Deep-Dish Apple Crisp
When the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of apples baking with cinnamon, sugar, and butter. This Deep-Dish Apple Crisp is warm, cozy, and full of flavor, with tender spiced apples tucked under a thick, golden oat topping.
Unlike pie, there’s no fussing with crust — just layers of apples and a crunchy, buttery topping that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s simple, rustic, and the perfect dessert to share on a cool evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick & hearty: Deep-dish style means more apples, more topping, more comfort.
- Easier than pie: No rolling dough or blind baking required.
- Perfect balance: Sweet, tart apples with a crunchy topping.
- Crowd-pleasing: Great for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6–7 large apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp combo works best)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps thicken juices)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice apples into ½-inch thick slices.
- In a large bowl, toss with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla until coated.
- Transfer apple mixture into a greased deep-dish baking dish (9×13 works well).
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle evenly over apples.
Step 3: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Step 4: Serve
Let cool slightly, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for Success
- Use a mix of apples: Combines tartness and sweetness for balanced flavor.
- Cut apples evenly: Ensures even baking.
- Deep-dish advantage: Keeps filling juicy without overflowing.
- Make ahead: Assemble topping and filling separately, refrigerate, then combine before baking.
Variations
- Nutty Apple Crisp: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking.
- Berry Twist: Add a cup of fresh cranberries or blueberries for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap flour for almond or oat flour.
Why This Recipe Works
This Deep-Dish Apple Crisp hits all the cozy dessert notes: warm spiced apples, a crisp golden topping, and plenty of sweet juices bubbling up around the edges. It’s rustic, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable. Best of all, it fills your kitchen with that irresistible apple-cinnamon aroma that feels like home.
✨ Warm, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings, this Deep-Dish Apple Crisp is the dessert you’ll want to make all autumn and winter long.
