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Best Salted Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Crumble

Salted Caramel Apple Crisp - featured image
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This salted caramel apple crisp with oat crumble is the ultimate fall dessert—soft, jammy apples under a buttery oat topping, with homemade salted caramel seeping into every bite. Quick to prepare and perfect for gatherings, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for finishing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 medium apples (about 2.5 pounds or 1.1 kg), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (120g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/2 cup (55g) chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
  2. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, spread the granulated sugar in an even layer. Let it melt without stirring for 3-4 minutes until the edges turn golden. Gently swirl the pan and continue cooking until the sugar turns a deep amber color (like a penny), about 6-8 minutes total.
  3. Remove the pan from heat immediately. Add the cubed butter and whisk until melted and smooth. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Let it settle for a few seconds, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until smooth and glossy.
  4. Stir in the flaky sea salt and vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool slightly; it will thicken as it cools.
  5. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with both sugars, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until every slice is coated.
  6. Cook the apples briefly on the stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften and release their juices. They should be slightly tender but still hold their shape.
  7. Make the oat crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like wet sand with some clumps. If using pecans, stir them in now.
  8. Assemble the crisp: Spread the cooked apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle about half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples (save the rest for serving). Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  10. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with a little extra flaky sea salt.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. If caramel seizes when adding cream, return to low heat and whisk gently. Let the crisp rest before serving to allow the filling to set. Make extra caramel sauce for drizzling; it keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/best-salted-caramel-apple-crisp-with-oat-crumble/