Apple Crisp Skillet Recipe
This apple crisp skillet recipe is two Granny Smith apples tossed in cinnamon, nutmeg and two kinds of sugar, topped with a toasted oat crumble and baked in a cast iron skillet until it bubbles. About 40 minutes start to finish, and it serves six.
It is the apple crisp for when you want apple crisp tonight, not a project. Find more in my easy apple recipes.
Below: what you need, the one step that makes the topping extra crunchy, tips, swaps, serving ideas and how to store leftovers. The recipe card is at the bottom.
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What You Need
- Granny Smith apples: tart and firm, so they hold their shape in the oven instead of turning to mush. Slice them thin.
- White and brown sugar: both go on the apples. Brown sugar goes in the topping too.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: the classic apple pie pair.
- Flour: a little on the apples thickens the juices, and more goes in the topping.
- Oats: old-fashioned rolled oats give the best crunch.
- Butter: for the crumble. A pinch of salt in both layers keeps it from tasting flat.
The Trick: Toast the Topping First
Most apple crisps just pile raw crumble on top. Here, you melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour, oats, brown sugar and salt, and let it cook for a few minutes until the oats start to brown. Then it goes on the apples. Toasting it first is why the topping comes out crunchy instead of soft and doughy.
While the topping toasts, let the apples sit in their sugar and spice. They start to release their juices, which become the sauce in the bottom of the skillet.
Tips for the Best Skillet Apple Crisp
- Slice the apples thin and even so they cook through in 25 minutes.
- Leave some apple peeking through the topping. Covering it about 80 percent lets steam escape so it bubbles instead of getting soggy.
- Bake until the edges bubble and the top is golden, not just until the timer goes off.
- Let it sit 10 minutes before serving. It sets up a little and will not burn anyone.
- Cast iron holds heat, so the skillet stays hot on the table for a while. Use a trivet and a hot pad.
Swaps and Variations
- Apples: Honeycrisp or a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a sweeter crisp.
- Nuts: stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.
- Gluten-free: use certified gluten-free oats and a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour.
- No cast iron: any oven-safe skillet or a small baking dish works. Watch the bake time.
- Bigger batch: double everything and use a 9×13 pan.
How to Serve It
- Warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
- With whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- For breakfast the next day, over plain Greek yogurt.
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How to Store Leftovers
Cover the skillet or move leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Do not store food in cast iron for days at a time, since the acid in the apples is hard on the seasoning. Reheat in a 300 degree oven until warm, or microwave single servings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you bake.
Make It a Meal
Main Dish: Apple Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Vegetable Side: Thai Sweet Asparagus
Starch Side: Sweet Potato Hash
Drink: Candy Apple Mocktail
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More Apple Desserts
- Apple Cobbler Recipes
- Easy Apple Cobbler
- Apple Streusel Muffins
- Caramel Apple Cider Float
- Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bites
- Caramel Apple Cheese Ball
Apple Crisp Skillet Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 granny smith apples thinly sliced
- ¼ Cup(s) white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
Crumble Topping Ingredients:
- ¼ Cup(s) flour
- ⅓ Cup(s) oats
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ Cup(s) brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Add the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, flour, and sliced apples to a bowl. Use a spoon to toss and combine until the apples are coated. Set aside to let the ingredients combine and carmelize.
- Heat the butter in a saucepan on medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted.
- Add the flour, salt, oats, and brown sugar. Stir every few minutes until slightly melted and the oats are browned.
- Add the apple mixture to the cast iron pan.
- Scoop and put the oat crumble on top of the sliced apples, covering them up about 80%.
- Put the apple mixture in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.
Nutrition
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