Quick 9×9 Apple Crisp with Pre-Made Crumble – No-Prep Dessert Solution 🍂
This 9x9 apple crisp uses pre-made crumble mix for a 30-minute fall dessert that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Save time without sacrificing flavor!
This no-prep apple crisp is a game-changer for anyone who loves the cozy flavors of fall but wants to skip the hassle of homemade crumble. With pre-made crumble mix and fresh apples, you get a warm, cinnamon-kissed dessert in under an hour. It’s ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even as a make-ahead treat for your next potluck. The golden-brown top, crisp texture, and tender apple slices create the perfect balance of sweet and tart that everyone will love.
Whether you're a busy parent, a novice baker, or just someone who appreciates shortcuts in the kitchen, this recipe delivers comfort without the effort. The pre-made crumble mix eliminates the need to measure and mix your own topping, while the 9x9 pan ensures even baking and easy serving. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special fall indulgence.
What makes this apple crisp stand out is its simplicity. You don't need any special equipment beyond a baking dish and a sharp knife. The apples caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a juicy, fragrant filling that pairs perfectly with the buttery crumble. Plus, the recipe scales easily for larger groups or smaller families - just adjust the number of apple slices and crumble mix accordingly.
This dessert is also incredibly versatile. Add a handful of walnuts or pecans for crunch, drizzle with caramel sauce, or serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream. The key is to keep it simple and let the natural flavors of the apples and cinnamon shine through.
For the best results, use a high-quality pre-made crumble mix that contains a mix of flour, oats, sugar, and butter. These are widely available in grocery stores and online, often labeled as "apple crumble topping" or "bake mix for apple pie." If you can't find pre-made crumble, you can also use a store-bought apple pie filling as an alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.
Ingredients
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 (10-12 oz) pre-made apple crumble mix (check package instructions for specific quantity)
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes (optional for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk (for brushing on top)
Instructions
- Step 1: 1
Prepare Pan: Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
💡 Use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking. Avoid metal pans for better caramelization.
- Step 2: 2
Prepare Apples: Wash and core the apples. Slice into 1/4-inch thick wedges. In a large bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside to macerate for 10 minutes.
💡 Macerating helps the apples release their juices and absorb the spices.
- Step 3: 3
Layer Apples: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Brush with cold butter cubes to add extra richness (optional).
💡 For a nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples.
- Step 4: 4
Add Crumble Mix: Sprinkle the pre-made crumble mix evenly over the apples. If the mix contains oats or nuts, it will create a textured topping. For an extra golden finish, brush with heavy cream or milk.
💡 Check the package instructions for specific baking times, but 30-35 minutes is typical.
- Step 5: 5
Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let cool slightly before serving.
💡 For a crispier topping, increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Time-Saving
With pre-made crumble mix, you eliminate the need to measure and mix your own topping. The recipe takes just 30 minutes to bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Pre-made crumble mix is often more affordable than making it from scratch. Apples are seasonal and cost-effective in the fall.
👥 Family-Friendly
The simple preparation and kid-friendly flavors make this dessert a hit with all ages. No messy hands required!
🌟 Flavor Balance
The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and buttery crumble creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Quick 9×9 Apple Crisp
Fall dessert made with pre-made crumble mix
🛒 Ingredients
- - 6-7 medium apples
- - 1/4 cup brown sugar
- - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- - 1 (10-12 oz) pre-made crumble mix
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Pan: Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
💡 Use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking.
Prepare Apples: Wash and core apples. Slice into 1/4-inch wedges. Toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Macerate for 10 minutes.
💡 Macerating helps the apples absorb the spices.
Layer Apples: Spread the apple mixture in the prepared dish. Brush with cold butter cubes.
💡 Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Add Crumble Mix: Sprinkle pre-made crumble mix over the apples. Brush with heavy cream for a golden finish.
💡 Check package instructions for baking times.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
💡 Increase oven temperature for a crispier top.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Apples
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor, or sweet apples like Honeycrisp for a sweeter result. Avoid overly soft or mealy varieties.
Substitutions: Pears or peaches can be used in place of apples for a different twist.
Cinnamon
This warm spice enhances the natural sweetness of the apples. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra depth.
Substitutions: Ground cardamomom or pumpkin spice blend can be used as alternatives.
Pre-Made Crumble Mix
Look for mixes with oats, flour, butter, and sugar. These create the ideal crumbly texture. Avoid mixes with too much cornstarch, which can make the topping soggy.
Substitutions: Make your own crumble mix with 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup oats, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold butter.
Nuts
Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and earthy flavor. They also help prevent the topping from becoming too greasy.
Substitutions: Omit nuts for a nut-free version, or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp
🍂 Apple Selection
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji work well together.
🔥 Baking Temperature
For a crispier topping, increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-7 minutes of baking.
🥄 Topping Texture
Press the crumble mix gently into the dish to ensure even coverage. This helps prevent the topping from burning unevenly.
❄️ Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare the apple mixture and crumble topping separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.
Variations & Customizations
Spiced Apple Crisp
Add 1/2 tsp ground ginger and 1/4 tsp cloves to the apple mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Caramel Drizzle
Pour a store-bought caramel sauce over the warm apple crisp before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutty Crumble
Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble mix for added texture and flavor.
Vegan Version
Use vegan pre-made crumble mix and substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vanilla ice cream (add a dollop for the classic apple crisp experience)
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)
- Warm cinnamon rolls or pumpkin bread (as a complete fall dessert spread)
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a spiced chai tea, a glass of dessert wine like late harvest Riesling, or a cold milk. For non-alcoholic options, try apple cider or a caramel latte.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the apple mixture and crumble topping separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked apple crisp for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the topping soggy.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My crumble topping is too dry/soggy. What went wrong?
A: Dry topping usually means too much flour in the crumble mix. Soggy topping often results from under-baking or excess moisture in the apples. Make sure to bake long enough and avoid overloading the dish with apples.
Q: Can I use a different pan size?
A: Yes, you can use an 8x8-inch pan for thicker slices, but the baking time will increase by 10-15 minutes. For a larger group, use a 9x13-inch pan and double the ingredients.
Q: How do I keep the apples from browning before baking?
A: Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice or store them in a bowl of cold water mixed with a few drops of vinegar until ready to use.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the apple mixture and crumble topping separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.
Final Thoughts
This 9x9 apple crisp is a must-try for anyone who loves the cozy flavors of fall without the hassle of traditional baking. The pre-made crumble mix makes it incredibly easy to prepare, while the fresh apples and warm spices create a dessert that feels like a homemade treat. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner, a cozy movie night, or a weekend breakfast, this apple crisp is sure to become a favorite.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this apple crisp pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides like roasted carrots or a green salad, and finishing with a dessert completion pin. The recipe pairs perfectly with a spiced chai tea or a glass of dessert wine for a complete fall experience.
