This elevated take on a classic apple crisp features tender spiced apples tucked under a crunchy oat streusel topping , all drizzled with golden salted caramel sauce . It’s warm, gooey, and rich with just the right balance of sweet and salt—perfect for a holiday table or a cozy night in.
Yields 6 Servings Servings Quarter (1.5 Serving) Half (3 Servings) Default (6 Servings) Double (12 Servings) Triple (18 Servings) Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 35 minsTotal Time 55 minsFor the Apple Filling
6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix), peeled and sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
For the Oat Crisp Topping
¾ cup rolled oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Salted Caramel
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp water
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ tsp flaky sea salt (or to taste)
Make the Salted Caramel (if making from scratch)
1
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water . Swirl (don’t stir!) until the sugar dissolves and turns a golden amber color.
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream (it will bubble).
Stir in butter and salt . Let cool slightly and set aside.
Prepare the Apple Filling
2
In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice , brown sugar , cinnamon , nutmeg , vanilla , and flour until coated.
Transfer to a greased 9x9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish.
Make the Crisp Topping
3
In a separate bowl, mix oats , flour , brown sugar , granulated sugar , cinnamon , and a pinch of salt .
Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Assemble & Bake
4
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Drizzle & Serve
5
Let the crisp cool slightly, then drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce .
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream .
Tips for Success
6
For a deeper flavor, sauté apples briefly in butter before baking.
If you like more crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to settle.
Variations
7
Swap apples for pears or a combo of apples and cranberries .
Make it gluten-free by using GF oats and a 1:1 GF flour blend.
Add a hint of bourbon to the caramel for a grown-up twist.
Suggested Pairings
8
Serve with: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Drink: Hot cider, bourbon-spiked tea, or oaked chardonnay
After: Warm ginger tea or a cinnamon stick latte
Ingredients For the Apple Filling
6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix), peeled and sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
For the Oat Crisp Topping
¾ cup rolled oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Salted Caramel
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp water
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ tsp flaky sea salt (or to taste)
Directions Make the Salted Caramel (if making from scratch)
1
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water . Swirl (don’t stir!) until the sugar dissolves and turns a golden amber color.
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream (it will bubble).
Stir in butter and salt . Let cool slightly and set aside.
Prepare the Apple Filling
2
In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice , brown sugar , cinnamon , nutmeg , vanilla , and flour until coated.
Transfer to a greased 9x9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish.
Make the Crisp Topping
3
In a separate bowl, mix oats , flour , brown sugar , granulated sugar , cinnamon , and a pinch of salt .
Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Assemble & Bake
4
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Drizzle & Serve
5
Let the crisp cool slightly, then drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce .
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream .
Tips for Success
6
For a deeper flavor, sauté apples briefly in butter before baking.
If you like more crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to settle.
Variations
7
Swap apples for pears or a combo of apples and cranberries .
Make it gluten-free by using GF oats and a 1:1 GF flour blend.
Add a hint of bourbon to the caramel for a grown-up twist.
Suggested Pairings
8
Serve with: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Drink: Hot cider, bourbon-spiked tea, or oaked chardonnay
After: Warm ginger tea or a cinnamon stick latte
Salted Caramel Apple Crisp
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