11 Apple Crisps

The Grandma Heritage Classic Apple Crisp

This recipe traces its roots back to mid-century farmhouse kitchens where simplicity and seasonal produce were the cornerstones of every meal. It emphasizes the natural sweetness of the fruit balanced by a buttery, oat-rich topping that provides a satisfying crunch. The key to this dish lies in the selection of tart apples which hold their shape during the baking process, ensuring the texture is never mushy but instead tender and aromatic. Traditionalists often serve this warm with a single scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a beautiful contrast of temperatures. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the home while this bakes is a nostalgic experience that brings families together across generations.

Ingredients

• 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Directions

1. 1

   1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure a consistent baking environment for the fruit.

2. 2

   2. Prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish by lightly greasing the interior with a small amount of butter or non-stick spray to prevent the sugars from sticking to the edges.

3. 3

   3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, one teaspoon of the cinnamon, and the nutmeg until every slice is evenly coated in the spice mixture.

4. 4

   4. Spread the apple mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing down slightly to eliminate large air pockets.

5. 5

   5. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and the remaining cinnamon, stirring with a fork to break up any large clumps of sugar.

6. 6

   6. Add the softened butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or two knives to work the butter into the grains until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs about the size of peas.

7. 7

   7. Sprinkle the topping mixture generously over the apples, covering the entire surface from edge to edge to create a protective crust that will steam the apples below.

8. 8

   8. Bake in the center rack of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is a deep golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling vigorously around the perimeter.

9. 9

   9. Remove from the oven and allow the crisp to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving, as this cooling period allows the fruit juices to thicken into a delicious syrup.

Salted Caramel Drizzle Apple Crisp

A modern evolution of the traditional dessert, this version introduces a sophisticated salty-sweet profile that elevates the humble apple crisp to a gourmet status. By layering homemade or high-quality sea salt caramel throughout the fruit, the apples become glazed in a rich, buttery sauce that complements the tartness of the fruit. This recipe is particularly popular in the autumn months when the harvest is fresh and the cooling weather calls for deeper, more indulgent flavors. The inclusion of sea salt flakes on top of the crisp adds a structural complexity that balances the intense sweetness of the brown sugar and caramel, making every bite a balanced culinary experience.

Ingredients

• 7 Honeycrisp apples, cored and cubed
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold salted butter, cubed
• 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. 1

   1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a deep-dish pie plate or ceramic baking vessel.

2. 2

   2. Peel and cube the Honeycrisp apples into half-inch pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size so they cook at the same rate.

3. 3

   3. Place the apples in the baking dish and pour the salted caramel sauce over them, using a large spoon to stir until the fruit is thoroughly coated.

4. 4

   4. In a sturdy mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, and dark brown sugar until the color is uniform and the sugar is well-distributed.

5. 5

   5. Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a food processor on pulse mode until the texture is clumpy and firm.

6. 6

   6. Distribute the clumpy topping over the caramel-coated apples, leaving some larger chunks for varied texture after baking.

7. 7

   7. Bake the dish for 45 minutes, monitoring the topping to ensure it reaches a toasted brown color without burning.

8. 8

   8. Immediately after removing the dish from the oven, sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the hot topping so it adheres to the surface.

9. 9

   9. Let the dessert sit for 20 minutes to allow the caramel to set and the fruit to reach its ideal serving consistency.

Maple Pecan Harvest Apple Crisp

Drawing inspiration from the maple groves of New England, this recipe swaps traditional granulated sugars for the deep, complex sweetness of pure maple syrup. The addition of toasted pecans adds a nutty depth and a secondary level of crunch that pairs perfectly with the softness of the baked apples. This recipe is a celebration of North American forest flavors, bringing a woody, earthy tone to the dessert table. It is best prepared with a mix of apple varieties, such as Gala and Braeburn, to provide a spectrum of textures and flavors ranging from sweet to mildly acidic.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed apples, sliced
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. 1

   1. Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 2-quart baking dish with a light coating of butter.

