Skillet Apple Crisp is a cozy fall dessert made with tender cinnamon apples and a buttery, crunchy topping. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this classic apple dessert is simple to make and perfect for apple season.
There’s something special about baking apple desserts in a cast iron skillet. The apples turn soft and bubbly while the topping gets golden and crisp. It’s one of those old-fashioned desserts that makes the kitchen smell amazing.

Why I Love This Recipe
About The Ingredients
- Apples: Use 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness. You can also use a combination.
- Sugar: Sweetens the apples and balances their tartness.
- Apple Pie Spice: Adds warm cinnamon and spice flavors to the apple filling.
- Butter: Softened butter helps create a rich, crumbly topping.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a light caramel flavor to the crisp.
- Flour: Helps hold the topping together as it bakes.
- Rolled Oats: Give the topping its classic crunchy texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Skillet Apple Crisp
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar and 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice until evenly coated.
Fill the Skillet: Spread the apple mixture evenly in a cast iron skillet or baking dish.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and rolled oats. Mix in the softened butter until a crumbly topping forms.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
Bake: Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Tips I Found Helpful
- Choose firm apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking.
- Slice evenly: Keep apple slices about the same thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use softened butter: It mixes easily with the oats, flour, and brown sugar to create a crumbly topping.
- Check for doneness: The topping should be golden brown, and the apples should be fork-tender.
- Let it rest: Allow the crisp to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving so the filling can settle.
Questions Readers Ask Most
Can I make skillet apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the topping ahead of time and refrigerate it separately. Assemble the crisp just before baking for the best texture.
How do I store leftover apple crisp?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I use a baking dish instead of a cast iron skillet?
Absolutely! Use an oven-safe baking dish and bake until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
More Dessert Recipes I Love

Skillet Apple Crisp
Skillet Apple Crisp is an easy fall dessert made with tender, spiced apples and a buttery brown sugar oat topping. Baked until golden in a cast iron skillet!
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
For the Topping:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar and apple pie spice until evenly coated.
- Spread the apples evenly in a cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and rolled oats.
- Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly topping forms.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are fork-tender.
- Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well for this recipe. Slice the apples evenly for consistent cooking. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 27mgCarbohydrates: 76gFiber: 6gSugar: 52gProtein: 4g




This looks simply delicious. And topped off with ice cream. Thank you for the recipe