Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp: The Perfect Fall Dessert

When apples are in season, few desserts hit the cozy spot like a warm apple crisp. The Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp brings together sweet-tart apples, spices, and a golden, buttery oat crumb topping. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat, but comforting enough to make for a gathering. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel, and you’ve got fall perfection on a plate.

Here’s a newly written version of the recipe structure and tips, capturing the spirit of the original but in fresh prose.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 8 medium Granny Smith (or baking) apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup water

For the Crispy Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 stick (8 Tbsp) salted butter, melted

Optional: vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Prep & preheat
   Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
2. Make the apple layer
   In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until evenly coated. Spread the apples in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the water evenly over the apples — this helps create a bit of syrup as it bakes.
3. Prepare the topping
   In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture clumps and forms a crumbly texture.
4. Assemble & bake
   Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling at the edges.
5. Cool & serve
   Let the crisp rest for 5–10 minutes after removing from the oven so it sets slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

• Apple choices matter: Use baking apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp. A mix of sweet and tart adds complexity.
• Don’t skip the water: That splash helps prevent the topping from drying out and gives the fruit layer a nice syrupy texture.
• Cold butter helps the topping: If your melted butter is too warm, parts of the topping may become pasty. You want clumps, not a paste.
• Nuts for crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra texture.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
• Make ahead option: Prepare the topping separately ahead of time (without butter). Keep apples coated and covered in the fridge; top and bake when ready.
• Leftover revival: Reheat in a low oven (300 °F / 150 °C) for 10 minutes to crisp topping again.

Nutritional Estimate & Timing

• Prep Time: ~15 minutes
• Bake Time: ~40–45 minutes
• Total Time: ~60 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Calories (estimate): ~350–450 per serving (varies with toppings and portion size)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on if you like more rustic texture — just slice apples a bit thinner so they cook evenly.

Why is there water in the recipe?
The water helps create moisture under the topping and ensures the apples soften without drying out the crisp. It turns into a light syrup as it bakes.

What if my topping browns too quickly?
If the topping is getting dark before the apples are cooked through, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remaining bake time.

How long can leftovers last?
Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven to revive the topping’s crispness.

Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes — after baking and cooling, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Can I skip oats in the topping?
You could, but the oats contribute chewiness and texture. If you omit them, increase the flour and maybe add nuts or extra crumb topping for balance.