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This simple and delicious apple crisp recipe is given a rustic feel thanks to it’s baking vessel – a cast iron skillet! Sweet, juicy cinnamon apples with a chewy oatmeal topping makes for the perfect dessert flavor and texture combination. For so many reasons, this Easy Skillet Apple Crisp is a show-stopper!
Bonus: Although you’d never guess it in a million years, this apple crisp recipe is vegan (with a gluten free option). So you can rest easy knowing you can serve it to friends and family with a variety of food needs and preferences.
I have to say, a warm and cinnamon-y apple crisp is one of my favorite desserts of all time – which is fitting, because fall is my favorite season of all time! The two just go together so harmoniously. (Although I will say – this dessert has been the star of some of our summertime get-togethers, too.)
This recipe takes this classic dessert to a whole new level by using a cast iron skillet for baking. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s perfect for parties due to its stellar presentation! You’ll have to try and resist eating it straight from the skillet though… which I would never do… ok, I did.
If you’re craving this type of dessert for breakfast, you have to try my Apple Crisp Overnight Oats!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Sweet, juicy cinnamon apples topped with a chewy oatmeal topping makes for the perfect vegan dessert flavor and texture combination.
- The filling and topping are made using just one bowl, with no need to wash between mixing. So clean-up is a snap.
- Baking in a cast iron skillet allows for even baking of this dessert. Plus it creates a fun, rustic look.
- Easily make this gluten free with just one simple swap of all-purpose flour for oat flour. That’s it!
What if I don’t own a cast iron skillet?
- No cast iron skillet? No problem! Simply bake in a 2 -3 quart baking dish instead.
- If you’re ready to purchase a cast iron skillet, the great news is they’re very cheap! THIS is a good one to consider.
What are the best apples to use in apple crisp?
- Most people like tart green apples such as Granny Smith for their apple desserts because it creates a nice contrast of flavors with the sweetness and the cinnamon added. However, any firm apple will do; the Fuji, Gala and Pink Lady varieties are nice choices if you like sweeter apples.
- Or, use a combination of apples! Half tart and half sweet apples creates a great flavor when baked together.
Instructions For Making This Easy Skillet Apple Crisp Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (approx. 177°C). Grease a 10-inch (25-cm) or 12-inch (30-cm) cast iron skillet (or any other 2–3-quart dish) with non-dairy butter. Set it aside for now.
- Combine all the ingredients for the apple filling in a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer to your prepared skillet or baking dish.
- Using the same unwashed mixing bowl, combine all of the topping ingredients until the butter is well incorporated.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface of the apple filling.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the crisp bubbles around the edges and the tips of the topping start to lightly brown. Let it cool at least 5–10 minutes before serving.
That’s all there is to it! Just sit back, relax, and wait as your kitchen fills with that oh-so-loved, cinnamon-spiced fall aroma. Like those candles you know and love, but in the end, you get to eat it!
Sweet, juicy cinnamon apples with a chewy oatmeal topping – pure heaven!
Top Tips For Making The Best Skillet Apple Crisp:
- Make sure your cast iron skillet is 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in diameter. I typically prefer the 10-inch size.
- I leave the skin on my apples, and even the pickiest of eaters in my home do not mind! However, feel free to peel your apples if that’s what you prefer.
- Aim for 1-inch chunks when chopping your apples. I do this by first cutting my apples into thick slices, and then chop each slice into 3 or 4 pieces.
- This apple crisp is best when served the same day it is baked. However, you can mix together the raw apple filling ahead of time and then store it in the refrigerator in a large resealable storage bag or airtight container until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
- If you do have leftovers that you want to save, transfer the cooled crisp to a container with a lid and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave before enjoying, if you like. Or, better yet, put back in a skillet or baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until warm.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy warm with non-dairy vanilla ice cream. This Apple Crisp also goes marvelously with my 2-Ingredient Vegan Whipped Cream or Cinnamon Cookie Cashew Ice Cream!
Pssst… If you’re in a hurry and only want a treat for yourself, try my Single Serving Apple Crisp.
Looking For Other Vegan and Gluten Free Desserts? Then You Have To Try My:
- Deep Dish Vegan Pumpkin Pie With Addictive Gluten Free Crust
- Soft and Chewy Vegan Ginger Snaps (Gluten Free Option)
- Vegan and Gluten Free Cherry Blueberry Pie
- 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Cookies
- Vegan Pumpkin Spiced Cupcakes With Maple Frosting (Gluten Free Option)
Did you try this recipe? Give it a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below. Your feedback is very helpful! Thanks in advance, friend.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @AudreyDunham or hashtag #AudreyDunham so I can see your creations!
Easy Skillet Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 lb. apple chunks (907 g) about 6 medium apples
- 3/4 c. granulated sugar (173 g)
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour (18 g) or oat flour (14 g) for a gluten free version
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (15 ml) bottled or fresh
Cinnamon Oat Topping
- 1 1/3 c. rolled oats (149 g)
- 1/3 c. all-purpose flour (47 g) or oat flour (36 g) for a gluten free version
- 1/3 c. + 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar (86 g)
- 1/3 c. chopped pecans (35 g) optional but recommended
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 c. vegan butter or margarine, softened, plus more for greasing (113 g)
Before You Begin! I recommend measuring out all ingredients called for in this recipe so they are ready to go the moment you need them.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (approx. 177°C). Grease a 10-inch (25-cm) or 12-inch (30-cm) cast iron skillet (or any other 2–2.5-quart dish) with non-dairy butter. Set it aside for now.
- Combine all the ingredients for the apple filling in a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer to your prepared skillet or baking dish.
- Using the same unwashed mixing bowl, combine all of the topping ingredients until the butter is well incorporated.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface of the apple filling.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the crisp bubbles around the edges and the tips of the topping start to lightly brown. Let it cool at least 5–10 minutes. Serve with non-dairy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Equipment
Video
Pro Tips From Audrey
- Make sure your cast iron skillet is 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in diameter. I typically prefer the 10-inch size.
- I leave the skin on my apples, and even the pickiest of eaters in my home do not mind! However, feel free to peel your apples if that's what you prefer.
- Aim for 1-inch chunks when chopping your apples. I do this by first cutting my apples into thick slices, and then chop each slice into 3 or 4 pieces.
- This apple crisp is best when served the same day it is baked. However, you can mix together the raw apple filling ahead of time and then store it in the refrigerator in a large resealable storage bag or airtight container until you're ready to assemble and bake.
- If you do have leftovers that you want to save, transfer the cooled crisp to a container with a lid and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave before enjoying, if you like. Or, better yet, put back in a skillet or baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until warm.
Nutrition Information
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