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Best Salted Caramel Apple Crisp: Easy Oat Crumble Recipe

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Tender, spiced apples swimming in a rich, buttery salted caramel sauce, all topped with a golden, crisp oat crumble. This easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and salty with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon), plus more for finishing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 cups (about 6 medium) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup (120g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar in an even layer. Watch it carefully—it will start to melt around the edges. Gently swirl the pan (don’t stir!) to help the sugar melt evenly. This takes about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a deep amber color, like the color of a new penny.
  3. Add the butter: Once the sugar is amber, add the cubed butter all at once. The mixture will bubble up vigorously—that’s normal. Whisk constantly until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. It should look smooth and glossy.
  4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream: Keep whisking. The caramel will steam and bubble again. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and uniform. Remove from heat, then stir in the flaky sea salt and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly while you prep the apples.
  5. Prepare the apple filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until every slice is lightly coated. Pour the slightly cooled salted caramel sauce over the apples and stir gently to combine.
  6. Make the oat crumble topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans (if using), and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter. 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. Don’t overwork it.
  7. Assemble the crisp: Pour the apple-caramel mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Don’t press it down.
  8. Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up around the edges. The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Cool and finish: Let the crisp cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken. Just before serving, sprinkle a little more flaky sea salt over the top.

Notes

Don’t rush the caramel—low and slow is key. Use cold butter for the crumble to ensure a crispy topping. Slice apples evenly (1/4-inch thick) for consistent cooking. Let the crisp rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow juices to thicken. Toast pecans first for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/best-salted-caramel-apple-crisp-easy-oat-crumble-recipe/