Description
This Skillet Cinnamon-Oat Apple Crisp is an easy, budget-friendly dessert that combines warm cinnamon apples with an irresistible crunchy oat topping, perfect for any meal or unexpected guests. It’s a comforting treat that comes together with zero fuss.
Ingredients
- 3–4 medium apples, firm sweet-tart varieties (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred)
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- 0.5 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 0.5 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep Apples: Peel, core, and slice 3-4 medium apples (about 0.25-inch thick). Toss them directly in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with 0.25 cup (50g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir until the apples are glistening and evenly coated.
- Make Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (90g) rolled oats, 0.5 cup (60g) all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup (100g) brown sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cut 0.5 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add to the mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to create a coarse, crumbly mixture (the author prefers using fingertips for a perfect crumble).
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the skillet, ensuring good coverage. Bake the Skillet Cinnamon-Oat Apple Crisp at 375 F (190 C) for 30-35 minutes. It is ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly around the edges (an incredible cinnamon-apple aroma will fill your kitchen). If the topping looks too dry, gently drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of melted butter over it before baking to help with browning.
Notes
Choose firm, unblemished apples for best texture; freshly ground cinnamon elevates spice notes. For shortcuts, leave apple skins on or use pre-sliced apples. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for flour. For vegan, use a dairy-free butter alternative or coconut oil for butter. Sugar can be reduced by 0.25 cup, whole wheat flour can be used for added fiber. A pinch (0.25 tsp) of nutmeg or cardamom can add depth. Apple cider vinegar can substitute lemon juice in a pinch. If topping looks dry, drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of melted butter over it before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 150 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: skillet apple crisp, cinnamon oat, easy dessert, budget-friendly, weeknight treat, family friendly, healthy upgrades, gluten-free option, vegan option