Indulge in the ultimate autumnal treat with this delightful **Easy Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp**. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures featuring a luscious, gooey caramel apple filling generously topped with a golden-brown sugar crumble that boasts a buttery, crisp, and wonderfully spiced finish with cinnamon. This dessert isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience – transforming your kitchen into a haven of warm, inviting aromas. Perfect for a cozy evening or a festive gathering, it’s the epitome of comfort food, especially when served warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

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Easy Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp: Your Ultimate Cozy Fall Dessert

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. Our Easy Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp is precisely that – a heavenly blend of tender, sweet apples infused with rich caramel, crowned with an irresistible buttery brown sugar and cinnamon crumble. This recipe is designed for ease without compromising on taste, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, special occasions, or whenever a craving for something truly delicious strikes.

Why This Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp Will Become Your Go-To Fall Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this simple yet spectacular dessert. Its effortless preparation and comforting appeal make it a standout choice for any home baker.

Effortless Preparation with Canned Filling: This recipe streamlines the baking process by utilizing canned caramel apple filling, significantly cutting down on prep time. This means you can enjoy a homemade-tasting dessert without the fuss of peeling and slicing dozens of apples, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Irresistibly Buttery, Crunchy, and Spiced Crumble: The topping is the star of any crisp, and ours delivers. Made with brown sugar, butter, and a generous hint of cinnamon, it bakes into a golden-brown, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the soft apple filling. The optional addition of pecans adds another layer of texture and nutty flavor, enhancing every bite.
Versatile for Any Occasion: While simple enough for a casual weeknight treat, the rich flavors and inviting aroma of this caramel apple crisp elevate it to holiday-worthy status. Serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any autumnal gathering, and watch it disappear.
A Match Made in Heaven with Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm, gooey apple filling and crisp topping pair exquisitely with a melting scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures creates an unforgettable dessert experience that truly defines comfort.
Fills Your Home with Amazing Aromas: Beyond the taste, the baking process itself is a treat. The scent of warm apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and caramel wafting through your home is an instant mood booster and an indicator that something delicious is on its way.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp

Creating this stunning dessert requires just a few pantry staples and a couple of key ingredients for that signature caramel apple flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Irresistible Brown Sugar Crumble Topping:

This buttery, spiced topping is what gives the crisp its delightful texture and much of its comforting aroma. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect golden crunch.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for our crumble, providing structure and a tender crumb.
1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional: Adds a wonderful nutty flavor and an extra layer of crunch. Feel free to omit for a nut-free version or substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
2 teaspoons baking powder: While not common in all crumbles, a touch of baking powder here can contribute to a lighter, more tender crumble texture.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice, bringing warmth and aromatic depth to the topping.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a rich, molasses-like flavor that pairs beautifully with apples and caramel. It also helps achieve that desirable golden-brown color during baking.
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted: Binds the dry ingredients together, creating that classic crumbly texture and infusing the topping with rich, buttery goodness. Melting it ensures easy mixing and even distribution.
Pinch of salt: A small but mighty ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the crumble.

For the Luscious Caramel Apple Filling:

The heart of this dessert is its gooey, sweet, and tangy apple filling. Using canned filling makes this step incredibly simple, allowing you to enjoy homemade taste with minimal effort.

3 cans (21 oz each) Lucky Leaf Caramel Apple Filling (or apple pie filling): This is your secret weapon for speed and convenience. If caramel apple filling isn’t available, regular apple pie filling works perfectly, and you can simply enhance it with extra caramel sauce.
1 cup caramel sauce or spread: Drizzled over the apple filling, this adds an extra layer of decadent caramel flavor and contributes to the wonderfully gooey texture of the dessert. Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Easy Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp

Get ready to create a masterpiece with these straightforward instructions. Even novice bakers will find this recipe simple to follow, leading to a truly impressive dessert.

