Warm & Cozy Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe for Fall Joy

Sweet autumn aromas dance through the kitchen with this irresistible caramel apple crisp recipe that promises pure comfort.

Tart Granny Smith apples mingle perfectly with rich, golden caramel in every delectable bite.

Warm spices and a buttery crumble topping create a dessert that speaks directly to fall’s most beloved flavors.

Layers of tender apples nestle beneath a crisp, golden-brown crust that crunches with each spoonful.

The caramel weaves through the dish, adding a luxurious sweetness that turns a simple dessert into something extraordinary.

Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this treat captures the essence of cozy autumn evenings.

One forkful will transport you to memories of orchard visits and family gatherings, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 348 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Making Caramel Apple Crisp

• Apples: Select firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for perfect texture and balanced flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances natural apple sweetness and helps create a silky filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling and prevents excess liquid.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the apple mixture.

• Caramels: Soft, buttery candies that create rich, golden sauce.
• Milk: Helps melt caramels smoothly and creates luxurious sauce consistency.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the crispy topping.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create golden-brown crunch.
• Rolled Oats: Adds delightful texture and nutty undertone to the crisp.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds ingredients and creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
• Ground Cinnamon: Complements apple filling with warm spice notes.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cool contrast to warm apple crisp.

Flavor Tips for Caramel Apple Crisp

• Swap different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to create unique flavor profiles and texture variations in your dessert.
• Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra crunch and depth of flavor, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft apples.
• Enhance the warming spice profile by adding ground nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of ginger to the apple mixture for a more complex and aromatic dessert experience.
• Modify the recipe for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable dessert without compromising taste or texture.

Serving Ideas for Caramel Apple Crisp

• Cozy Dessert Night Companion: Pair this warm caramel apple crisp with soft vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast that melts beautifully on top.
• Festive Autumn Gathering Centerpiece: Serve at holiday gatherings or family dinners as a comforting dessert that celebrates seasonal apple harvest flavors with its rich caramel undertones.
• Creative Breakfast Twist: Transform leftovers into a morning treat by warming individual portions and topping with Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent breakfast experience.
• Elegant Party Presentation: Create individual ramekin servings for elegant dinner parties, garnishing each portion with a light sprinkle of cinnamon and a small caramel drizzle for sophisticated visual appeal.

Keep Caramel Apple Crisp Fresh

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment helps maintain the dessert's texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert a day before serving. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate, then bake just before guests arrive for a fresh, warm treat that fills the kitchen with delightful aromas.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap the baked and cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore its original crispy texture.
• Temperature Serving Tips: Enjoy the caramel apple crisp warm for the best flavor experience. If refrigerated, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in the oven until the topping regains its delightful crunch.

Tools to Create Caramel Apple Crisp

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing apples with sugar and spices.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Ideal for creating a delicious apple crisp.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting caramels smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Peeler: Helps remove apple skin quickly and easily.
• Sharp knife: Needed for thinly slicing apples.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing and spreading ingredients.
• Fork: Useful for checking apple tenderness during baking.

Easy Steps for Caramel Apple Crisp

Sweet Autumn Caramel Apple Dream

• Apple Selection Fresh, crisp autumn apples picked at peak ripeness create the foundation for this delightful dessert. Choose varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for maximum flavor and texture.
• Caramel Magic Gently warm smooth caramel until silky and luxurious, transforming ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. The golden sauce adds a rich, decadent layer to the classic dessert.
• Crumbly Topping Craft a rustic streusel mixture combining hearty oats, brown sugar, and warm spices. This crunchy layer brings delightful contrast to the soft, tender apples underneath.
• Oven Transformation Slide the prepared dish into a cozy oven, allowing heat to work its magic. The dessert will bubble and transform, creating irresistible aromas that fill your kitchen with warmth.
• Indulgent Finale Serve immediately while still steaming, crowned with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Drizzle additional caramel sauce for a final touch of sweet decadence that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gooey Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Home bakers discover caramel apple crisp as a classic dessert blending sweet apples with rich caramel notes. Crunchy oat topping and warm spices create a comforting treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups (1.9 L/64 fl oz) sliced apples
• 14 oz (397 g) caramels
• 1 cup (240 mL/8 fl oz) brown sugar
• 1 cup (240 mL/8 fl oz) oats
• 1¼ cup (150 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (170 g) butter, softened
• 6 tbsps (90 mL/3 fl oz) milk
• 2 tbsps (30 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsps ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
2. Apple Preparation: Peel and slice apples into thin, uniform pieces, then toss with sugar, flour, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
3. Caramel Infusion: Melt caramels with milk in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth, then pour half the sauce over the apple mixture in the baking dish.
4. Crisp Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, softened butter, and cinnamon to create a crumbly mixture, then sprinkle evenly over the caramel-coated apples.
5. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and apples become tender.
6. Serving: Allow the crisp to cool slightly, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top for a luxurious finish.

Notes

• Slice Precisely: Cut apples uniformly and thinly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
• Caramel Secret: Microwave caramel sauce in short bursts, stirring between intervals to prevent burning and achieve smooth consistency.
• Topping Technique: Mix crisp topping ingredients until they resemble coarse, sandy crumbs for the perfect crunchy layer.
• Serving Pro Tip: Allow dessert to rest briefly after baking to let flavors meld and caramel sauce settle, creating a more cohesive and delicious final dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 131 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg