As autumn leaves fall and the air turns crisp, nothing beats the smell of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples filling the kitchen. An apple crisp is a classic dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This fried apple crisp recipe combines tender apples with a crunchy topping, creating a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors. Here’s how to make this irresistible treat.

Ingredients You'll Need for the Apple Crisp

To prepare the fried apple crisp, gather the following ingredients for the filling and the crisp topping:

@keyfood | Instagram | To prepare the fried apple crisp, gather the ingredients for the filling and the crisp topping.

For the Fried Apples:

• 4 large honey crisp apples
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 6 pats (small slices) of butter
• 1 cup of water

For the Crisp Topping:

• 2 cups of oat granola (low-sugar or honey-based)
• 1 cup of chopped pecans
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• ½ stick of softened butter

With everything ready, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step guide for making this delightful dessert.

Steps to Prepare the Fried Apples

1. Slice the Apples

Begin by slicing the unpeeled honey crisp apples. Keeping the skin on enhances the texture and preserves the natural nutrients. Place the slices in a cast iron skillet for an even cook.

2. Add the Spices

Sprinkle cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla over the apple slices. These ingredients will infuse the apples with rich, warming flavors, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

3. Fry the Apples

Add six pats of butter to the skillet and fry the apple mixture over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring regularly. The apples should soften but retain their shape, and the mixture will start to thicken.

4. Simmer with Water

Once the apples are fried, pour a cup of water into the skillet. Let the apples simmer while stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This will create a syrupy base for the crisp topping, ensuring a moist and flavorful dessert.

Making the Crisp Topping

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking the final dish.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat granola, chopped pecans, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour. These ingredients will create the crunch that makes apple crisp such a beloved dessert.

3. Incorporate the Butter

Add the softened butter to the dry mixture and blend everything together. The goal is to achieve a crumbly texture, ensuring that the topping will crisp up perfectly in the oven.

4. Top the Apples

Once the crisp topping is prepared, sprinkle it evenly over the apple mixture while it’s still in the skillet. The heat from the skillet will help set the topping before baking.

@olivesnthyme | Instagram | Serve the apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Baking the Fried Apple Crisp

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the crisp topping becomes golden brown. The oats and pecans will form a crunchy layer, complementing the softness of the fried apples below. For an extra indulgence, serve the apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot, gooey apples and the cold, creamy ice cream elevates this dessert to the next level.

This fried apple crisp is a true celebration of fall. It combines seasonal ingredients and simple techniques to create a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether served on a cozy evening or at a festive gathering, it impresses with its perfect blend of textures and flavors.