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    Skillet Caramel Apple Crisp

    Sweater weather? We prefer to think of it as skillet caramel apple crisp weather. Caramel-y (duh) and crispy, and baked just long enough for the apples to keep some of their bite.

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    caramel apple crips in a cast iron skillet topped with vanilla ice cream

    More favorite apple dishes from The Modern Proper.

    Caramel Apple (of Our Eye) Crisp

    We have an undeniable craving for fresh-from-the-oven and fruit-filled desserts in the fall! This easy caramel apple crisp recipe is one of them! Made in a cast iron skillet, it’s caramel-y (of course) and crispy, and baked just long enough for the apples to keep some of their bite. For more easy and seasonal desserts, check out our Pumpkin pie, Easy Tiramisu or No-Bake Cookies.

    ingredients for apple crisp in small bowls

    Caramel Apple Crisp Ingredients.

    For our apple crisp recipe, we keep things deliciously simple. Flavor-wise, it’s kind of like if a snickerdoodle cookie met a caramel-dipped shortbread cookie. If you love a crumb topping as much as we do check out our Apple Crumb Cake and Dutch Apple Pie. Our apple crisp is made of:

    • Apples

    • Flour

    • Butter

    • Cinnamon

    • Brown sugar

    apple slices with cinnamon and brown sugar in a glass bowl
    apple slices tossed with cinnamon and sugar in a glass bowl
    cast iron skillet with piece of butter in it
    black cast iron skillet filled with spiced apple slices

    How to Make Apple Crisp

    Our easy apple crisp recipe is so simple. Here’s how to make our skillet caramel apple crisp:

    • Stir peeled, cubed apples with a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon.

    • Layer apples in a buttered cast iron pan—starting with pats of butter on the bottom makes the brown sugar turn into a rich caramel sauce as it bakes. Yes, it feels like magic and it will taste that way, too.

    • Measure and mix the crisp topping, then crumble it over the top of the apples, and bake the whole beautiful thing.

    apple slices in a cast iron skillet topped with brown sugar and butter
    baked caramel apple skillet

    Tools You’ll Need to Make Our Homemade Apple Crisp:

    • Cast iron skillet. A good cast iron skillet is perhaps the most utilitarian tool in the kitchen—we love how it helps caramelize the sugar in our caramel apple crisp.
    • Two mixing bowls. Or a kid in need of chore money who’s willing to wash one bowl between uses.
    • Ice cream scoop. Because—and really it should go without saying—a scoop of vanilla ice cream should always accompany a hot-from-the-oven crisp.
    caramel apple crips in a cast iron skillet topped with vanilla ice cream

    Crisps And Cobblers For Every Season

    Apple season is here and we’re ready for it! But we also love our crisps and cobblers all year long. Here are a few of our favorites.

    It’s the Best Apple Crisp Recipe, Right?

    For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest or order our cookbook. We love when you share your meals. Tag us on Instagram using #themodernproper. Happy cooking!

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    Skillet Caramel Apple Crisp

    Originally published: September 17, 2015

    • Serves: 6
    • Prep Time:  20 min
    • Cook Time:  45 min
    • Calories: 440
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    Ingredients

    • 5 medium apples, peeled, cored, ¼ -inch sliced (about 5 cups)
    • 1⅓ cups brown sugar
    • ⅔ cup + 3 tablespoons salted butter
    • 1 cup flour

    Method

    1. Preheat the oven to 375° with a rack in the center position.

    2. Add the apples to a medium sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle with ⅓ cup of the brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of the cinnamon, toss to coat.

    3. Thinly slice 3 tablespoons of the butter and place it in the bottom of a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Arrange the apples over the butter in the skillet.

    4. Heat the remaining ⅔ cup butter (until very soft, but not quite melted) in the microwave or small saucepan over medium-low heat. Pour the butter into the same mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1 cup brown sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and flour. Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until fully combined and a loose dough forms. Crumble evenly over the top of the apples.

    5. Bake until the top is golden brown, the apples are tender and the caramel sauce is bubbling, about 40-45 minutes.

    6. Cool for 15 minutes. Serve topped with vanilla ice cream, if using.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories440
    • Protein3 g
    • Carbohydrates69 g
    • Total Fat26 g
    • Dietary Fiber4 g
    • Cholesterol16 mg
    • sodium12 mg
    • Total Sugars51 g

    Skillet Caramel Apple Crisp

    Questions & Reviews

    Join the discussion below.

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    • Elizabeth

      Will this turn out the same if you bake it in a pie plate instead of a cast-iron skillet? Does the skillet somehow caramelize the butter and sugar?

      Yes, that will work great!

    • Elizabeth

      Will this turn out the same if you bake it in a pie plate instead of a cast-iron skillet? Does the skillet somehow caramelize the butter and sugar?

      Pie plate will work fine! Hope you enjoy! We've even made it on a baking sheet in a pinch before!

    • Jenny

      Can gluten free 1:1 flour be substituted to make this gluten free?

      Should work great!

    • Judith

      should you cover it the last part of baking

      No need! Hope you enjoy Judith!

    • Carol

      In one area you say to cube the apples, then another you say slice....which is best? Or doesn't it matter.? Concerned about it cooking thru

      You could really do either! Sliced is our preference, though.

    • Tresa

      The BEST apple crisp. The topping is so dang delicious. My whole family loved it!

      Thanks, so happy you all loved it!

    • Nancy

      This is the Apple crisp recipe you’ve been looking for. Easy to pull together and oh so good

      Hi Nancy! I'm so glad you enjoyed this!