Introduction
As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air makes its entrance, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting smell of baked apples wafting through your home. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further than this Quick Apple Crisp Skillet.
This delightful recipe is a cozy treat that allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery oats in just a matter of minutes. Perfect for unexpected guests, a weeknight dessert, or even a lazy Sunday afternoon, this apple crisp comes together effortlessly in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
Whether you prefer a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting atop the warm topping or a dollop of whipped cream to add to the indulgence, this apple crisp is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. So grab some fresh apples, your trusty skillet, and let’s dive into this perfect autumn dessert that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, peeled and cored, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples to the skillet.
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- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until combined. Pour this mixture over the apples and stir gently to coat.
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- Cook the apples in the skillet for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the mixture is bubbly.
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- While the apples are cooking, prepare the crisp topping. In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, melted butter, chopped nuts (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and crumbly.
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- Once the apples are softened, sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the top of the apples in the skillet.
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- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
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- Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Apples: 4-5 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup for sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor
- Oats: 1 cup rolled oats, adding texture and heartiness to the crisp
- Flour: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to bind the topping
- Butter: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted for a rich and satisfying topping
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warming spice
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor
- Salt: A pinch to enhance the sweetness of the apples
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for a lovely aromatic finish
- Optional Add-ins: Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for crunch, or raisins for added sweetness
These ingredients come together to create a comforting and delicious apple crisp that’s perfect for cozy evenings!
Baking Process
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Apple Crisp Skillet gets that perfect golden-brown texture while baking.
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Prepare the Apples: Core and slice about 4 cups of firm apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) into thin wedges. Toss the slices with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the spices.
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Make the Crisp Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for additional flavor. Then, cut in 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers to achieve this texture.
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Sauté the Apples: In a large ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron), melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the seasoned apple slices and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften and release their juices.
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Layer the Topping: Once the apples are tender, remove the skillet from heat. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crisp topping over the sautéed apples, making sure to cover them completely for an even bake.
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Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to set. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an indulgent finish!
Enjoy your cozy and comforting Apple Crisp Skillet!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Quick Apple Crisp Skillet into an unforgettable dessert experience, consider these delightful serving suggestions:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over the warm apple crisp, creating a luscious contrast of temperatures and textures.
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Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a cloud-like creaminess that complements the warm spices and juicy apples.
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Caramel Drizzle: A generous drizzle of rich caramel sauce over the top not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a beautiful glossy finish.
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Greek Yogurt: For a healthier option, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt. The tanginess balances the sweetness of the crisp, making it a satisfying treat.
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Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top for an extra crunch and a dose of healthy fats. Pecans or walnuts work particularly well!
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Cinnamon Sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar can accentuate the spice notes in the crisp, giving it an extra pop of flavor.
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Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries to your serving for a burst of color and freshness.
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Coffee or Tea: Pair your apple crisp with a warm mug of spiced chai or coffee for a cozy, comforting dessert experience.
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Cheese Plate: For a unique twist, serve slices of the crisp alongside a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The savory elements add a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to suit your taste or the season! Enjoy your cozy treat!
Conclusion
In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful Quick Apple Crisp Skillet, perfect for any cozy occasion. The warm, spiced apples combined with a crunchy oat topping create a comforting dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight treat or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Give this easy dessert a try, and savor every bite of this seasonal favorite!
