This Caramel Apple Crisp is the warm holiday dessert you’ve been dreaming of. Tender, spiced apples and rich caramel are baked beneath a crispy oat topping and finished with creamy vanilla ice cream — an easy, crowd-pleasing treat to repeat all season long.
Perfect Party Recipe
There’s nothing like the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. While pumpkin desserts have their moments, a caramel apple crisp made with crisp, late-harvest Pazazz apples brings a bright, juicy contrast to the cozy spices of the season. These apples have a satisfying crunch and a sweet-tart bite — similar to a Honeycrisp — that holds up beautifully when baked. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a relaxed holiday evening at home, this crisp makes a memorable centerpiece for any dessert table.
Holiday Dessert Recipe
This recipe is ideal for busy holiday schedules: simple to assemble, easy to transport, and big on flavor. The Pazazz apple is the star here — harvested later in the fall so you can enjoy fresh, crisp apples well into winter. Their texture and balanced sweetness make them perfect for pies, platters, and of course, this caramel apple crisp. The combination of tender apple slices, warm spices, and sticky caramel under a crunchy oat topping creates a dessert that feels both classic and special.
Easy Apple Recipe
This crisp really couldn’t be easier. For the topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor (or mix by hand). Add cubed butter and pulse until evenly distributed, then stir in old-fashioned oats until combined. For the filling, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt; cook for about 8–10 minutes until the apples begin to soften. Remove from heat and stir in caramel sauce until the apples are evenly coated.
Transfer the filling to a 9″ deep pie dish, evenly spread the oat topping over the apples, and bake in a 350ºF oven for 35–40 minutes. The filling should be bubbling and the topping a golden, crispy brown. Let the crisp rest for about 30 minutes before serving so the filling sets slightly. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish.
Your New Favorite Recipe
This caramel Pazazz apple crisp is perfect for holiday parties, weekend treats, or any time you want a comforting, effortless dessert. It’s quick to assemble, bakes beautifully, and always gets compliments — save the recipe for your next gathering and expect requests for seconds.
Caramel Pazzaz Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 6 large Pazzaz apples, cored, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
-
Topping: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt in a food processor until uniform. Add cubed butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is evenly distributed. Stir in the oats until combined.
-
Pazzaz Apple Filling: Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup caramel sauce. Pour the filling into a 9″ pie dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping over the apples and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. Cool for 30 minutes before serving.
-
To Serve: Top each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
-
Tip: Place a rimmed baking sheet or foil under the pie dish during baking to catch any drips and keep the oven clean.