Pre-Baking Setup:

Preheat your oven to a comforting 400°F (200°C). This ensures your crisp starts baking immediately upon entering the oven, promoting an even bake and golden topping.
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 12-inch cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet is fantastic for achieving a beautifully caramelized bottom and rustic presentation, but any suitable baking dish will work well.

Preparing the Golden Brown Sugar Crumble Topping:

This is where the magic happens for that irresistible crunchy layer.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, optional chopped pecans, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step is crucial for consistent flavor in every spoonful of crumble.
Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture. Using a fork or your fingertips, gently stir and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix; you want distinct crumbles, not a dough. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.

Assembling and Baking the Heavenly Caramel Apple Crisp:

Now it’s time to bring all the delicious components together for baking.

Carefully spoon the caramel apple filling evenly into your prepared baking dish or skillet. Spread it out so that you have a consistent layer across the bottom.
Generously drizzle your chosen caramel sauce or spread over the apple filling. Don’t be shy here; this layer contributes significantly to the rich caramel flavor and gooey texture.
Evenly sprinkle the prepared brown sugar crumble topping over the caramel-drizzled apples. Ensure the topping covers the entire surface for a uniform golden crust.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling beneath is visibly bubbling around the edges. This bubbling indicates the filling is hot and delicious.
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the filling set slightly and prevents you from burning your tongue! This dessert is absolutely best enjoyed warm, ideally with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Tips for Achieving Crumble Crisp Perfection

While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your caramel apple crisp to new heights:

Don’t Overmix the Crumble: For a light and airy crumble, mix the ingredients just until combined and crumbly. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher topping.
Ensure Even Distribution: Spread both the apple filling and the crumble topping as evenly as possible in the dish. This ensures every serving has a balanced ratio of filling to crisp and bakes uniformly.
Check for Doneness: The bubbling of the filling and the golden-brown color of the topping are key indicators. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Salt is Key: Don’t skip the pinch of salt in the crumble. It beautifully enhances the sweetness of the brown sugar and caramel, preventing the dessert from being overly sugary.
Personalize Your Caramel: Experiment with different types of caramel sauce. A thicker, richer caramel will create a more intense flavor, while a thinner one will meld more seamlessly with the apple filling.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Dessert Experience

While delicious on its own, a warm caramel apple crumble crisp truly shines with a few thoughtful accompaniments.

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The quintessential pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fruity crisp.
Fresh Whipped Cream: A lighter alternative to ice cream, homemade whipped cream adds an airy, delicate sweetness that complements the rich caramel and apples.
A Drizzle of Extra Caramel: For true caramel lovers, a final drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each serving is a decadent touch.
Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can enhance the caramel notes and add a sophisticated edge, echoing the popular salted caramel trend.
Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, a comforting tea, or even a spiced cider for a complete autumnal experience.

Storing Your Delicious Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the deliciousness of this crisp for days to come.

Room Temperature: If covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, the crisp can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 day. This is ideal if you plan to serve it within 24 hours.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a warm oven for the best taste and texture.
Freezer: To enjoy this treat even further down the line, wrap the cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creative Variations to Personalize Your Crisp

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily customize it to your taste or what you have on hand.

Classic Apple Crisp: Prefer a traditional taste? Simply use apple pie filling instead of caramel apple filling. You can still add a drizzle of plain caramel sauce if desired for a subtle hint of richness.
Nutty Crunch: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds in the crumble topping for a different flavor profile and crunch. Toasted nuts will offer an even deeper flavor.
Fruity Additions: Introduce dried cranberries, golden raisins, or even chopped dried apricots to the apple filling for an extra burst of flavor and chewiness.
Spice It Up: Enhance the warm spice profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to the crumble topping alongside the cinnamon.
Oatmeal Crumble: For a heartier, chewier topping, replace half of the all-purpose flour with old-fashioned rolled oats. This creates a crispier, more textured topping often found in traditional apple crumbles.
Homemade Filling: If you have fresh apples, you can certainly make your own filling! Slice about 6-8 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), toss with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg, then proceed with the recipe, adding caramel sauce as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp

Here are answers to common questions that might pop up while you’re baking:

Can I prepare this apple crisp with caramel ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire crisp, including the filling and crumble topping, up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What apples are best for homemade filling?

