Looking for an easy apple crisp recipe that’s healthy and full of fall flavors? This skillet apple crisp has wholesome ingredients like Honeycrisp apples, maple syrup, and old-fashioned oats. Baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, it will fill your home with autumn’s warm, cozy scent. Serve this delicious dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat!

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Apple Crisp

Healthy Ingredients: Sweetened with maple syrup, this apple crisp is a healthier alternative to traditional brown sugar recipes.
One-Skillet Dessert: This apple crisp is easy to prepare and bake and is made entirely in a 12-inch cast iron skillet.
Simple and Easy: This recipe uses pantry staples like oats, cinnamon, and butter and comes together quickly, with no need for lemon juice.
Perfect for Fall: Enjoy this comforting dessert during apple season when fresh, juicy apples are at their peak.

a small bowl with skillet apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream

Apple Crisp Filling Ingredients

Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples to fill the skillet ¾ full. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady apples work best for this recipe.
Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the filling and enhances the fall flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple mixture.
Cinnamon & Allspice: Warm spices that bring out the classic fall flavors in every bite.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the apple filling.

Crisp Oat Topping Ingredients

Old-Fashioned Oats: Provides a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft apples.
Butter: Cold, sliced butter is key for a crumbly oat topping.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to bind the crisp topping together.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth to the topping for extra flavor.
Maple Syrup: A healthier alternative to sugar, adding just the right amount of sweetness.

Kitchen Tools (affiliate links): cast iron skillet | apple peeler or vegetable peeler | mixing bowl | measuring cups and spoons

apples with seasoning in a cast iron skillet

apples in a skillet covered with an oat topping

How to Make Skillet Apple Crisp with Maple Syrup

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with butter and set aside.
Peel, core, and dice the apples into ½-inch chunks. Add the apples to the skillet, filling it about ¾ full.
Add maple syrup and flour to the top of the apples in the skillet. Add cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla and stir well. Toss the apples in the sauce mixture until fully coated.
Place the skillet in the oven and bake the apples for 20 minutes, allowing them to soften.
While the apples bake, make the oat topping. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter slices using a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the oats and maple syrup.
Remove the skillet from the oven, and stir to re-coat them in the hot maple syrup mixture. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.
Allow the crisp to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. Allowing the crisp to cool gives the sauce a chance to thicken as it cools. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate fall dessert.

Recipe Tips for Making Skillet Apple Crisp with Maple Syrup

Best Apples for Apple Crisp: For the best texture and flavor, choose tart, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith. Avoid varieties like Red Delicious, which can become mealy and lose shape during baking.
Peeling Apples: For the best texture, peel your apples before baking. However, leaving the peel on is a personal preference if you enjoy a slightly chewier texture.
Choosing the Right Oats: Use old-fashioned oats for a crisp, hearty topping. Avoid quick or instant oats, which break down and lose texture during baking.
Toppings for Apple Crisp: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, or top with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy, delicious finish.

two bowls with apple crisp and vanilla ice cream. In the background is a cast iron skillet with apple crips

up close image of two bowls with apple crips

How to Store Leftover Apple Crisp

Leftover apple crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warm.

Love Apples?

If you’re a fan of all things apple, you’ll love these other delicious apple recipes:

Looking for more fall baking inspiration? Check out my recipe collection of Fall Desserts and Recipes