Family-Size 8×8 Apple Crisp with Caramel Drizzle – Cozy Fall Dessert for Sharing
A golden-baked apple crisp loaded with cinnamon-spiced fruit and a luscious caramel drizzle - perfect for sharing after a cozy family dinner.
This family-sized apple crisp is a fall dessert masterpiece that combines the comforting warmth of spiced apples with a buttery oat crumble and a silky caramel drizzle. Baked in an 8x8-inch pan for easy serving, it's the perfect way to bring everyone together for a sweet ending to any meal. The caramel topping adds a rich, gooey contrast to the crisp's crunchy texture, making every bite a delightful experience.
Whether you're celebrating a harvest festival or simply enjoying the crisp autumn air, this recipe is designed for easy preparation and maximum flavor. The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and homemade caramel creates a dessert that's both familiar and excitingly new.
What makes this apple crisp special is its adaptability - you can customize it with different fruits or adjust the sweetness level to suit your family's preferences. The 8x8-inch size makes it perfect for feeding a crowd without overwhelming the kitchen. Plus, the caramel drizzle adds an extra layer of indulgence that transforms this classic dessert into something truly special.
This recipe is also designed for convenience. The crumble topping can be made in advance, and the caramel sauce can be prepared while the crisp bakes. The result is a dessert that looks professionally crafted but requires minimal effort. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat.
With its golden crust, aromatic spices, and sweet caramel finish, this apple crisp is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's the kind of dessert that brings people together, creating memories around the dinner table as you share stories and savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 6 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Spread apple mixture in prepared baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter.
- Step 4: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking powder. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter to blend until crumbly. Stir in milk until dough forms.
- Step 5: Spread crumble topping over apples. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Step 6: While crisp bakes, prepare caramel: In a saucepan, cook cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 7: Drizzle cooled caramel over warm crisp before serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Recipe Card
Family-Size Apple Crisp with Caramel Drizzle
A cozy fall dessert with a luscious caramel finish
🛒 Ingredients
- - 6 cups thinly sliced apples
- - 1/4 cup sugar
- - 2 tbsp flour
- - 1 tbsp cinnamon
- - 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - 1/4 cup melted butter
- - 1 1/2 cups oats
- - 3/4 cup flour
- - 1/2 cup brown sugar
- - 1/2 tsp baking powder
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - 1/2 cup cold butter
- - 1/4 cup milk
- - 1 cup cream
- - 1/2 cup sugar
- - 1/2 tsp vanilla
- - 1/4 tsp sea salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8x8-inch pan and set aside.
💡 Use parchment paper for easier cleanup
Mix Apple Filling: In a bowl, combine apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter.
💡 Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor
Prepare Crumble Topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and milk, then mix until crumbly.
💡 Keep butter cold for best texture
Assemble: Spread apple mixture in pan. Top with crumble. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden.
💡 Check doneness with a toothpick
Make Caramel: In a saucepan, combine cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Cook until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes.
💡 Let caramel cool slightly before drizzling
Drizzle & Serve: Drizzle caramel over warm crisp. Serve with ice cream if desired.
💡 Garnish with cinnamon for extra flair
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Apples
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity. Honeycrisp or Jonagold are also good options.
Substitutions: Pears or peaches can be used for a different flavor profile. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free apples.
Oats
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Quick oats will make the topping too crumbly.
Substitutions: Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version. Almond flour can be substituted for a nutty flavor.
Butter
Cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly texture in the topping. Avoid using melted butter.
Substitutions: For vegan, use cold coconut oil or vegan butter. For dairy-free, use vegan butter.
Caramel
The homemade caramel adds rich flavor and a beautiful drizzle. Store-bought caramel can be used for convenience.
Substitutions: Use store-bought caramel sauce if time is limited. For a healthier option, use a sugar-free caramel.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp
💡 Prepping Ahead
Prepare the crumble topping up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. This saves time on busy days.
⏰ Timing Tips
Start the caramel sauce while the crisp bakes. This ensures everything is ready to serve together.
🌟 Flavor Boosters
Add a pinch of cardamom or a splash of lemon juice to the apple mixture for extra depth.
✨ Presentation
Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon before serving for a festive touch.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Version
Use certified gluten-free oats and flour. Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour in both the apple mixture and topping.
Vegan Adaptation
Replace butter with vegan butter and use non-dairy milk. For the caramel, use vegan butter and non-dairy cream.
Nutty Twist
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for added crunch and flavor.
Spiced Caramel
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla to the caramel sauce for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vanilla ice cream - The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm crisp
- Whipped cream - Adds a light, airy finish that complements the caramel
- Cinnamon-spiced coffee - The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a spiced chai tea or a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes. The spices in the tea enhance the apple flavors, while the wine's sweetness matches the caramel.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the crisp up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. The caramel can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The caramel may harden slightly but can be remelted with a gentle heat.
Freezer Storage
Wrap cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For best results, reheat the caramel sauce separately and drizzle just before serving.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my topping soggy?
A: The topping may be too wet. Check that you're using cold butter and not overmixing the crumble. The apples should be properly dried before adding the topping.
Q: Can I make this in a different pan size?
A: Yes, but an 8x8-inch pan is ideal for this recipe. If using a larger pan, the topping may cook too quickly and burn.
Q: Why isn't my caramel drizzling properly?
A: The caramel may be too thick. Let it cool slightly before drizzling. If it's still too thick, gently reheat it over low heat while stirring.
Q: Can I use pre-chopped apples?
A: Yes, but be sure to pat them dry before using. Excess moisture can make the topping soggy. You can also toss them with a bit more flour to absorb moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Family-Size Apple Crisp with Caramel Drizzle is more than just a dessert - it's a celebration of fall flavors that brings people together. The warm spices, sweet caramel, and buttery crumble create a symphony of taste that's perfect for any occasion.
Whether you're serving it after a family dinner or sharing it with friends during the holidays, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The 8x8-inch size makes it easy to share, and the caramel drizzle adds a touch of elegance that elevates this classic dessert.
With its simple preparation and impressive results, this apple crisp is a must-try for anyone who loves fall baking. Give it a try this season, and you'll see why it's become a cherished family tradition for many.
