Autumn's Embrace: Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp with Maple Oat Topping

The crisp air held the faintest scent of woodsmoke and fallen leaves, a symphony of autumn that always takes me back to Grandma Elsie’s kitchen. I can almost see her now, sleeves rolled up, a dusting of flour on her apron, expertly peeling apples with a practiced hand. The aroma of cinnamon and baking apples would fill the farmhouse, a promise of warm comfort on a chilly evening. This Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp with Maple Oat Topping is my homage to those memories, a celebration of the season’s bounty baked with love.

The finished apple crisp, ready to be shared and enjoyed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This apple crisp isn't just delicious; it's incredibly simple and satisfying. It's a one-skillet wonder, minimizing cleanup, and its rustic presentation makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any autumn gathering. Using mostly pantry staples and seasonal fruit, this comforting dessert evokes the warmest of feelings. Plus, that maple oat topping? Absolute perfection.

Ingredients List:

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced (approximately 3 lbs or 1.36 kg)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar or honey
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Maple Oat Topping:

• 1 cup (100g) rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats; oat flour works too, for a finer texture)
• 1/2 cup (75g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar (or honey), lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat all the apple slices evenly.

Apples coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.

2. Assemble the Filling: Transfer the apple mixture to a well-seasoned 10-inch cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet). Dot the top of the apples with the small pieces of butter.

Filling is made with delicious apples, spices, and a hint of lemon for an extra zing.

3. Make the Oat Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix; you want small pieces of butter remaining. Stir in the maple syrup until just combined.

4. Top it Off: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling in the skillet.

The delicious oat topping sprinkled evenly over the apple filling.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Adjust baking time depending on your oven; you may need to cover the topping loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent it from burning.

Although the apple crisp isn't a chicken, the image can convey the concept of baking.

6. Cool and Serve: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to thicken a bit.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with a generous dollop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Enjoy a slice with a steaming cup of herbal tea by the fireplace for a truly cozy autumn moment.
• This apple crisp is perfect for a fall potluck, Thanksgiving, or a simple weeknight dessert. For an extra touch, top with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

The final product can be served with ice cream!

As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to fall, there's nothing quite like the simple pleasure of creating something delicious in your own kitchen. This Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp is more than just a recipe; it's a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a warm embrace for the future. I encourage you to experiment with this recipe, adapt it to your own harvest bounty, and share the joy of homemade goodness with your loved ones.

If you try this recipe, be sure to tag Better Homes and Harvests in your photos! And if you enjoyed this post, subscribe to our newsletter for more seasonal recipes, homesteading tips, and garden inspiration. We'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!

The joy of gardening to be shared!