Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a golden, crunchy oat topping. This classic homemade treat brings together simple ingredients like fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and oats to create a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any time of year.
I love making this apple crisp when I want something cozy and sweet that’s also easy to throw together. The best part for me is the smell that fills the kitchen as it bakes—that wonderful mix of apples and cinnamon that just says “fall is here,” even if it’s not. A little tip I have is to use a mix of apple varieties to get a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this apple crisp is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting on top. It’s the perfect way to make a simple dessert feel a little extra special. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish always brings a smile and makes everyone feel right at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like mixing Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet. If you don’t have these, Fuji or Pink Lady apples work well too.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel note. You can swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar if you prefer a deeper molasses flavor.
Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for a nice crunchy topping. Quick oats will get too soft, and steel-cut oats are too tough.
Butter: Use cold, unsalted butter for the topping. Cold butter helps create that crumbly texture. You could try a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Make the Crisp Topping Just Right?
The topping is all about cutting cold butter into the dry ingredients until you get coarse crumbs. Here’s how I do it:
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add cold butter cubes on top.
- Use two knives, a pastry cutter, or your fingers to mix the butter in. Work quickly so the butter stays cold.
- Stop when the mixture has bits like small peas and coarse crumbs.
This helps the topping bake into golden, crisp clusters instead of a flat, dry layer. Spread it evenly over the apples, then bake until golden and bubbly. It’s the key to that perfect crunchy texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9 inch baking dish – I prefer a standard size dish that evenly bakes the crisp and makes serving easy.
- Peeler and paring knife – for peeling, coring, and slicing the apples smoothly.
- Mixing bowls – a large one for apples and a smaller one for the topping mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure sugars, spices, and liquids.
- Pastry cutter or two knives – helps cut cold butter into the oats and flour for the crumbly topping.
- Rubber spatula – for spreading and mixing evenly in the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Make it spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the topping for a warm kick.
- Fruit twist: Mix in fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries with the apples for extra flavor and color.
- Nuts: Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping for crunch and added richness.
- Cheddar cheese: Sprinkle a little shredded sharp cheddar over the apples before adding the topping for a sweet-savory combo.
Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp or your choice)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Time Needed
This apple crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 40 to 45 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a similar size casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and slice the apples, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice and toss to coat the apples — this keeps them from browning and adds a bright flavor.
Add the granulated sugar, half of the brown sugar (save the rest for the topping), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to the apples. Toss everything gently so the apples are well coated.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, remaining brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter on top.
Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers to cut the butter into the oat mixture. Work quickly until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm — it’s wonderful topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce if you like.
This Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp is a delicious and comforting dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends any time of year!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Apple Crisp?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the crisp soggy. Pat them dry gently with paper towels before mixing with the sugar and spices.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the apple filling and topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Butter in the Topping?
You can use a plant-based butter or margarine to make a dairy-free version. Make sure it’s cold and firm to help create that classic crumbly topping texture.
