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Easy Apple Crisp Skillet with Oats

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Fall has arrived, and that means apple season is in full swing! What’s better than a warm, delicious apple crisp on a cool autumn evening? This apple crisp skillet is easy to make and tastes amazing. The filling is made with granny smith apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s topped with the perfect homemade buttery crisp topping. Serve with creamy vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce!

Do you love this cast iron apple crisp? Try this version with canned peaches.

A serving of Skillet Apple Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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What is apple crisp?

Apple crisp is a dessert made with fresh apples and a crispy topping, typically made from oats.

Many tend to compare this apple crisp to Dutch Apple Pie Bars, but the two are actually quite different. While they may have similar flavor profiles, apple crisp is usually much easier to make than apple pie, and the topping is generally less sweet.

No dough is involved when making a skillet apple crisp… which, in my book, is a win! This recipe is SO much easier to make and quick to whip up to enjoy after dinner.

A serving of Skillet Apple Crisp with a scoop of ice cream and the skillet with the crisp in the back.

Ingredients needed

  • Apples: I like to use granny smith apples because they are tart and have a firm texture. However, you can use any apple you want.
  • Brown sugar: This will help sweeten the apples and give the crisp topping a lovely caramel flavor.
  • Flour: This helps to thicken the apple filling.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: These fall spices give the apple crisp its classic flavor.
  • Oatmeal: This is the key ingredient in the crisp topping.
  • Butter: This makes the oat topping nice and crispy.
  • Salt: A little bit of salt helps to bring out the flavors in the apple crisp.

How to make apple crisp in a cast iron skillet

  1. Start by peeling and slicing the apples. I like to slice mine pretty thin, so they cook evenly.  Mix the apple slices, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowlPour the apple mixture into the cast iron skillet and spread it out evenly.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix all the dry ingredients needed for the oat topping.  Use a fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients.
  3. Pour over the top of the apples and spread out.
  4. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

4 step by step photos showing how to make a Skillet Apple Crisp.

Tips for making apple crisp recipe

Before making this delicious apple dessert, look at these baking tips to ensure your apple crisp comes out perfectly!

  • Use granny smith apples or another firm apple variety for this recipe. Softer apples will turn to mush when baked.
  • Slice the apples thinly so they cook evenly; no one wants a crunchy apple in their crisp!
  • Make sure to use a cast iron skillet that is well-seasoned. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can also use an oven-safe baking dish.
  • Using quick oats in the topping will give you a crispier apple crisp, plus it helps save cooking time!
  • Try not to not over mix the homemade oat topping after you add the butter, or you will end up with a paste, not a crumble.
  • Need to make this recipe gluten-free? Just use gluten-free oats in the topping and swap the flour for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go!
  • Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping mixture for some added crunch or bite.

How to serve homemade apple crisp skillet

This apple crisp is best served warm, straight from the skillet, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

A cup of hot cider or tea would also be a lovely addition to this fall dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make apple crisp in a slow cooker?

While you can technically make apple crisp in a slow cooker, I don’t recommend it. Instead, the apple crisp topping will be more like a porridge than a crispy crumble.

If you want to make apple crisp in a slow cooker, cook the apple filling on low for 3-4 hours or until the apples are tender. In the last hour of cooking, mix the oat topping and sprinkle it over the top of the apples. Cook on high for the last hour or until the topping is golden brown.

Can I use canned apples?

You can use canned apples, but I recommend using fresh apples for this recipe. When you use fresh apples, you have more control over the sweetness and flavor profile. Additionally, canned apples are often softer and can become overly soft with a texture similar to apple sauce when baked. 

If you decide to use canned apples, drain them well before adding them to the apple crisp filling.

Can this apple recipe be made ahead of time?

Yup! Just prepare the recipe as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.

Can I freeze apple crisp?

Yes! This apple crisp recipe freezes well. Just prepare the recipe as directed and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To make it easier, bake it in a disposable pan. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When you plan to defrost it, make sure to defrost it at room temperature for 1 hour or in the fridge for 4-5 hours.

The skillet apple crisp being served with a scoop being pulled out.

Do you love apples? Try these awesome recipes…

Easy Apple Crisp Skillet with Oats

Sweet apples covered in a brown sugar oatmeal crumble and baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. 
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 666kcal
4.45 from 9 votes
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Ingredients

Filling

  • 4 large apples {thinly sliced}-I used Granny Smith
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar {packed}
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Crumble Topping

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar {packed}
  • 2/3 cup flour
  • 2/3 cup oatmeal {I used quick cook}
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter {room temperature}

Optional Toppings: Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce

    Instructions

    Filling

    • In a large bowl combine sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.  Stir to coat apples and pour into a greased 10" cast iron skillet.

    Oatmeal Crumble

    • In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, cinnamon and salt.  Stir until ingredients are incorporated.  Add room temperature butter to ingredients and using a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients being sure to not over mix or you will end up with a paste.  Pour over the top of the apples and spread out.
    • Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.  Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel topping {if desired}.  Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

    Notes

    • To freeze crisp:  Bake in a disposable pan and cover well.  Freeze for up to 3 months.  Defrost at room temperature for 1 hour or in the fridge for 4-5 hours.
    • For added crunch, add a 1/4 cup of chopped pecans to the crumble mixture.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 666kcal | Carbohydrates: 113g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 81g | Vitamin A: 832IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 2mg
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