Apple Crisp Skillet (20 Minutes)

Alright, I’m about to let you in on the easiest, warmest little dessert trick I know—this apple crisp skillet! It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like autumn in full swing, with cinnamon and brown sugar filling every corner. The best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes, so you get that cozy, crispy-topped apple goodness without the wait. Seriously, whether you’re craving a quick treat after dinner or a surprise dessert for guests, this skillet has your back. Plus, there’s a magic in the way those soft apples contrast with the buttery, crunchy topping—trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by tossing your sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix wakes up the apples with a nice tang and warmth while stopping them from browning too fast.

Step 2:

Heat your butter in a medium oven-safe skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbly. Add the apple mixture and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the apples start to soften but still hold their shape.

Step 3:

Meanwhile, mix the oats, brown sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to crumble everything together until you get a buttery, crumbly texture.

Step 4:

Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the soft apples in the skillet. Press down lightly so the topping adheres well.

Step 5:

Turn the heat down to low and cover the skillet with a lid or foil. Let it cook gently for another 5 minutes or until the topping starts to crisp and turn golden brown. If you want it extra crispy, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—just watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 6:

Remove from heat and let the skillet cool slightly. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic, dreamy combo.

Variations & Tips

• Swap half the oats for chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch.
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to balance flavors beautifully.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ginger to the apple mixture for a flavor twist.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the cooked apples to a small baking dish before adding the topping.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with almond or oat flour.

How I Like to Serve It

Perfect for chilly evenings when you want something quick and comforting. I love serving this skillet dessert right after dinner with melting vanilla ice cream on top—watch it slowly turn creamy and rich! It’s also a great cozy weekend brunch side when you pair it with warm coffee or chai.

Notes

• Store leftovers in the fridge covered for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
• For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter—it still crisps up nicely.

Closing: This apple crisp skillet is my go-to when I want a simple, speedy dessert that feels just like a warm hug from the inside out.