The Best Skillet Apple Crisp
This Best Skillet Apple Crisp is the ultimate cozy fall dessert — sweet, tart, and gooey apples perfectly spiced with cinnamon and baked under a golden pecan oatmeal crisp topping. Every bite is warm, buttery, and crunchy in all the right ways. Serve it straight from the skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of bourbon salted caramel, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a truly irresistible treat.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Create the hearty, crunchy texture in the pecan oatmeal crisp topping.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping and thickens the apple filling for a gooey consistency.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and depth to both the topping and apple filling.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps caramelize the apples as they bake.
Chopped Pecans: Add rich, nutty crunch to the oatmeal crisp topping.
Cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy spice to both the topping and apple filling.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every flavor in the crisp.
Salted Butter: Melts into the oat topping for a buttery, golden crunch and richness throughout.
Apples: The star of the recipe—sweet, tart, and baked until gooey and tender.
Apple Pie Spice (Optional): Deepens the flavor with nutmeg, allspice, and cloves for extra fall warmth.
Vanilla Bean Paste Or Extract: Adds aromatic sweetness to the filling and caramel.
Apple Cider Or Lemon Juice: Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness of the apples.
Dark Brown Sugar: Sweetens the bourbon salted caramel with a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Heavy Cream: Gives the caramel a smooth, creamy texture.
Bourbon Whiskey: Adds warmth and depth to the caramel for a rich, sophisticated flavor.
Why You’ll Love the Best Skillet Apple Crisp:
Perfectly Spiced Apples: Every bite is warm, cozy, and filled with the perfect balance of cinnamon and brown sugar.
Sweet, Tart, And Gooey: The apples bake down into a soft, caramel-like filling with just the right mix of sweetness and tartness.
Crispy Oatmeal Pecan Topping: The buttery crisp topping bakes golden brown with crunchy pecans and hearty oats.
Cozy Fall Dessert: The perfect dessert for cool autumn nights, family gatherings, or holiday dinners.
One-Skillet Simplicity: Everything bakes in one skillet for easy prep, minimal cleanup, and rustic charm.
Best Served Warm: Delicious straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Bourbon Salted Caramel Drizzle: A touch of bourbon caramel takes the flavor to the next level of indulgence.
Flaky Sea Salt Finish: Adds the perfect sweet-salty balance and enhances every flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: A timeless dessert that everyone will love — cozy, nostalgic, and always impressive.
Tips for Making the Best Skillet Apple Crisp:
Use A Mix Of Apples: Combine tart apples like Granny Smith with sweet ones like Honeycrisp or Fuji for balanced flavor and texture.
Slice Apples Evenly: Uniform slices ensure the apples bake evenly and turn tender without becoming mushy.
Don’t Skip The Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of allspice (or apple pie spice) bring warmth and depth to the filling.
Add A Touch Of Lemon Juice or Apple Cider: It brightens the flavor and keeps the apples from browning.
Mix The Topping Until Clumpy: The pecan oatmeal mixture should form clumps for the best crisp texture.
Bake Until Bubbly And Golden: The filling should be bubbling around the edges and the topping deep golden brown when it’s done.
Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving: Cooling allows the filling to thicken and set slightly while staying gooey.
Serve Warm: Enjoy straight from the skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, bourbon salted caramel, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Add A Pinch Of Salt To The Topping: It enhances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
How to Store the Best Skillet Apple Crisp:
Room Temperature: Store leftovers loosely covered for up to 1 day. This helps the crisp topping stay crunchy.
Refrigerator: Keep the cooled apple crisp in the skillet or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat In The Oven: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until hot and the topping is re-crisped.
Microwave Option: Reheat individual servings for 20–30 seconds, though the topping will soften slightly.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooled apple crisp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Bourbon Salted Caramel: Store homemade caramel in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until pourable before serving.
Best Served Fresh: Enjoy warm on the day it’s baked for the ultimate gooey filling and crisp topping combination.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the apple filling and topping separately, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Combine and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Q: What are the best apples to use for apple crisp?
A: A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. Try combining Granny Smith for tartness with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for sweetness.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the crisp topping and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture will still be crisp and buttery.
Q: Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
A: Absolutely. You can bake the apple crisp in any oven-safe baking dish such as a 9x9-inch pan or ceramic pie dish.
Q: How do I keep the topping crisp after storing?
A: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to help re-crisp the topping before serving.
Q: Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute some or all of the apples with pears, peaches, or even berries for a seasonal twist.
Q: How do I store the bourbon salted caramel?
A: Store homemade caramel in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently before drizzling over the apple crisp.
Q: Should I peel the apples before baking?
A: It’s optional, but peeling the apples gives the filling a smoother texture, while leaving the skins on adds rustic appeal.
Q: Is this dessert best served warm or cold?
A: It’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of bourbon salted caramel, but leftovers are also delicious cold.
Love this? Check out my other fall-inspired apple recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this skillet apple crisp. Happy baking!
