Sheet-Pan 9×13 Apple Crisp 🍎 – Easy One-Dish Dinner Dessert That Tastes Like Fall!
Transform dinner into dessert with this cozy, family-sized apple crisp baked in one pan. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
There’s nothing quite like the warm, buttery aroma of apple crisp wafting through your kitchen. This 9x13 sheet-pan version is the ultimate fall comfort food - it’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for family gatherings. With just one pan and 30 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a golden-brown topping cascading over tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Let’s turn dinner into dessert with this hassle-free recipe!
Ingredients
- 9 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples (about 8-10 apples)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: 1
Prepare Apples: Toss sliced apples with 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spread evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
💡 Tip: Use a mandoline for even slices to ensure uniform baking.
- Step 2: 2
Make Topping: In a bowl, combine oats, 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly. Fold in nuts if using.
💡 Tip: Use a pastry cutter to cut butter into dry ingredients for a crumbly texture.
- Step 3: 3
Bake: Spread topping over apples. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
💡 Tip: Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ One-Pan Wonder
This sheet-pan method eliminates multiple dishes. Just one pan means less cleanup and more time savoring your dessert!
💰 Family-Size Value
Serves 8 for just $1.50 per serving! Perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
The warm spices and gooey center satisfy both kids and adults. A dessert everyone will love!
🌟 Seasonal Comfort
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized apples create the perfect autumnal flavor profile.
Sheet-Pan Apple Crisp Recipe
Cozy fall dessert in one pan!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 9 cups thinly sliced apples
- - 1/3 cup sugar
- - 1/4 cup flour
- - 1 tsp cinnamon
- - 1/2 cup oats
- - 1/2 cup brown sugar
- - 1/2 cup cold butter
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Apples: Toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Spread in 9x13 pan.
💡 Use a mandoline for even slices.
Make Topping: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly.
💡 Use a pastry cutter for best texture.
Bake: Spread topping over apples. Bake 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
💡 Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Apples
Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. For best texture, don’t use Red Delicious.
Substitutions: Pears or peaches in summer.
Oats
Old-fashioned oats give the best crumbly texture. Quick oats will make the topping too dense.
Substitutions: Use rolled oats or substitute with crushed graham crackers.
Butter
Cold butter is key for creating those golden crumbs. Room-temperature butter will make a greasy topping.
Substitutions: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Nuts
Chopped walnuts add crunch and richness. Omit for nut-free or add toasted pecans.
Substitutions: Use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp
🍎 Apple Prep
Sprinkle apples with lemon juice to prevent browning while you prepare the topping.
🔥 Baking Secrets
For a golden crust, place the pan on the lower rack during baking.
❄️ Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble the crisp up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
✨ Serving Hack
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat!
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Option
Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour in the topping.
Spiced Version
Add 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice and a dash of nutmeg to the apple mixture for extra warmth.
Caramel Drizzle
Top with a homemade caramel sauce made with butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream.
Mini Versions
Use ramekins for individual crisps. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Chilled glasses of spiced apple cider
- Mini pumpkin pies for a fall dessert trio
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a buttery Chardonnay or a spiced apple cider for the ultimate fall flavor experience.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the apple crisp up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers crisp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven for best texture.
Freezer Storage
Wrap cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy topping.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my topping too dry?
A: Add 1-2 tbsp of melted butter to the topping mixture for extra moisture.
Q: Can I use pre-sliced apples?
A: Yes, but drain excess liquid with paper towels before adding spices.
Q: How do I keep the topping from burning?
A: Cover the pan with aluminum foil during the first 25 minutes of baking.
Q: Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?
A: Yes! Use a 12-inch skillet and adjust baking time to 50-55 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This sheet-pan apple crisp is more than just a dessert - it's a fall celebration in every bite. With its warm spices, gooey center, and crumbly topping, it's the kind of recipe that makes you appreciate the simple joys of baking. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting a cozy dinner party, this one-pan wonder will impress without the hassle. So preheat your oven, slice those apples, and get ready to enjoy the best of autumn in dessert form!
For best Pinterest visibility, post this dessert pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides like roasted turkey or pork, finishing with this apple crisp as the perfect ending.
