Cinnamon-Spiced Skillet Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Warm baked apples infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble, baked in a cast iron skillet. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, toss 5 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples with 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until apples are evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the apple mixture to a 10-inch cast iron skillet, spreading into an even layer.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add 6 tbsp cold diced unsalted butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the skillet. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Skillet Apple Crisp with Oat Topping take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Skillet Apple Crisp with Oat Topping?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Skillet Apple Crisp with Oat Topping?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon-Spiced Skillet Apple Crisp with Oat Topping for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon-Spiced Skillet Apple Crisp with Oat Topping?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.