2. 2

   2. Toss the sliced apples with the pure maple syrup and ground ginger in a large bowl, ensuring the liquid coats the bottom of the bowl to create a poaching liquid for the fruit.

3. 3

   3. Arrange the syrupy apples in the baking dish in even layers.

4. 4

   4. In another bowl, combine the chopped pecans, rolled oats, and whole wheat flour, stirring to integrate the nuts thoroughly into the grains.

5. 5

   5. Pour the melted butter over the nut and oat mixture, stirring with a spatula until the dry ingredients are fully hydrated and start to form small clusters.

6. 6

   6. Spread the pecan mixture over the apples, pressing down lightly with the back of a spoon to ensure contact with the fruit.

7. 7

   7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, looking for the pecans to become fragrant and the topping to turn a vibrant golden hue.

8. 8

   8. If the pecans begin to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the final 10 minutes of baking.

9. 9

   9. Serve warm, perhaps with a drizzle of extra maple syrup for those who prefer an even sweeter finish.

Cranberry Zest Apple Crisp

The inclusion of fresh cranberries provides a vibrant pop of color and a sharp, acidic contrast to the mellow sweetness of the apples. This version is a festive favorite, often appearing on holiday tables as a lighter alternative to heavy pies. The addition of orange zest in both the fruit filling and the oat topping bridges the gap between the different fruits, providing a bright citrus aroma that cuts through the richness of the butter. It is a visually stunning dish, with the red cranberry juices staining the apples a beautiful pink hue as they bake together in the oven.

Ingredients

• 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup butter, chilled and diced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. 1

   1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

2. 2

   2. In a large bowl, combine the apples, cranberries, sugar, and half of the orange zest, tossing well to ensure the sugar starts to draw the juices out of the fruit.

3. 3

   3. Transfer the fruit mixture to the baking pan, spreading it out to create an even base.

4. 4

   4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, cinnamon, and the remaining orange zest.

5. 5

   5. Cut the chilled, diced butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly and no large butter chunks remain.

6. 6

   6. Scatter the topping over the fruit, ensuring the cranberries are mostly covered to prevent them from bursting too aggressively.

7. 7

   7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the topping is crisp.

8. 8

   8. Allow the dish to cool slightly; the tartness of the cranberries will mellow as the dish reaches room temperature.

9. 9

   9. This recipe is excellent when served with a dollop of whipped cream flavored with a hint of orange liqueur.

Dutch Streusel Apple Crisp

This recipe is characterized by its exceptionally thick, cake-like topping which is inspired by traditional Dutch apple pies. Unlike standard crisps that rely heavily on oats, this version uses a higher ratio of flour and butter to create large, soft crumbs that melt in the mouth. The apples are typically sliced thinner here to allow them to compress into a dense, jammy layer that supports the heavy streusel. It is a decadent, comforting dessert that leans more toward a cobbler-crisp hybrid, offering a substantial texture that is highly satisfying for those who love the 'crust' part of the dessert most.

Ingredients

• 8 large Fuji apples, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. 1

   1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. 2

   2. Mix the thinly sliced apples with the sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and ground cloves, then layer them into the bottom of the dish.

3. 3

   3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and the remaining cinnamon.

4. 4

   4. Work the cold butter into the flour mixture using your hands, squeezing the mixture to create large, distinct clumps of dough.

5. 5

   5. Gently place these large clumps over the apples, being careful not to pack them down too tightly so that heat can circulate between the crumbs.

6. 6

   6. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, as the thicker topping requires more time to bake through and become crisp on the exterior while remaining soft inside.

