Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping -

When the leaves start to turn golden and the air carries the crispness of fall, there’s a deep-rooted desire for comforting, seasonal desserts. Among the many treats that embody the essence of autumn, Caramel Apple Crisp stands out as a quintessential favorite that marries the warm, cozy flavors of caramel and baked apples with a crunchy oat topping. This dessert not only appeals to the senses but also brings a sense of nostalgia, making it a perfect addition to gatherings and holidays this season.

Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Embrace the flavors of fall with this delightful Caramel Apple Crisp recipe! Combining warm, baked apples with a rich caramel sauce and a crunchy oat topping, this dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings. With a history rooted in early 19th-century kitchens, this classic dish brings nostalgia and comfort to any table. Easy to make and sure to impress, it's the ultimate autumn treat. Perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent touch!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of sea salt

For the Apple Filling:

6 medium tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Oat Topping:

1 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

- In a medium saucepan, place the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously with a heat-resistant spatula until the sugar melts completely and transforms into a golden amber liquid.

- Once the sugar is melted, add the unsalted butter and stir until it is fully incorporated into the caramel mixture.

- Carefully drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring. Expect the mixture to bubble up vigorously.

- After combining, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of sea salt. Set aside to cool slightly.

Prep the Apple Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and flour. Toss well until each apple slice is evenly coated with the mixture.

Make the Oat Topping:

- In a separate mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly.

- Pour in the melted butter, and mix until the combined ingredients resemble a texture similar to wet sand.

Assemble the Crisp:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

- Evenly distribute the apple filling across the bottom of the prepared dish.

- Drizzle approximately half of the cooled caramel sauce over the apple mixture, ensuring even coverage.

- Finally, sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, creating a generous layer.

Bake the Crisp:

- Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the oat topping is golden brown and the apples start bubbling around the edges.

Finishing Touch:

- Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Serve and Enjoy:

- Serve the caramel apple crisp warm, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle any leftover caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8