Salted Caramel Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream: A Perfect Fall Dessert

What is Salted Caramel Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream?

Salted Caramel Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is a rich and comforting dessert, perfect for fall. Imagine warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, crunchy oat crisp, all drizzled with velvety salted caramel sauce. To take it up a notch, it’s paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm crisp. It’s a showstopper that will impress guests or provide a comforting treat for a cozy evening at home.

Origin of Salted Caramel Apple Crisp

The origins of the classic apple crisp can be traced back to England, where people would bake apples topped with a crumbly mixture of oats, sugar, and butter, creating a delightful dessert. However, the salted caramel twist is more modern and inspired by the widespread love for caramelized flavors. Salted caramel has become a beloved flavor combination in desserts globally, adding a sophisticated sweet-salty balance. The addition of vanilla ice cream brings a creamy contrast to the warm, buttery crisp, creating a perfect bite every time.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups apples (about 5–6 medium), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
  (Best varieties: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

(You can use store-bought caramel sauce — just warm and add a pinch of flaky sea salt — or make it from scratch below.)

Homemade Caramel (optional):

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Directions for Preparation

1. Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together so the apples are well-coated.
3. Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized dish).

2. Make the Crisp Topping

1. In a separate mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix it in using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse sand with small butter chunks.
3. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling, covering it completely.

3. Bake the Crisp

• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
• Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. The caramel sauce will thicken as it cools.

4. Make the Salted Caramel (If Homemade)

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts into a deep amber color.
2. Add the cubed butter to the melted sugar (be cautious, as it will bubble up). Stir until the butter is fully incorporated.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in flaky sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling over the crisp.

5. Serve

1. Scoop the warm apple crisp into bowls.
2. Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each serving.
3. Drizzle with the homemade salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.

Tips & Variations for a Perfect Apple Crisp

• Add nuts: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch in the topping.
• Mix apples: Use a combination of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
• Fruit twist: Experiment with a pear + apple combination for a unique twist on the classic.
• Make ahead: If you’re preparing this dessert in advance, you can assemble the apple filling and crisp topping, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits for the apple crisp?

Yes! While apples are the traditional choice, you can substitute them with other fruits like pears, berries, or even a combination of fruits for a unique flavor.

2. How do I store leftover salted caramel apple crisp?

Store the crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.

3. Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the caramel sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply reheat it gently before drizzling over the crisp.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free oats and substitute the flour with cornstarch for the apple filling, and a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the topping.

5. How do I prevent the topping from becoming too soggy?

Make sure the apples are well-drained and that you have enough cinnamon and sugar to create a thick syrup. A thicker syrup will prevent the topping from absorbing too much liquid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Salted Caramel Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is the epitome of fall desserts—rich, indulgent, and utterly comforting. The marriage of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, a golden, oat-filled topping, and a creamy vanilla ice cream finish, all drizzled with a homemade salted caramel sauce, makes for a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to delight any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening with family, this dessert will bring warmth and joy to your table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s the perfect way to end a cozy fall meal. Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream: A Perfect Fall Dessert

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Salted Caramel Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is a rich and comforting dessert, perfect for fall. Imagine warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, crunchy oat crisp, all drizzled with velvety salted caramel sauce. To take it up a notch, it’s paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm crisp. It’s a showstopper that will impress guests or provide a comforting treat for a cozy evening at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups apples (about 5–6 medium), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
  Best varieties: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

(You can use store-bought caramel sauce — just warm and add a pinch of flaky sea salt — or make it from scratch below.)

Homemade Caramel (optional):

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ tsp flaky sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

3. Transfer to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size).

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2. Make the Crisp Topping

1. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

2. Add cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly (like coarse sand).

3. Sprinkle evenly over the apple mixture.

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3. Bake

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.

• Let cool slightly before serving (the sauce will thicken as it sits).

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4. Make the Salted Caramel (if homemade)

1. Heat sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a deep amber color.

2. Add butter (carefully — it will bubble). Stir until melted.

3. Slowly pour in cream while stirring. Simmer for 1 minute.

4. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Cool slightly before drizzling.

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5. Serve

• Scoop warm apple crisp into bowls.

• Top with vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

• Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty finish. 😋

Notes

For an irresistible finish, drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the warm apple crisp just before serving. You can add a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor. Pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl with ice cream
• Calories: 420

Keywords: Salted Caramel Apple Crisp