Introduction

Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp is a comforting dessert that combines tender baked apples with a buttery, oat-filled topping. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing on chilly evenings or special gatherings. This classic dish delivers warm, sweet flavors with a hint of cinnamon in every bite.

A white plate holds a slice of apple crumble with three layers: the bottom layer shows golden, softened apple slices coated in syrup, the middle layer is a sticky, caramel-colored sauce, and the top layer is a thick, crumbly, golden-brown streusel. Next to the crumble is a large, round scoop of pale yellow vanilla ice cream and a swirl of white whipped cream on the side. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate. In the background, a white casserole dish with more crumble sits on a wooden board, beside a glass of light amber iced drink with cubes, and two sticks of cinnamon lie nearby, all set on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled texture visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
Step 2: Pour in the water and mix well. Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir to mix all dry ingredients.
Step 4: Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir gently until the topping becomes crumbly.
Step 5: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 7: Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, to balance flavor and texture.
Slice apples evenly so they cook uniformly and avoid some pieces being mushy while others remain firm.
Don’t overmix the topping; it should stay crumbly for a delicate, crisp texture.
Try adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. The topping may lose some crispness when reheated but remains delicious.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a crumb-topped dessert with two main layers. The bottom layer consists of soft, sliced apples in a shiny, syrupy glaze, showing a golden yellow and light brown color. The top layer is a thick, golden-brown crumb topping made of small, coarse pieces with a crispy texture. The dessert fills the frame, highlighting the contrast between the smooth apple filling and the crunchy crumb covering. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, mixing tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp improves the flavor and texture of the crisp. Avoid very soft apples that may become mushy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats. This will make the crisp safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing taste.