Easy Cast-Iron Skillet Apple Crisp
Warm cinnamon-spiced apples baked beneath a buttery oat crumble in a cast-iron skillet. A cozy American dessert served with vanilla ice cream.
By RecipeLily Editorial Team · Published October 13, 2026 · Updated November 13, 2026
Nothing says cozy homemade dessert quite like a warm Cast-Iron Skillet Apple Crisp. Tender cinnamon-spiced apples bake beneath a golden, buttery oat topping, filling the kitchen with the comforting aromas of fall.
This easy dessert combines sweet Honeycrisp apples with tart Granny Smith apples for a delicious balance of flavors. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg bring warmth to the filling, while rolled oats create a wonderfully crunchy topping.
Serve this skillet apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It's a wonderful dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas gatherings, weekend dinners, or a cozy evening at home.
RecipeLily.com
Easy Cast-Iron Skillet Apple Crisp
- Vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 40 mins
- Additional
- 15 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 15 mins
- Servings
- 8
- Yield
- 1 (10-inch) skillet
Ingredients
Servings: 8
- For the Apple Filling
- For the Oat Crumble Topping
- For the Skillet
- Optional Serving
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch oven-safe cast-iron skillet with 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter.
Step 2
Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3
Add the brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to the sliced apples. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 4
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared cast-iron skillet and spread it into an even layer.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 6
Add the cold, cubed butter to the oat mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse, crumbly clusters form.
Step 7
Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apples, covering the filling without pressing it down.
Step 8
Place the skillet on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices. Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown, the filling is bubbling, and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
Step 9
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Allow the apple crisp to cool for approximately 15 minutes so the filling can thicken slightly.
Step 10
Serve warm directly from the skillet with optional vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Cook’s Notes
For the best flavor, combine tart Granny Smith apples with sweet Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
Slice the apples evenly so they soften at approximately the same rate.
Keep the butter cold when preparing the crumble topping. Cold butter helps create a crumbly, golden texture.
If the topping browns too quickly before the apples are tender, loosely cover the skillet with aluminum foil.
Let the apple crisp rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the fruit juices to thicken.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3–4 days. Reheat until thoroughly warmed.
For a delicious finishing touch, serve with vanilla bean ice cream or warm caramel sauce.
