines the cozy warmth of baked apples with the irresistible crunch of a buttery oat topping. What makes this recipe truly special is the addition of gooey caramel sauce, which coats the apples in a luscious sweetness that feels indulgent yet comforting. It’s like apple pie’s easier, fuss-free cousin — no pie crust required, just layers of soft apples, warm spices, caramel, and a golden, crunchy topping.
This dessert is simple enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough to serve at holiday gatherings. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it has everything I want in a dessert: it’s warm, cozy, crunchy, sweet, and just a little bit decadent. The apples become perfectly tender, the caramel adds richness, and the oat topping is crisp and buttery without being too heavy. It’s also much easier than baking a pie, but it delivers the same nostalgic flavors of fall.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes the whole house smell like cinnamon and happiness, and I always find myself sneaking an extra spoonful even after everyone else has had their share.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Caramel makes it extra special compared to a classic crisp.
- Easy to make — no rolling dough or special techniques.
- Crowd-pleasing — a guaranteed hit for gatherings and potlucks.
- Customizable — works with many apple varieties or even pears.
- Perfectly cozy — the ultimate fall and winter comfort dessert.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per Serving: ~350–380 kcal (without ice cream)
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp combo works well), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Simple Cooking Directions
- Toss apples with sugar, flour, spices, vanilla, and caramel.
- Mix oat topping ingredients until crumbly.
- Layer apples in a baking dish and cover with oat topping.
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Drizzle with extra caramel before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Apples
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges.
- In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and caramel sauce until well coated.
Step 2: Make the Oat Topping
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Assemble
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread apple mixture evenly into the dish.
- Sprinkle oat topping evenly over the apples.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are bubbling.
Step 5: Serve
- Cool slightly, then drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
How to Serve
- Best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream.
- Perfect as a standalone dessert or after a holiday meal.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance.
- Don’t skip the flour in the filling — it thickens the juices.
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Make extra topping and freeze for quick desserts later.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Version: Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet-salty balance.
- Pear and Apple Crisp: Replace half the apples with pears.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked crisp for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven until warm and crisp.
- Make Ahead: Assemble filling and topping separately, store in fridge up to 24 hours, and bake fresh.
Special Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork (for topping)
- Sharp knife and peeler
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is the ultimate cozy dessert that combines the best of fall flavors—sweet apples, warm spices, buttery oats, and rich caramel. Easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for holidays, this dessert is a must-bake when apple season is in full swing. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing classic with a caramel twist.
Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Description
Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is the perfect fall dessert that combines the cozy warmth of baked apples with the irresistible crunch of a buttery oat topping.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
For the Oat Topping:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare Apples : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges. In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and caramel sauce until well coated.
-
Step 2: Make the Oat Topping : In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Step 3: Assemble : Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.Spread apple mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle oat topping evenly over the apples.
-
Step 4: Bake : Bake for 40–45 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are bubbling.
-
Step 5: Serve : Cool slightly, then drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
