Caramel Apple Crisp: A Cozy Fall Classic with Gooey Caramel Goodness

There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of apples, cinnamon, and buttery oats filling your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. Add gooey, golden caramel to the mix and you’ve got a truly unforgettable dessert: Caramel Apple Crisp. This easy and indulgent fall recipe features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a crunchy oat topping and finished with a drizzle of rich caramel sauce. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, tart, buttery, and warm — everything you crave in a cozy dessert.

Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a family get-together, or just treating yourself to a fall treat, this caramel apple crisp recipe is guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Crisp

🍎 Made with fresh apples and pantry staples
🍯 Infused with real caramel — store-bought or homemade
🌾 Topped with a buttery, golden oat crisp
🔥 Easy to prep and bakes in under an hour
🥄 Perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

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Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• ⅓ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Oat Crisp Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional Toppings:

• Extra caramel sauce
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

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Best Apples to Use

Choose firm, tart apples that hold their shape well during baking. A mix of tart and sweet varieties adds balance.

✅ Great options:

• Granny Smith
• Honeycrisp
• Braeburn
• Fuji
• Pink Lady

Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, which become mushy.

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How to Make Caramel Apple Crisp

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Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples (about ¼ inch thick).
2. Place them in a large mixing bowl and toss with:
   • Lemon juice
   • Brown sugar
   • Granulated sugar
   • Flour
   • Cinnamon
   • Pinch of salt
3. Add ⅓ cup caramel sauce and stir until the apples are evenly coated.

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish (or a large cast iron skillet for rustic charm).

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Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together:

• Flour
• Oats
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want small butter pieces throughout to keep the topping crisp and flaky.

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Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture.
2. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
3. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

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Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch

Just before serving, drizzle extra caramel sauce over each portion. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it melt into the warm, cinnamon-kissed apples and crisp topping. Pure bliss!

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Make It Ahead

• Assemble the apple filling and crisp topping separately.
• Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Combine and bake when ready.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.

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Homemade Caramel Sauce (Optional)

Want to make your own caramel?

Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden. Carefully whisk in butter and then cream. Let bubble for 2–3 minutes. Cool slightly before using.

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Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options

🌾 Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
🥛 Dairy-Free: Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil; use dairy-free caramel

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Flavor Variations

🍏 Salted Caramel Apple Crisp: Add ½ tsp sea salt to the caramel for a sweet-salty twist
🍐 Pear-Apple Crisp: Use a mix of pears and apples for a fall fruit medley
🥧 Apple Pie Crisp: Add ¼ tsp nutmeg and a splash of vanilla extract to the filling
🥜 Nutty Topping: Stir ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping
🍫 Caramel Apple S’mores Crisp: Add mini marshmallows and chocolate chips in the last 5 minutes of baking

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your caramel apple crisp:

• Warm with ice cream or whipped cream
• Chilled with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a breakfast-style treat
• Reheated and drizzled with bourbon caramel for an adults-only version
• With a cup of hot apple cider, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte

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Storage Tips

🧊 Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat: Bake at 300°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze unbaked (without topping) for up to 2 months. Add topping just before baking.

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Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 52g
• Sugar: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g

Nutrition varies based on serving size and additional toppings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, in a pinch. However, fresh apples give the best texture and flavor. If using canned, reduce added sugar and skip flour in the filling.

Can I make this in individual ramekins?

Absolutely! Divide the apple mixture and topping among greased ramekins and bake for about 30–35 minutes.

What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

Both have a streusel topping, but apple crisp typically includes oats, while crumble does not.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Bake Dessert for Fall

Caramel Apple Crisp brings together everything you love about fall: tender baked apples, warm spices, a golden oat topping, and silky caramel sauce. It’s incredibly simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit.

Whether you’re sharing it around a Thanksgiving table or curling up with a bowl on a cool evening, this dessert delivers nostalgic, cozy, and delicious comfort in every bite.

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