60 minutes
A delicious apple crisp dessert topped with a homemade caramel sauce, perfect for any occasion.
cups
Unsalted Butter, divided
cups
cups
teaspoons
Kosher Salt, divided
teaspoons
Tart Firm Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
0 lb
tablespoons
teaspoons
Ground Cardamom
teaspoons
Ground Cloves
teaspoons
cups
Old-fashioned Oats
cups
Chopped Pecans, optional
cups
Light brown sugar
cups
1. Caramel Creation
Combine sugar with 1/4 cup water in a 3-quart saucepan. Stir in the diced butter. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring until the mixture bubbles, approximately 4-5 minutes. Once browning at the edges, stir occasionally until deep golden and slightly smoking, about another 4-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from heat. Carefully whisk in cream, it will bubble. Stir in vanilla and 1 tsp salt until smooth. Transfer to a container to cool.
2. Filling Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in the center. In a bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Mix with 1/2 cup caramel sauce. Transfer to a 9 or 10-inch oven-safe skillet.
3. Topping Assembly
Using the same bowl, blend flour, oats, pecans, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Work in the softened butter until a crumbly mixture forms. Spread the topping over the apples evenly.
4. Baking
Bake for 40-50 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Use a mix of berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) and replace the caramel sauce with a tangy lemon glaze.
Instead of caramel, create a coulis with berries, sugar, and lemon juice, perfect for drizzling over any fruit crisp.
Swap out the caramel sauce for a maple syrup reduction spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Swap out apples for peaches. For the sauce, infuse the caramel with a touch of bourbon and vanilla bean.
Add a splash of spiced rum to your caramel sauce for a warming, festive flavor.
Use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel, while sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn add depth. Make sure they're firm so they hold their shape during baking.
Homemade caramel sauce is a game-changer. Use high-quality butter and cream for the best flavor, and don't rush the sugar caramelization process—patience is key for achieving that deep amber color without burning.
For a truly crisp topping, use a combination of old-fashioned rolled oats and cold butter cut into small cubes. This will help achieve those delectable, buttery clumps. Additionally, a touch of almond meal or finely chopped nuts will add texture and nuttiness.
Don't be shy with the spices. Classic cinnamon is essential, but adding nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom can bring warmth and complexity. Freshly grated spices will be more potent than pre-ground.
To intensify the apple flavor, toss your sliced apples with a small amount of apple cider or apple brandy along with the traditional lemon juice, sugar, and spices.
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