7. 7

   7. The apples should be completely soft and the topping should be a deep brown.

8. 8

   8. Let the crisp cool for at least 30 minutes to allow the streusel to firm up, which makes serving much easier.

9. 9

   9. This version is particularly robust and holds up well for leftovers the next day, either cold or reheated.

Gingerbread Spice Apple Crisp

Perfect for the winter season, this recipe infuses the traditional topping with molasses and a heavy dose of warm spices like ginger, cloves, and allspice. The result is a dark, aromatic crisp that tastes like a hybrid between a gingerbread cookie and an apple pie. The molasses adds a moisture and a slight bitterness that pairs excellently with the sweet-tart profile of the fruit. This is a bold dessert that stands up well to strong accompaniments like sharp cheddar cheese or a very rich vanilla custard.

Ingredients

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. 1

   1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and grease a medium baking dish.

2. 2

   2. In a large bowl, whisk the molasses with the sliced apples until the fruit is dark and coated; this will provide a rich base for the spices.

3. 3

   3. In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

4. 4

   4. Mix the softened butter into the spiced dry ingredients until a thick, paste-like crumble forms.

5. 5

   5. Spread the gingerbread crumble over the molasses-coated apples in an even layer.

6. 6

   6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, keeping a close eye on the topping as the molasses and spices can darken quickly.

7. 7

   7. The dessert is finished when the apples are bubbling and the aroma of gingerbread is strong.

8. 8

   8. Allow the dish to cool for 15 minutes to let the molasses syrup thicken around the fruit.

9. 9

   9. Serve warm with a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the intense spice profile.

Bourbon-Infused Smoked Apple Crisp

An adult-friendly version of the classic, this recipe introduces a splash of bourbon to the apple filling, which adds notes of vanilla, oak, and smoke. The alcohol mostly cooks off during the baking process, leaving behind a concentrated, sophisticated flavor that enhances the natural characteristics of the apples. Using a brown butter technique for the topping further adds to the toasted, complex flavor profile. This dish is ideal for dinner parties where a slightly more complex and less sugary-sweet dessert is desired.

Ingredients

• 6 large apples, sliced
• 3 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup butter, browned and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. 1

   1. Begin by browning the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it smells nutty and shows brown specks, then set it aside to cool.

2. 2

   2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and grease your baking dish.

3. 3

   3. Toss the apples with the bourbon and vanilla extract, letting them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. 4

   4. In a bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

5. 5

   5. Stir the cooled brown butter into the dry mixture until it forms a sandy, clumpy texture.

6. 6

   6. Layer the bourbon-soaked apples in the dish and cover with the brown butter topping.

7. 7

   7. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the topping is crispy and the apples are translucent and soft.

8. 8

   8. The scent of bourbon and toasted butter will be very present as the dish bakes.

9. 9

   9. Serve this crisp with a caramel sauce or a scoop of butter pecan ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.

Almond Crust Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Designed for those with dietary restrictions but flavorful enough for everyone, this recipe replaces wheat flour with almond flour and sliced almonds. The result is a much nuttier, protein-rich topping that offers a delicate crunch and a beautiful golden color. The almond flavor naturally complements the apples, especially when a touch of almond extract is added to the fruit filling. This version is often lighter on the stomach than traditional flour-based crisps, making it a great choice for a healthy-ish brunch or a lighter evening treat.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Granny Smith apples, sliced
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions

1. 1

   1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a glass baking dish with coconut oil.

2. 2

   2. In a large bowl, combine the apples with the honey and almond extract, ensuring the honey is distributed evenly to coat the fruit.

3. 3

   3. In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour, sliced almonds, and cinnamon.

4. 4

   4. Use a fork to cut the solid coconut oil into the almond mixture until it forms small, oily crumbs that hold together when squeezed.

5. 5

   5. Spread the apple mixture into the dish and top with the almond crumble.

6. 6

   6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, watching carefully as almond flour can brown much faster than wheat flour.

7. 7

   7. The topping should be a pale golden brown and the apples should be tender.

8. 8

   8. Let the crisp cool completely if you want a firmer topping, or serve warm for a softer texture.

9. 9

   9. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, making it highly versatile for various guests.

