This easy-to-make Salted Caramel Apple Crisp combines tart and sweet apples with a crunchy oat topping and luscious salted caramel for a cozy dessert everyone loves! Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection.
Why We Love This Salted Caramel Apple Crisp:
There’s something magical that happens in my kitchen when fall arrives and the air gets crisp. My kids start hovering around whenever I’m peeling apples, hoping I’m making “the good dessert” – which is what they call this salted caramel apple crisp. After years of trying different apple desserts, this one has become our family’s non-negotiable fall tradition.
The secret is that perfect combination of sweet and tart apples with just enough salted caramel to make it feel special without being overwhelming. The best part? It’s a simple recipe, that uses ingredients that I almost always have on hand. Which means I can actually enjoy the process instead of stressing over complicated techniques while dinner dishes are still sitting in the sink.
How to Make Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Crisp:
Choose the Right Apple Combination
Using both tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples gives you that perfect balance of flavors that keeps every bite interesting. The Granny Smiths hold their shape beautifully during baking and provide that essential tartness, while the Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness and a slightly softer texture. I’ve tried this with all one variety, and it just doesn’t have the same depth of flavor that makes everyone go back for seconds.
Keep That Butter Cold for Perfect Crumble
The secret to getting that perfect crumbly topping that doesn’t turn into a dense layer is keeping your butter cold until the very last minute. I actually cube my butter and stick it back in the fridge while I’m prepping the apples, then work it into the oat mixture with my fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. When the cold butter hits the oven heat, it creates those lovely little pockets that make the topping light and crispy instead of heavy.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
That ten-minute cooling period after you pull it from the oven isn’t just about avoiding burned tongues – it’s when all the flavors meld together and the caramel settles into the perfect consistency. My kids always want to dive right in, but waiting those few minutes means the difference between a watery mess and a perfectly set dessert that holds together when you scoop it out.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for the butter.
- Nut-free: Leave out pecans/walnuts for an allergy-friendly version.
- Add-ins: Try mixing in dried cranberries or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive twist.
- Topping swap: Replace oats with crushed graham crackers or granola for extra crunch.
Looking for More Delicious Apple Recipes?
This Salted Caramel Apple Crisp is a family-friendly dessert that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent. Best of all? It’s simple to prepare, kid-approved, and perfect for busy parents who want a festive dessert without fuss. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you’ve got the perfect finish to any fall meal!
Salted Caramel Apple Crisp
This incredible dessert combines tart apples with a crunchy oat topping, and the luscious salted caramel elevates it from a simple dish into a dessert worthy of any occasion!
Servings: 8
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and sliced (about 1/4″ thick)
- 2 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apples peeled, cored and sliced (about 1/4″ thick)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon divided
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans and walnuts optional
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (storebought or homemade) plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 tsp flaky or kosher salt optional
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
-
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and the lemon juice. Add 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce and stir until well coated. Pour apples into the prepared baking dish.
-
In a separate medium sized bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining 1 tsp cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until coarse crumbs form.
-
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Bake, uncovered, for 40-50 minutes or until topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and soft.
-
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky salt.
-
Serve warm, with a scoop of ice cream if desired.
