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4.53 from 19 votes
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Caramel Apple Crisp
Prep Time
35 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
 

My easy Caramel Apple Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert—tender apples, golden crisp topping, and caramel for an irresistible crowd pleaser.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 people
Author: Gemma Stafford
Ingredients
Apple Crisp Topping
  • ½ cup (2½ oz/71 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (3 oz/85 g) dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (¾ oz/21 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3 tablespoons almonds , chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) butter , chilled and cubed
Apple Crisp Filling
  • 3-4 (1 lb/453 g) fresh medium Granny Smith apples , peeled cored and diced
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean pod)
Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃).

To Make the Apple Crisp Topping

  1. In the bowl of the food processor add the flour, brown sugar, oats, almonds, cornmeal, salt, cinnamon and butter and pulse 5 times or until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs (around 10 seconds). Set aside in the fridge until needed.

To Make the Apple Crisp Filling

  1. In a large bowl, add the chopped apples, cornstarch, brown sugar and vanilla extract and toss until well combined.

To Assemble the crisp

  1. In an 8 inch (20 cm) baking dish add your apple mixture and sprinkle generously with the crisp topping. Don't be afraid to pile high because the apples will cook down.

  2. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

  3. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream and top with Salted Caramel Sauce. Leftovers can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Watch the Recipe Video!

Recipe Notes
  • 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.