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Skillet Apple Crisp

This Skillet Apple Crisp recipe brings together the nostalgic flavors of grandma's kitchen with the rustic appeal of cast iron cooking. The magic of cast iron creates temperature zones that ordinary baking dishes simply can't match, resulting in apples that are tender without becoming mushy, and a topping that achieves the perfect balance of crisp and chewy.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 10-inch cast-iron skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling

  • 6 apples preferably a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Crisp Topping

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.
  • Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick pieces. Toss them with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and gently toss until evenly coated.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam (but before it browns), remove from heat.
  • Arrange the seasoned apples in an even layer in the buttered skillet. Press them down gently to eliminate air pockets.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, ¾ cup flour, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
  • Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, gently pressing it down. Place the skillet on a baking sheet (to catch any potential overflow) and bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
  • Allow the skillet apple crisp to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set.

Notes

For a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar by half and rely on the natural sweetness of riper apples. You can also boost nutrition by adding 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to the topping.
Using a mix of apple varieties creates better flavor depth than using just one type. Firm baking apples work best - avoid varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious that break down too much during baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 175mgFiber: 4gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword Apple Crisp, Cast Iron Dessert, Fall Dessert, Skillet Baking
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