Skillet Apple Crisp Recipe (2024)

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Apple crisp has always been one of my favorite fall desserts. Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm, tender apple filling, perfectly balanced with the crisp, golden streusel topping. Served warm with vanilla ice cream or homemade cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate creamy combo.

Admittedly, I don’t bake that often, so I especially love simple desserts that are easy to put together without a lot of complex steps. This simple apple crisp recipe is comprised of a layer of apples tossed in sugar and spices and topped with a crumbled mix of oats, sugar, butter, and more spices. The deliciousness of apple pie but even easier to throw together.

I love plain bases for dishes – you can take a Dutch baby and add any fruit. You could even use this crisp fruit filling as a topping! Apples also go nicely in martinis, and there’s always a classic sangria if you’re feeling fruity.

Best Apples for Apple Crisp

Granny Smith apples are the ideal choice for apple crisp due to their ability to withstand the baking process while offering necessary complementary tartness. This dessert strikes the perfect balance. Additionally, other apple varieties such as Golden Delicious, Braeburn, or Cortland work exceptionally well for baking as they maintain their structure without excessive breakdown. Feel free to experiment with a combination of apple varieties to enhance the flavors even further.

The apple filling is comprised of peeled and thinly sliced apples tossed in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, and a splash of lemon juice. I like to slice my apples into thin half wedges. Some opt for longer quarter slices but I think smaller is better. Either way, thin slices work best as they really tenderize and soften.

Should I Peel the Apples?

The decision to peel the apples for apple crisp is a matter of personal preference. Some recipes call for peeled apples, while others leave the peels intact. Peeling the apples can result in a smoother texture and a more uniform appearance in the finished dish.

On the other hand, leaving the peels on can add a slightly rustic element to the dessert. Additionally, apple peels contain some nutrients and fiber. Ultimately, this is a personal preference depending on the taste and texture you prefer in your apple crisp.

Apple Crisp Topping (Streusel)

The apple crisp topping is a simple streusel made with rolled oats (old-fashioned oatmeal), brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and diced butter. It’s simply mixed together in a bowl and poured on top of the apple filling. You can also use quick oats if you don’t have traditional old-fashioned oats. I would not substitute oats for instant oatmeal because it’s too fine.

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