Cast Iron Skillet Apple Crisp

Classic apple crisp is baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet and is the perfect dessert for cold winter evenings or anytime you need some sweet comfort!

You know those recipes that have become family favorites.

The ones that get a smile and maybe even a cheer from the family every time you make. The ones that are ideal for serving to guests?

The ones you've made so many times that you've memorized?

This is one of those recipes.

My mom was known for her fabulous dinners and amazing desserts! She cooked a homemade meal every single day, and often whipped up homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies, muffins and more.

The house smelled divine and I never knew what would be cooling on the counter when I came home from school.

Guests were frequent visitors around our table, and they always raved about whatever my mom served.

Her apple crisp recipe is a classic. Keep reading for the recipe as well as a printable recipe card.

Classic comfort food

My job as a young girl was always to peel and slice the apples for this recipe and her homemade apple pies. She taught me early on how to properly peel an apple with a paring knife, and it is my preferred method to this day!

In my opinion, everyone needs to own a cast iron skillet! It's a naturally non-stick surface, bakes evenly, can be used in the oven, and is a breeze to clean! They can be heavy, which is why I prefer to cook with a 10" cast iron skillet. It is a more manageable size for me and can be used for both sweet and savory recipes.

Don't stress if you don't own a cast iron skillet! My mom's apple crisp recipe bakes up perfect in a ceramic baking dish or pie pan with high sides.

I took my mom's recipe and tweaked it slightly. Baking this apple crisp in a cast iron skillet is not only easy, it bakes to absolute perfection! This is one of those recipes that comes out perfect every single time!

When it's warm outside, we love to serve the warm apple crisp with cool and creamy vanilla ice cream, it's a match made in dessert heaven!

Let's make some apple crisp!

How to make cast iron skillet apple crisp

Classic apple crisp ingredients

5 cups peeled and sliced apples (I prefer McIntosh)
juice and zest of 1 small lemon
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter plus 1 Tbsp

Directions

Peel and slice apples into a bowl

I always use McIntosh apples because I grew up with them, and I like how they bake down really soft, while still being a little bit tart. But use any apple that you love! Toss with lemon juice, zest and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Arrange apples evenly in a cast iron skillet.

Combine dry ingredients

Mix brown sugar, flour, oats and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.

Press mixture firmly over apples. Your baking pan will be full! Dot with additional 1 Tbsp of butter that you break into pieces with your fingers.

Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until top is browned and mixture is bubbly around the edges.

Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips for success

Adding lemon juice and zest will keep the apples from browning too much as you get them all sliced, and will add a nice tart bite to the finished dessert. I usually sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for the same reason.

toss sliced apples with cinnamon, lemon zest and sugar

Make sure to really pack the apples into the skillet, leaving just enough room at the top for the oatmeal topping.

Dot with a tablespoon of additional butter prior to baking for a nice, brown crunch on top!

When I make this dessert in the cold winter months, I like to serve it with heavy cream that's whipped with a little bit of powdered sugar. The cream holds its shape better and whips up nice and fluffy!

A bowl of this delicious, tart apple crisp served warm with a dollop of whip cream makes a great breakfast! It's kind of like oatmeal with fruit, right? That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

My mom's apple crisp is a classic, and baking it in a cast iron skillet makes it absolute perfection! The apples are tender and tart and the topping is crunchy and sweet. Served warm, it is divine!

I hope you try this easy apple crisp recipe soon! Click here for a printable recipe card.