Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp

Pioneer Woman apple crisp was the first dessert I ever baked solo in my little apartment kitchen and I’ll never forget how proud I felt when that bubbling pan came out of the oven golden and fragrant. I had been craving something that reminded me of family dinners and cozy evenings and this recipe brought all of that comfort to life in the simplest way.

Over time I’ve made a few small tweaks to the original idea but I always come back to that crisp topping and warm apple filling that melts into each other perfectly. Whether it’s for a Sunday supper or just a midweek treat this apple crisp is the kind of rustic dessert that never goes out of style and always gets devoured.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Apples – The star of the dish offering sweetness and a little tartness.
• Brown sugar – Adds deep molasses flavor and helps caramelize the apples.
• Cinnamon – Warms everything up with that classic cozy spice.
• Nutmeg – A pinch enhances the apple flavor beautifully.
• All-purpose flour – Used in the topping to give it structure.
• Old-fashioned oats – Add texture and a lovely chew to the crisp layer.
• Butter – Makes the topping rich golden and slightly crunchy.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish – I prefer using a 9×13 dish or a large cast iron skillet for even heat.
• Peeler and knife – For prepping and slicing the apples.
• Mixing bowls – One for the apple mixture and one for the topping.
• Pastry cutter or forks – Helps cut the butter into the flouroat mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For getting your ingredient ratios just right.
• Oven mitts – Always important for pulling out your bubbling hot crisp safely.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease my baking dish lightly with butter or spray.

Step 2: Slice the apples

I peel and slice the apples thinly then place them in a mixing bowl. I toss them with brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and a pinch of salt until they’re well coated.

Step 3: Add the apples to the pan

I pour the seasoned apples into the prepared baking dish and spread them out evenly.

Step 4: Make the crisp topping

In a separate bowl I combine the flour oats more brown sugar and salt. Then I cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or my fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Top the apples

I sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples making sure to cover the surface well for that perfect crispy golden layer.

Step 6: Bake

I bake the apple crisp for about 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. I let it sit for a few minutes so it sets slightly before serving.

Tips

If you like your crisp a bit more tart I use Granny Smith apples or mix a few types like Honeycrisp and Fuji. For a touch of extra indulgence I’ve added chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping. And if you’re feeling adventurous a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level.

Ways to Serve

I love serving this warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream or even whipped cream. It also makes a delicious breakfast the next day with a dollop of Greek yogurt. For holiday gatherings I serve it straight from the baking dish – rustic style and always crowd-pleasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples work best for Pioneer Woman apple crisp?

A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I make Pioneer Woman apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a few hours in advance and bake it just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze apple crisp?

Absolutely. Freeze it after baking and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Pioneer Woman apple crisp a try! It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home and is as easy to make as it is to love. Don’t forget to save the recipe and share it with someone who needs a little cozy in their life.

Happy Cooking!

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