Tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a golden oat crumble and finished with sweet, buttery caramel—this classic dessert is pure comfort in a dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caramel Apple Crisp takes everything you love about fall flavors and wraps it in one cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s simple, rustic, and packed with warm spice, gooey apples, and crunchy oat topping—all tied together with a generous drizzle of caramel. Perfect for holiday gatherings or chilly nights in.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ cup water

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Topping

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: ~360 kcal per serving

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

3. Spread the apple mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with water and caramel sauce.

4. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and blend with a pastry cutter or fingertips until crumbly.

5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

7. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or extra caramel drizzle, if desired.

Serving Ideas

• Top with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate treat.

• Drizzle more caramel over each serving for added sweetness.

• Add toasted chopped pecans to the topping for a nutty crunch.

Tips & Variations

• Best apples to use: A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Fuji) gives the best flavor.

• Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

• Want it crispier? Bake a few minutes longer or broil briefly at the end.

• Add-ins: Try mixing in dried cranberries or chopped nuts with the apples for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the crisp and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the topping will be softer. Rolled oats give a better texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Can I freeze apple crisp?

Yes—freeze unbaked (with topping) for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.

Final Thoughts

Caramel Apple Crisp is one of those desserts that never goes out of style—comforting, simple, and always a hit. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or baking on a lazy Sunday, this recipe delivers warm, nostalgic flavor in every bite. Don’t forget the ice cream!