Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert that brings the flavors of fall into your home, then look no further than the Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp. This delightful dish is perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. With its sweet and tart apple filling, combined with a crunchy topping, this apple crisp recipe embodies homestyle cooking at its finest.
Why Make This Recipe
This Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp stands out because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, using ingredients you likely already have on hand. The combination of sweet apples and a spiced crumb topping creates a dish that is universally loved by both kids and adults. Plus, it’s versatile — you can enjoy it on its own, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle it with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. This recipe is perfect for any season, as it highlights the natural sweetness of fresh apples and warms your kitchen with inviting aromas.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp
Making this delicious apple crisp is straightforward and quick, making it the perfect dessert for even the busiest of weekdays.
Ingredients:
- 8 medium apples, peeled + chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup rolled oats
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of flour, vanilla extract, 1 tsp of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture into the greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix together ¾ cup of flour, ¾ cup of brown sugar, and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in the rolled oats, then spread this topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp
To serve this delightful apple crisp, spoon it into bowls while it’s still warm. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. If you prefer, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the ice cream for a decadent twist. Pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider makes it an enchanting treat for any occasion.
How to Store
Leftover apple crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To extend its shelf life, you can also freeze the cooled apple crisp. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor profile. Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter ones like Honeycrisp can enhance the taste of your apple crisp.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, consider adding more oats or using nuts like walnuts or pecans for additional texture.
- For a bit of extra sweetness, you can sprinkle some brown sugar over the topping before baking.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with the spices and flavors in the apple crisp. Try adding dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy element, or swap in different spices like allspice or cardamom. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free flour and oats.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for the apple crisp?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the dish, which can make it soggy.
What kind of apples are best for apple crisp?
Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn are excellent choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make the apple crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble and bake it right before serving.

Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 8 medium medium apples, peeled + chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
For the topping
- ¾ cup flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed for a crumbly texture
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of flour, vanilla extract, 1 tsp of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture into the greased baking dish.
Topping
- In another bowl, mix together ¾ cup of flour, ¾ cup of brown sugar, and 1 tsp of cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in the rolled oats, then spread this topping evenly over the apple filling.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.