Honeycrisp and Pear Medley Crisp

This recipe uses a 50/50 blend of Honeycrisp apples and Bosc pears to create a dual-textured filling that is both crisp and buttery. Pears tend to soften faster than apples, creating a natural sauce that surrounds the firmer apple slices. The addition of a small amount of lemon juice keeps the fruit colors bright and adds a necessary hit of acidity to the very sweet fruit combination. It is a elegant twist on the classic that highlights the best of late-season orchard fruits.

Ingredients

• 3 Honeycrisp apples, sliced
• 3 Bosc pears, sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter, chilled
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom

Directions

1. 1

   1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

2. 2

   2. Toss the sliced apples and pears with the lemon juice and a tablespoon of the sugar to prevent browning.

3. 3

   3. Place the fruit in a buttered baking dish, mixing the two types of fruit so they are evenly distributed.

4. 4

   4. In a bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar, oats, flour, and cardamom.

5. 5

   5. Cut the chilled butter into the mixture until you have a variety of crumb sizes, from sandy to pea-sized.

6. 6

   6. Cover the fruit with the topping and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

7. 7

   7. The pears will become very soft, while the apples will retain a bit of 'tooth', providing a wonderful mouthfeel.

8. 8

   8. The cardamom provides a floral, citrusy note that sets this crisp apart from more cinnamon-heavy versions.

9. 9

   9. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche to provide a tangy counterpoint to the sweet pears.

Walnut-Heavy Rustic Apple Crisp

For those who prefer a more rugged and textured dessert, this recipe focuses on large chunks of walnuts mixed into a standard oat topping. The walnuts toast as the crisp bakes, releasing their oils into the topping and creating a very crunchy, savory-sweet experience. It uses dark brown sugar to provide a molasses-like depth that stands up to the bitterness of the nuts. This is a hearty, filling version of the dessert that feels very much like a rustic country meal.

Ingredients

• 6 cups tart apples, chopped into chunks
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. 1

   1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9-inch round baking dish.

2. 2

   2. Chop the apples into larger chunks rather than thin slices to ensure they hold up against the heavy walnut topping.

3. 3

   3. Place the apples in the dish and sprinkle with a little cinnamon.

4. 4

   4. Mix the walnuts, oats, dark brown sugar, and flour in a bowl.

5. 5

   5. Work the softened butter into the mixture until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is very chunky.

6. 6

   6. Spread the walnut topping over the apples in a thick layer.

7. 7

   7. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the walnuts are deeply toasted and fragrant.

8. 8

   8. If the walnuts look like they are getting too dark, cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes.

9. 9

   9. Let it cool for 10 minutes so the topping hardens into a crunchy shell over the soft apples.

Lemon-Ginger Zesty Apple Crisp

This refreshing take on the apple crisp focuses on bright, high-note flavors rather than deep, heavy spices. By using both fresh grated ginger and lemon zest, the apples are transformed into a zesty filling that is perfect for late summer or early fall. The topping is kept light with less sugar and more oats, allowing the citrus and ginger to be the stars of the show. It is a palate-cleansing dessert that feels surprisingly light despite the butter and fruit content.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Granny Smith apples, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. 1

   1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

2. 2

   2. In a large bowl, combine the apples with the fresh ginger, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar.

3. 3

   3. Stir well so the ginger is distributed evenly; otherwise, you may get bites that are too spicy.

4. 4

   4. Transfer the apples to a baking dish.

5. 5

   5. In another bowl, combine the oats and flour, then pour the melted butter over them and stir until clumpy.

6. 6

   6. Sprinkle the light topping over the zesty apple mixture.

7. 7

   7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden and the lemon-scented steam is rising from the dish.

8. 8

   8. This crisp is excellent when served at room temperature, as the lemon and ginger flavors become more pronounced as it cools.

9. 9

   9. Pair with a scoop of lemon sorbet or a very light vanilla yogurt for a healthy dessert option.j