This Salted Caramel Apple Crisp combines tender baked apples with a crunchy oat topping and is finished with a rich, buttery salted caramel sauce.
It's a classic comfort dessert perfect for cooler months or any time you crave a sweet, fruity treat with a touch of indulgence.
The oat topping adds great texture, while the salted caramel provides a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The mix of tart and sweet apples becomes tender but not mushy, giving a perfect mouthfeel.
- The oat topping crisps up nicely during baking, providing a delightful contrast to the soft fruit.
- Salted caramel sauce adds a deep, buttery richness that enhances the flavor and makes this dessert extra special.
- This recipe uses common pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, making it very approachable for home cooks.
Salted Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Enjoy a warm apple crisp dessert topped with a crunchy oat mixture and a luscious drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce, perfect for cozy nights.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 40 minutes
- Servings
- 6
- Yield
- 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 medium apples) (900 g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (45 g)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 g)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces (75 g)
- For the salted caramel sauce:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (85 g)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warm (120 ml)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Make the Oat Topping In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake the Apple Crisp Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
- Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce While the crisp bakes, make the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring constantly until it becomes a smooth amber liquid. Carefully add the butter and whisk until melted and combined. Slowly pour in the warm heavy cream while whisking and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes for safe serving temperature. Drizzle the warm salted caramel sauce over individual portions and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor and texture.
- Make sure the butter for the topping is very cold to achieve a crumbly, crunchy texture.
- When melting sugar for caramel, do not stir aggressively to prevent crystallization; swirl the pan gently instead.
- Store any leftover salted caramel sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before use.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover apple crisp covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.
Do not freeze the apple crisp as the topping may lose its crispness.
Keep salted caramel sauce refrigerated in an airtight container and reheat gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made caramel sauce instead of making salted caramel?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a shortcut. Opt for one labeled 'salted caramel' to maintain the flavor balance.
What types of apples work best for apple crisp?
A combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji works well to balance flavor and texture.
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?
Ensure your butter is very cold when mixing the topping and bake until golden brown. Avoid covering the crisp while hot to keep the topping crisp.
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