If you opt to make your own filling from scratch instead of using canned, firm, tart-sweet apples are ideal. Granny Smith apples offer a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the caramel, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples provide a good balance of sweetness and texture. A mix of two types often yields the best results.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe is easily doubled! For larger gatherings, use a large roasting pan (approximately 11×15 inches or similar) or two 9×13 inch baking dishes. When doubling, you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time, but always check for a golden-brown topping and bubbling filling.

What kind of baking dish should I use?

A 9×13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish works perfectly. For a more rustic appeal and excellent heat retention, a 12-inch cast iron skillet is also a fantastic choice, often resulting in beautifully caramelized edges. Ensure your dish is oven-safe and has sufficient depth to hold the filling and topping.

How do I know when the crisp is perfectly baked?

Look for a few key signs: the crumble topping should be beautifully golden brown and appear crisp. More importantly, the apple filling underneath should be visibly bubbling around the edges of the pan. This bubbling indicates that the apples are tender and the caramel is hot and gooey. If the topping is browning too quickly before the filling is bubbly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.

The Joy of Fall Baking: Why Apple Crisps Reign Supreme

Fall is synonymous with comforting aromas and hearty flavors, and the apple crisp truly embodies this spirit. As orchards burst with ripe apples, there’s an inherent urge to bake with this versatile fruit. Apple crisps, in particular, hold a special place in our hearts for their simplicity and the nostalgic warmth they evoke. The combination of soft, spiced fruit and a crunchy, buttery topping is universally appealing, making it a beloved dessert across generations. This caramel apple version takes that classic comfort and elevates it with a touch of irresistible indulgence, celebrating the season’s bounty in the most delicious way possible.

If you try this Easy Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp, please leave a comment below or share your version on social media. I’d absolutely love to see how it turned out and hear your thoughts! It’s undoubtedly one of autumn’s most cherished desserts.

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Recipe: Easy Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp

This Easy Caramel Apple Crumble Crisp is a cozy fall dessert made with a quick caramel apple filling, a buttery brown sugar crumble, and warm cinnamon spice. It’s simple to make and pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream for ultimate comfort.

Author: Kim Lange

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Cooling Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Yields: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 133 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Brown Sugar Crumble Crisp:

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup brown sugar
1 stick butter, melted
Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Apple Filling:

3 cans (21 oz each) caramel apple pie filling (or apple pie filling)
1 cup caramel sauce or spread

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or 12-inch cast iron skillet.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pecans (if using), baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until distinct crumbles form. Set aside.
Spread the caramel apple filling evenly in the prepared dish.
Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling.
Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumble mixture over the apples.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Cool for 5 minutes before serving. This dessert is best served warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Recipe Notes

Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor, or omit them entirely for a nut-free crisp.
For an extra rich taste, consider using homemade caramel sauce for the drizzle.
This crisp can be assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated before baking, or reheated from the fridge before serving.
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can freeze the baked crisp for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 133 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0.01 g
Sodium: 68 mg
Potassium: 115 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 20 g
Vitamin A: 19 IU
Vitamin C: 0.1 mg
Calcium: 51 mg
Iron: 1 mg

Keywords:

caramel apple, crisp, crumble, easy dessert, fall dessert, apple crisp recipe

More Cozy Crisps, Crumbles & Cobblers for Your Sweet Cravings

If you loved this caramel apple crisp, you might enjoy exploring other comforting baked fruit desserts. Each offers a unique twist on the classic crumble, crisp, or cobbler concept, perfect for any season!

Quick & Easy Blueberry Crisp
Rhubarb Berry Crisp
Easiest Rhubarb Cherry Cobbler
Easy Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe
GF Maple Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Grandma’s Classic Biscuit Apple Cobbler
Best Crumble Topping Recipe