Print

Cozy Oat Streusel Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel

cozy oat streusel apple crisp with salted caramel - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy apple crisp with a crunchy oat streusel topping and a layer of homemade salted caramel that infuses the apples as they bake, creating a jammy, buttery layer at the bottom. This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings and cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples (about 2.5 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces (for caramel)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream, at room temperature (for caramel)
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for caramel, plus more for finishing)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, spread 1/2 cup granulated sugar in an even layer. Let it melt without stirring, just swirling the pan occasionally, until it reaches a deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and immediately whisk in 3 tablespoons butter until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream while whisking constantly. Whisk until smooth, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Set aside to …
  3. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  4. Make the oat streusel topping: In another large bowl, whisk together 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Stir in nuts if using.
  5. Assemble the crisp: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle about 2/3 of the salted caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle the oat streusel evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the streusel is browning too quickly after 30 minutes, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
  7. Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Just before serving, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt.

Notes

For best results, use cold butter for the streusel and watch the caramel closely to prevent burning. Let the crisp rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to allow the juices to thicken. The crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp, oat streusel, salted caramel, fall dessert, easy apple crisp, homemade caramel

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/cozy-oat-streusel-apple-crisp-with-salted-caramel/