When it comes to creating comforting, crowd-pleasing desserts, simplicity often reigns supreme. While elaborate pastries have their place, there’s a special kind of magic in a dessert that’s both incredibly easy to make and deeply satisfying. This Pioneer Woman apple crisp recipe perfectly embodies that sentiment, offering a delightful treat with minimal fuss.
Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm bowl of tender, juicy apples, perfectly spiced and topped with a golden, crunchy oat crumble. This apple crisp delivers on all fronts, boasting incredible flavor and a wonderful textural contrast that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit. In fact, it’s so delicious, don’t be surprised if the entire dish disappears quickly!
Making the Pioneer Woman’s Apple Crisp: Step-by-Step
This recipe shines because of its straightforward approach. It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to transform tart Granny Smith apples into a comforting dessert. Active preparation time is minimal, leaving the oven to work its magic and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and cinnamon.
Gather Your Ingredients
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe displayed on a kitchen towel
For the Apple Filling:
- 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, melted
Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex Basics Oblong Baking Dish for Apple Crisp Recipe
Glass Baking Dish
Find it on Amazon
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set for Apple Crisp Topping
Mixing Bowl Set
Check it out at Macy’s
Mainstays Whisk Set for Mixing Apple Crisp Ingredients
Whisk Set
Available at Walmart
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls (small and large)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Peeler and Knife
- Fork or Spoon
- Whisk (optional, for apple mixture)
Baking Instructions for Apple Crisp Pioneer Woman Style
Step 1: Prepare the Apples for Baking
Sliced apples in a glass baking dish ready for Pioneer Woman apple crisp
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with salted butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the sliced Granny Smith apples in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined. Sprinkle this sugar mixture evenly over the sliced apples in the dish. Finally, pour ½ cup of water over the apple mixture.
Step 2: Create the Oatmeal Crisp Topping
Preparing the crisp topping for Pioneer Woman apple crisp in a white bowl
In a larger mixing bowl, prepare the crisp topping. Combine the all-purpose flour, quick oats, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Pour the melted salted butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a fork or your hands to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and clumps begin to form. The melted butter helps create that signature crispy texture.
Step 3: Assemble and Top the Apple Crisp
Sprinkling crisp topping over sliced apples for Pioneer Woman apple crisp recipe
Evenly sprinkle the prepared oat topping over the layer of apples in the baking dish. Ensure that you cover the apples completely with the topping for a satisfying crisp in every bite. Gently press the topping down to ensure it adheres slightly to the apples.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pioneer Woman apple crisp served warm with vanilla ice cream in a white bowl
Place the assembled apple crisp in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and crisp. The apples underneath should be tender and bubbly. Once baked, carefully remove the apple crisp from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. The aroma alone is a treat!
Serve warm and consider topping each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite ice cream flavor. Whipped cream is also a fantastic addition.
Why This Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe is a Winner
Fruit crisps are a beloved dessert for good reason, offering a comforting and delicious treat any time of year. However, there’s something particularly special about an apple crisp as the seasons turn and fall arrives. This Pioneer Woman apple crisp recipe stands out as the epitome of comfort dessert, especially when served warm with a contrasting scoop of cold ice cream.
While many apple crisp recipes focus heavily on the topping, sometimes at the expense of the apple filling, this recipe strikes the perfect balance. The use of eight Granny Smith apples might seem like a lot initially, but it results in a wonderfully hearty and flavorful base for the dessert. Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness, which balances beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar and brown sugar. They also hold their shape well during baking, providing a pleasing texture.
The crisp topping is the perfect complement, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft, tender apples. Every bite offers a combination of warm, flavorful apples and a satisfyingly crunchy topping. The addition of melted butter to the topping ensures maximum crispiness and a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the entire dessert. Adding ice cream takes it to another level, creating a delightful warm-and-cold sensation that is truly irresistible. Plus, this recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
If you’re looking for a slightly healthier twist, you could explore gluten-free variations by using gluten-free oats and flour alternatives, but this classic Pioneer Woman recipe is truly perfect as is for a comforting and satisfying dessert.
More Fall Dessert Inspiration
If you enjoyed this apple crisp, why not explore other delicious vintage apple desserts perfect for fall? From classic apple pie to comforting apple cobblers and cakes, there’s a world of apple-inspired treats to discover and bake. Enjoy the flavors of the season!
