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    Home » Desserts » Skillet Apple Crisp

    Skillet Apple Crisp

    Published: Sep 7, 2022 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you're a fan of apple pie, then you'll love this skillet apple crisp. To me, the best part is the sweet, crispy buttery topping.  Wait, maybe my favorite part is the sweet and tart apple filling with those wonderful spices. Well, seems I love this recipe inside and out and I hope you do, too.

    Fresh sliced apples tossed with real maple syrup, no-sugar-added apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, and fresh thyme leaves topped with a sweet and crispy oatmeal, honey, and almond topping! Baked in a cast iron skillet for the ultimate comfort food experience.

    Alternatives to honey are available to those who have dietary restrictions or allergies.

    serving of apple crisp in blue bowl with vanilla ice cream on top.  Skillet in background.
    It doesn't get any better than a bowl of warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love It
    • Apple Varieties
    • Ingredients
    • Apple Filling
    • Sweet Oatmeal Topping
    • Directions
    • How to Serve It
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Expert Tips
    • More Fruit Filled Desserts
    • Recipe

    Why You'll Love It

    Breakfast, Snack, and Dessert - This lovely skillet apple crisp is a wonderful breakfast (goes great with coffee) as well as a delightful dessert (top with ice cream!). I love it as a mid-afternoon treat with milk!

    Naturally Sweetened - One taste of this delicious dessert and you’ve won’t believe it is both gluten and refined sugar-free. Fresh thyme adds a delicate savory hint to the sweetness of this classic recipe. 

    Year-round Favorite - Apple crisp is popular any time of the year since apples are readily available year round. 

    Make Ahead and Freezer Friendly - Baked in a cast iron skillet for even baking, crisp outer edges, and beautiful presentation! This recipe can be made ahead of time, and it's freezer friendly. Give it try today!

    Apple Varieties

    Choose firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Pink Lady, for this recipe. These varieties will hold up well to the heat of baking without turning to mush.

    Ingredients

    Easy pantry ingredients make this skillet apple crisp a cinch to make!

    Ingredients measured out in individual containers on countertop.

    Apple Filling

    Apples - as stated above, Granny Smith or Pink Lady will give you the best flavor and texture!

    Lemon juice - add this to prevent the apples from turning brown and to enhance the apple flavor.

    Maple syrup - the syrup provides natural sweetness; plus, the flavor is fantastic.

    Apple juice - go for the unsweet or the no-sugar-added apple juice (it still provides plently of sweetness to this crisp).

    Spices - cinnamon and allspice add a warm, cozy flavor (and smells divine while baking!).

    Seasonings - thyme leaves and salt add more delicate, savory flavor enhancements.

    Sweet Oatmeal Topping

    Old-fashioned rolled oats - avoid using instant or quick cooking oats.
    Almond flour - use the super fine ground almond flour.
    Sliced or slivered almonds - adds a fantastic crunch to the topping! Substitute pecans or walnuts if you already have them.
    Honey - provides natural sweetness. Choose local honey, if available.
    Unsalted butter - for the best flavor and browning, use the real thing!

    Directions

    For the best results, please follow the actual recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Photo collage of recipe steps.

    (1) Make the filling - Place apples in a large non-reactive bowl and toss with fresh lemon juice. Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Toss to combine and set aside.

    (2) Make the topping - Combine topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.

    (3) Pour apple filling into the skillet. Add the topping.

    (4) Bake for about 30-45 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping. Yum!

    How to Serve It

    Serve warm with some vanilla bean iced cream or freshly whipped cream, if desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

    Some people like to put caramel sauce on their Apple Crisp. Sounds really good, doesn't it? I have not tried it but this naturally sweetend caramel sauce recipe seems easy and looks divine!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you peel the apples?

    Yes! For this Skillet Apple Crisp recipe, I peel the raw apples simply because the skin can get chewy and tough. Save yourself some time and use a Johnny Apple Peeler to peel, core, and slice an apple all at once! 

    Do you have to refrigerate leftovers?

    Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids.  Check out this 18-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lids from Bayco, available now on Amazon.

    Can you make this ahead?

    Make the apple filling, place in an air-tight container, and refrigerate for up to one day.  You can also make the topping the day before and put it in a separate air-tight container and refrigerate. When ready to bake, follow Steps 4 and 5 of the recipe card.

    Can you freeze it?

    This freezes well.  Allow the Apple Crisp to completely cool off.  Then place into a freezer container or sealable plastic freezer bag (write the date on the bag so you can easily remember it). It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge the day before you plan to eat if. You can reheat in the microwave, if desired.

    Expert Tips

    You can substitute all-purpose flour for the almond flour with a ratio of 1:1 however, this will change the recipe as far as the gluten is concerned.

    No need to cover the skillet while this is baking (unless the topping starts to brown too quickly)! But you do need to cover it if storing leftovers in the refrigerator.

    You can bake this in an 8" x 8" or 9" x 9" square pan but you will need to adjust the bake time.

    Overhead view of entire skillet filled with baked apple crisp.
    This Skillet Apple Crisp is perfect any day of the year!

    More Fruit Filled Desserts

    • Cast Iron Peach Cobbler
    • Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    • The Best Blueberry Pound Cake
    • White Chocolate and Raspberry Muffins

    Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook for delicious recipe ideas!

    If you tried this recipe, please rate it and leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

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    Recipe

    serving of apple crisp in blue bowl with vanilla ice cream on top

    Easy Skillet Apple Crisp

    Fresh sliced apples tossed with real maple syrup, pure apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, and fresh thyme leaves baked with a sweet oatmeal, honey, and almond topping!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 565kcal
    Author: Anne Clark

    Ingredients

    • 6 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced Granny Smith or Pink Lady
    • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • ⅓ cup real maple syrup
    • 2 Tablespoons 100% apple juice (sugar free)
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
    • 1-½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    TOPPING

    • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
    • ⅓ cup almond flour
    • ⅓ cup sliced (slivered) almonds
    • ⅓ cup honey, preferably local
    • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 or 10-inch cast iron skillet and set aside.
    • Place apples in a large glass bowl and toss with the lemon juice. Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Toss with a spoon to combine and set aside.
    • Combine topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until the oats are well coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
    • Pour apple mixture into the skillet and spread evenly on the bottom. Spread the topping evenly across the top of the apple layer.
    • Place into pre-heated oven on the center oven rack and bake for 30 minutes. If the top layer is nicely browned, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the apple crisp is nice and bubbling. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
    • Serve warm with some vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream, or both if desired!

    Notes

    Serve warm with some vanilla bean iced cream or freshly whipped cream, if desired.  Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
    Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 565kcal | Carbohydrates: 99g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 532mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 69g | Vitamin A: 449IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 2mg

    This recipe was originally published in 2019 and was updated in 2022.

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

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    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

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    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected] 

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