Caramel Apple Crisp

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: This Caramel Apple Crisp is a warm and no-fuss fall dessert with sweet caramel drizzled over tender baked apples—perfect on its own or topped with my easy homemade ice cream.

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 1 hour from start to finish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Golden crisp topping and caramel make it irresistible for everyone.
• Fall Flavors: Juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and buttery crumble create the perfect seasonal dessert.
• Customizable Topping: Nuts, oats, or a little extra brown sugar—make it your own.

My secret weapon when it comes to desserts is my homemade Caramel Sauce. I always keep a jar in my fridge for dessert emergencies—it’s easy to make and lasts for months. Make a batch (or even two!) and use it not just for this crisp, but also in recipes like my Salted Caramel Panna Cotta, Caramel Apple Tart, or drizzled over ice cream, brownies, or cakes for an extra touch of indulgence.

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“This was the best apple crisp I have ever made. I will definitely make it again.” — Ann M.

“It’s my favourite jus like apple crumble. Can’t thank u enuf for sharing such nice recipes.”  — Azeema

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 9/7/2025, to include explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Table of Contents

• What is the Difference Between a Crisp and a Crumble?
• Key Ingredients
• How to Make a Caramel Apple Crisp
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
• FAQs
• More Crisp Recipes

What is the Difference Between a Crisp and a Crumble?

The difference between a crisp and a crumble mainly comes down to ingredients in the topping and texture:

Crisp

• Topping: Usually includes rolled oats, sugar, and butter (sometimes nuts).
• Texture: Crunchier than a crumble due to the oats; often forms a “crispy” layer on top.
• Origin: American dessert term.

Crumble

• Topping: Made with flour, sugar, and butter—sometimes with oats or nuts, but not required.
• Texture: Soft, sandy, and crumbly when baked; less crunchy than a crisp.
• Origin: Traditional British dessert.

Key Ingredients

Apple Crisp Topping

All-Purpose Flour

• Forms the base of the crumble topping, giving it structure while allowing the butter and sugar to bind together into golden clusters.
• Substitute: Whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, spelt flour for a heartier texture, or gluten free blend or almond flour mix for a gluten free option.

Dark Brown Sugar

• Sweetens the topping and infuses it with a deep molasses richness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Substitute: Light brown sugar for a milder taste, or coconut sugar for a natural alternative.

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

• Provide chewy texture and rustic crunch, the hallmark of a true crisp.
• Substitute: Quick oats for a softer bite, or chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Almonds

• Bring a nutty depth and pleasant crunch to balance the tender fruit. Toasting them first intensifies their flavor.
• Substitute: Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different nutty notes.

Fine Cornmeal

• Adds a delicate crispness and slightly sandy texture that makes the topping extra crunchy.
• Substitute: Semolina for a similar effect, or finely ground oats for a gluten-friendly option.

Salt

• Enhances all the other flavors and balances the overall sweetness.

Ground Cinnamon

• Adds warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with apples and caramel.
• Substitute: Ground nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for variation.

Butter

• Binds everything together, creating rich flavor and those crisp, golden clusters. Cold butter is key for the right texture.
• Substitute: Coconut oil, margarine, or vegan butter for dairy-free.

Apple Crisp Filling

Granny Smith Apples

• They hold their shape when baked and balance the sweetness of the caramel and topping.
• Substitute: Bramley for a very tart bite, Honeycrisp for sweet-tart balance, Fuji or Gala for sweeter options (reduce sugar if using these).

Cornstarch

• Thickens the apple juices released during baking, turning them into a luscious sauce rather than a watery base.
• Substitute: Arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or all-purpose flour.

Dark Brown Sugar

• Adds just enough sweetness to highlight the apples’ flavor while deepening the filling with caramel-like undertones.
• Substitute: Light brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple sugar.

Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Pod

• Lends aromatic depth that enhances the apples’ natural sweetness and makes the filling taste more rounded and fragrant.
• Substitute: Vanilla bean paste will work well.

How to Make a Caramel Apple Crisp

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃).

To Make the Apple Crisp Topping

2. Prepare Topping: In the bowl of a food processor, add the flour, brown sugar, oats, almonds, cornmeal, salt, cinnamon, and butter. Pulse 5 times (about 10 seconds) until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Set aside in the fridge until needed.

To Make the Apple Crisp Filling

3. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, cornstarch, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are well coated.

To Assemble the Crisp

4. Assemble Crisp: Spread the apple mixture into an 8-inch (20 cm) baking dish. Generously sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, piling slightly high as the apples will cook down.

5. Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

6. Serve: Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

7. Store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FULL (PRINTABLE) RECIPE BELOW! 

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
• Chill the Topping: Keep the butter cold and the topping chilled until baking. This helps create a crisp, crumbly texture.
• Pile High: Don’t be afraid to mound the topping; it will settle as the apples cook down.
• Even Slices: Cut apples into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Add Extra Flavor: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or a little lemon zest over the apples for added depth.
• Mix Nuts: Swap or mix almonds with pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Prevent Sogginess: Avoid overly juicy apples or drain excess liquid if needed to keep the topping crisp.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead:

• The classic apple crisp topping can be prepared up to 1 week in advance and stored in the fridge, or frozen for up to 1 month.
• The apple filling can be prepped a few hours ahead and kept covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
• For an extra time-saver, assemble the crisp (apples + topping) in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Storage:

• Leftovers should be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 300℉ (150℃) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
• If serving with ice cream, add it fresh after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples?

Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy topping.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

Yes. Substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and make your ice cream with a non-dairy base.

What can I serve with this crisp?

It’s perfect with a scoop of homemade cinnamon ice cream, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

More Crisp Recipes

• Boozy Whiskey Apple Crisp Recipe
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Crisp
• Mixed Berry Crisp
• Sublime Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
• Blueberry Peach Crisp

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 9/7/2025, to include explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

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