Before we begin, let me just say—thank you for stopping by. Every time I share one of these cozy, no-fuss recipes from my kitchen, I imagine you curled up with your favorite mug, maybe a few apples on the counter, thinking, “What can I bake today without pulling out a rolling pin?” Well… this one’s for you.
This Deep Dish Apple Crisp skips the crust entirely—but don’t let that fool you. It’s warm, tender, buttery, and beautifully spiced with cinnamon. The top bakes up into a golden, chewy cookie-like layer that hugs those sweet, soft apples underneath. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream? You’ll never miss the crust.
🍏 Overview of This Recipe
No pie crust. No stress. Just a big dish of cozy, cinnamon-kissed apples tucked under a golden-brown topping that’s part crisp, part cobbler, part soft cookie. It bakes in one dish and comes together with pantry staples.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp
- No crust to roll or fuss with!
- Uses common ingredients—nothing fancy here
- Sweet, spiced, buttery—like fall in every bite
- Perfect with ice cream or whipped cream
- Great for potlucks, cozy nights in, or holiday tables
And let me tell you—a certain someone in my house couldn’t even wait until I snapped a photo before digging in. That’s when I knew this one was gold.
🍎 What It Tastes Like
The apples bake until soft but not mushy—think juicy, tender, and just tart enough. The topping? Almost like a buttery sugar cookie met a cake and decided to team up. The outside gets slightly crisp, the inside stays chewy, and the whole dish is full of warm vanilla and cinnamon flavor.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Apples:
- Enough peeled, sliced apples to fill an 8-inch deep dish pie plate
(Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter touch)
For the Topping:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar (reserve ¼ cup to mix with cinnamon)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon melted butter or margarine
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- 8-inch deep-dish pie plate or small baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Vegetable peeler
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
🔄 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Apples: Any firm baking variety works. Mix tart + sweet for balance.
- Butter vs. Margarine: Either works, but butter gives more richness.
- No vanilla? Almond extract (just ¼ tsp!) adds a lovely twist.
- Want it less sweet? Reduce sugar to ¾ cup total.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your deep dish pie plate or baking dish.
2. Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples. Fill the bottom of your pie dish—you want a generous layer (at least 1½ to 2 inches deep).
3. Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir ¼ cup of the sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the apples.
4. Make the Batter Topping
In a mixing bowl, beat together:
- 2 eggs
- Remaining ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
Stir until a smooth, thick batter forms.
5. Spread & Bake
Spoon the batter over the apples and gently spread it to the edges. It doesn’t need to be perfect—it’ll puff and spread as it bakes.
Place the dish on a baking sheet (in case of drips) and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set in the center.
6. Cool Slightly & Serve
Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up—and lets you avoid lava tongue! Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
🍽 What to Serve With It
- Vanilla bean ice cream – classic and dreamy
- Whipped cream with cinnamon – light and airy
- Warm caramel drizzle – if you’re feeling extra
- Sharp cheddar cheese – sounds odd, but it’s an old-school favorite!
💡 Tips for Success
- Slice apples evenly for even baking
- Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until combined
- Use fresh baking powder for the perfect lift
- Let it cool slightly before slicing for best texture
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm (or microwave if you’re impatient!)
- Make ahead by prepping the apples and mixing the batter separately—combine just before baking
📌 FAQs
→ Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9x13-inch baking dish and increase bake time by about 10 minutes.
→ Can I freeze it?
Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in oven.
→ Can I add oats to the topping?
Definitely! Stir in ½ cup rolled oats for a crunchier top.
→ Is this gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Deep Dish Apple Crisp is my kind of dessert: simple, homey, and made with love. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone into the kitchen just by the smell alone—and gets them to stay for seconds.
Perfect for busy nights, holidays, or just because you’ve got apples to use. 💛
🥧 More Cozy Dessert Ideas
- Classic Peach Cobbler
- Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
- Warm Cinnamon Sugar Skillet Apples
- Easy Berry Dump Cake
🍏 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, Serves 6)
- Calories: 290
- Carbs: 50g
- Sugar: 32g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
(For estimation only. Actual values may vary.)
🧁 Tried it? Let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment, share a photo, or tag me on social. There’s nothing better than knowing this little crisp brought a little warmth into your home, too
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