Cinnamon Caramel Apple Crisp

A Simple and Delicious Classic

There are few fall desserts I can think of that are easier to make or more classic than apple crisp.  Many people have most, if not all of the ingredients on hand already, saving a trip to the grocery store.  In college, I lived in a co-op of around sixty people that contained a sizeable commercial kitchen.

We had a house chef that made us lunch and dinner, and set out fruits, cereals and bread for breakfast.  Among the fruits that he bought were apples.  During the fall, a good friend and I found ourselves frequently whipping up a pan of apple crisp.  However, one of the house rules was that if we baked something and used communal ingredients, we had to make enough for everyone.  We didn’t mind though.  It was the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with each other.  Sometimes, if we were lucky, a gracious fellow resident, grateful for the treat would walk in and help us with the mass quantity of dirty dishes.

One time, we forgot to add flour to the apple filling and we ended up with a big pan of cinnamon apple soup.  However, I’m sure that didn’t stop a house full of hungry college students (half of them being guys) from licking the pan clean.

This recipe is honestly so stinking good.  The spices and apple butter give it such a nice depth of flavor and the cinnamon salted caramel may honestly be one of the best things I’ve ever made.

Blessings on your home and table,                                                                                                                  ~Natalie

Cinnamon Caramel Apple Crisp

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Ingredients

  

Topping

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 5 Tablespoons salted butter melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Filling

• 5 cups Granny Smith apple slices about 2 3/4 pounds
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 Tablespoon apple butter optional
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Cinnamon Salted Caramel

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

 

Topping Directions

• Combine all ingredients for the topping.

Filling Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.  
• Combine all ingredients for the filling.
• Pour into 4 individual ramekins or an 8x8-inch pan.
• Drizzle about four small spoonfuls of cinnamon salted caramel over apple filling.  Evenly distribute oat crumble on top of each ramekin.
• Place ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.  Allow to cool slightly before enjoying.  Top with a big, melty scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra enjoyment.

Cinnamon Salted Caramel Directions

• Pour sugar in a large saucepan.  Place over medium heat, whisking constantly until all the sugar has melted and color is a medium-amber color.  Sugar will clump, but don't worry!  Those clumps will melt, so just keep stirring.
• Remove from heat and whisk in butter and heavy cream.  Whisk until cohesive.
• Whisk in vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.  Let cool slightly to thicken.

For more pie, crisp, and cobbler recipes, check out my favorite blueberry pie recipe!