Easy Apple Crisp in a Cast-Iron Skillet

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor while reducing saturated fat.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index but can be more expensive.

oats

🥗Healthier: quinoa flakes

💰Cheaper: rolled oats

Quinoa flakes provide a gluten-free option but may be pricier.

flour

🥗Healthier: almond flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Almond flour is gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor.

Peel, core, and cut Gala apples into wedges.

In a large bowl, add the apple wedges, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1/3 cup of white sugar, 2 tablespoons of corn starch, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Toss to combine and set aside.

In a large 10-inch cast-iron skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.

Once melted, add 1/3 cup of brown sugar and whisk together until it forms a paste.

Place the apple mixture into the skillet and let it simmer until the apples start to break down and release their juices.

In a medium-size bowl, combine 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of white sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk until combined.

Add 8 tablespoons of melted butter to the flour mixture and mix until it forms a paste.

Stir in 3/4 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of toffee bits.

Add 1/4 cup of water to the mixture to help create a sauce for the apples.

Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples in the skillet.

Bake in a 375°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the juices are bubbling.

For serving, you can serve immediately or bake the day before, let cool, cover with foil, and refrigerate.

30 minutes before serving, remove the foil, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water over the top, cover with foil again, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the topping is crunchy and juices are bubbling.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens