Cast Iron Apple Crisp Recipe

This apple crisp recipe is my absolute favorite because it combines the comforting warmth of baked apples with a perfectly crunchy topping, bringing back nostalgic vibes of autumn days spent with family. Plus, baking it in a cast-iron skillet gives it that rustic charm and unbeatable flavor that reminds me of home!

As a child, I cherished the dynamic duo of tart apples and zesty spices, and I think this Cast Iron Apple Crisp encapsulates that beloved flavor combo perfectly. With 4 cups of apples—tart and sweet, rich with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg—this nostalgic dessert is every bit as cozy as its warm, fall evenings.

The tender-then-crisp apples form the delicious core of this dish, which is enhanced by buttery, rich, and toasty crumble topping. Served straight out of the skillet, with a scoop of ice cream, it’s a next-level apple crisp.

Ingredients

• Apples: Rich in fiber, add natural sweetness and tartness, full of vitamins.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing tart flavor, aids in browning prevention.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apples, creating a rich, caramelized filling.
• Cinnamon: Warm and spicy, a classic pairing with apples for comforting aroma.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth with molasses flavor, enhancing the crisp topping.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Provide texture and fiber, heart-healthy whole grain.
• Butter: Adds richness and a flaky, buttery texture to the topping.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 4-5 medium apples)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for topping)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

Instructions

1. To start, set your oven to an even 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

2. In a large bowl, toss together the apples that have been peeled and sliced, with lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well and set aside.

3. In a different bowl, get the topping ready by combining the following ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; oats; brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon; and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

4. In the topping mixture, mix in the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Distribute the apple mixture uniformly in a big cast-iron frying pan.

6. Evenly sprinkle the topping of crumbs over the apples in the skillet.

7. Set the skillet in the oven that has been preheated and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the apples have achieved tenderness and the topping has turned a lovely golden brown.

8. Take the skillet out of the oven and give the apple crisp a few minutes to cool.

9. Serve hot, and if you like, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

10. Savor your delectable apple crisp made with a cast iron skillet!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Second mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Peeler (for apples)
7. Knife (for slicing apples and cubing butter)
8. Cutting board
9. Pastry blender or your fingers (for mixing the topping)
10. Large cast-iron skillet
11. Spatula or spoon (for tossing and mixing ingredients)
12. Oven mitts or pot holders (for handling the hot skillet)
13. Serving utensil (for serving the apple crisp)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use any type of apples for the cast iron apple crisp?A: Yes, but the ideal is to use a combination of tart and sweet apples to achieve a balanced flavor, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
• Q: Can I prepare the apple crisp in advance?A: You can mix the apples and the topping in advance, set them aside, and then put everything into the oven when you’re ready. The topping can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
• Q: Is there a substitute for old-fashioned oats?Oats, rolled, can be used as a substitute, but avoid instant oats as they may become mushy when baked.
• Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?A: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour, using a blend that is suitable for baking.
• Q: How should I serve the cast iron apple crisp?It’s best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?Although it can be done, the topping is best with butter because it yields the most flavor and a nice, crumbly texture.
• Q: How should leftovers be stored?A: Leftover food can be kept in an air-tight container in the fridge for maximum freshness for 3 days. To truly reconstitute the food, have the oven ready and on.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute pears or peaches for the apples in this recipe. You will get a totally different taste, but it’s still very good.
Substitute lime juice for lemon juice to have a similar tang effect.
You can use coconut sugar or honey in place of granulated sugar.
If you want to make it more spicy, use cardamom instead of ground nutmeg.
Flour that is free of gluten can take the place of any and all flour to make a variation that does not contain gluten.

Pro Tips

1. Variety of Apples Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor. Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp can enhance the dish’s taste.

2. Chill the Butter Ensure the butter is very cold before incorporating it into the topping. Cold butter helps create a crumbly, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples.

3. Uniform Slicing Slice the apples uniformly to ensure even cooking. Thicker slices may require additional baking time, while thinner slices cook faster.

4. Preheat the Skillet To achieve a crispy edge, preheat the cast-iron skillet slightly before adding the apple mixture. This helps the sugars caramelize more effectively.

5. Rest Before Serving Let the apple crisp rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to thicken and the flavors to meld, making each bite more delightful.