Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp with Maple Oat Topping

The crisp air nips at my cheeks as I walk through the orchard, the leaves ablaze in fiery hues of red, orange, and gold. The smell of ripe apples hangs heavy in the air, a sweet promise of autumn's bounty. It’s a scene etched in my childhood memories – apple picking with my family, the laughter echoing through the rows of trees, and the triumphant return home with baskets overflowing with nature's candy. Now, years later, I’m creating new memories with my own family, and one tradition remains a constant: baking something delicious with those freshly picked apples. This Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp with Maple Oat Topping is a celebration of the season, a warm and comforting hug in every bite.

A perfectly baked Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp, golden brown and bubbling, ready to be enjoyed as the quintessential autumn dessert.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This isn't your average apple crisp. This recipe is simplicity itself, utilizing pantry staples and seasonal apples to create a dessert that’s both satisfying and wholesome. The rustic presentation, baked in a cast iron skillet, adds to its charm. What sets this apple crisp apart is the maple oat topping. The combination of rolled oats, maple syrup, and a touch of cinnamon creates a textural masterpiece that perfectly complements the sweet and tart apples. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up those apples from your harvest or a local orchard visit! It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next fall gathering. This apple crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a taste of autumn’s magic. You can adapt this with other fruit such as pears!

Ingredients List

Here's what you'll need to bring this apple crisp to life. Whenever possible, use locally sourced, homegrown, or organic ingredients for the best flavor and to support sustainable practices.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces (or coconut oil for a vegan option)

For the Maple Oat Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted butter (or melted coconut oil)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sustainability Note: Consider sourcing your apples from a local orchard that uses sustainable farming practices. Choose organic oats and nuts to minimize pesticide exposure.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp. Don’t be afraid to add your personal touch along the way.

1. Prepare the Apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, flour, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently toss to coat the apples evenly.
   * Tip: A little lemon juice helps to prevent browning and adds a touch of brightness to the apple flavor.

2. Assemble the Filling: Transfer the apple mixture to a 10-inch cast iron skillet (or a similar sized oven-safe baking dish). Dot the top of the apple filling with small pieces of butter.
   * Tip: If you don't have a cast iron skillet, a glass or ceramic baking dish will work just as well. But we love how baking this rustic dessert adds character!

3. Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, pecans (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and the mixture is crumbly.
   * Tip: The maple syrup adds a delicious depth of flavor to the topping, but you can substitute with honey or agave nectar if preferred.

4. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling.

   * *Video Snippet Suggestion: A quick video showing the even distribution of the oat topping over the apple filling.*
   

5. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the skillet with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
   * Tip: The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it. You want the apples to be tender and the topping to be golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve: Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.

A flat-lay photo of the apple crisp ingredients, showcasing the freshness and natural appeal of the components before they transform into a delicious dessert.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Classic Indulgence: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Autumn Breakfast: Enjoy it for breakfast with a dollop of homemade yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. It's a surprisingly satisfying way to start the day.
• Potluck Perfection: This dish is perfect for a potluck or holiday gathering. It's easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Complete Meal: Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables (like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes) and a protein (like grilled chicken or lentils) for a complete and balanced meal. The sweetness of the crisp complements savory dishes beautifully.
• Warm Scones: Serve with warm apple scones for a comforting treat.

A close-up, overhead shot of freshly baked apple scones with a crumble topping, offering a complementary treat that pairs well with the apple crisp.

Homesteading/Community Engagement Closing

This Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to connect with the season and share the bounty of your garden or local farm with friends and family. I encourage you to experiment with this recipe, using different varieties of apples or adding other seasonal fruits like pears or cranberries.

Share your own variations and experiences in the comments section below! What apples did you use? Did you add any special spices?

Don't forget to tag Better Homes and Harvests on social media when you make this recipe using #BetterHomesAndHarvests and #RusticAppleCrisp. We can’t wait to see your creations!

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow cooler, I find myself drawn to the simple pleasures of the season – the warmth of a crackling fire, the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples, and the joy of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones. This apple crisp embodies all of those things, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me. Happy baking, friends! And happy harvest!

Keywords: seasonal cooking, from-scratch, farm-to-table, pantry staples, cast iron, harvest meal, homemade, cozy food, easy apple recipe, fall baking, apple recipes, sustainable cooking, homesteading recipes, vegan apple crisp.