Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe – Warm, Sweet, and Buttery

Nothing beats a cozy fall dessert like Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp. This recipe brings tender, spiced apples topped with a golden oat crumble that’s buttery, crunchy, and irresistibly sweet. The simple steps make it perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert everyone asks for again and again. Whether you love classic comfort food or need a crowd-pleasing treat, this Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp delivers flavor, texture, and homestyle charm in every bite. It’s one of those desserts that feels special yet requires minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy days and holiday tables alike.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp

You’ll love this Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp recipe because it’s the definition of cozy comfort, blending tender apples with a crisp oat topping that always tastes homemade. The apples bake until soft and juicy, while cinnamon and vanilla add warmth that fills the whole kitchen. On top, you get a buttery oat crumble that turns crisp and golden, giving every bite a sweet crunch. This recipe feels homemade in the best way and is incredibly versatile. It works with a mix of tart and sweet apples, so you can use what you have on hand. Plus, it’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dessert yet delicious enough to share at a holiday table. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel, making it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Filling

• Apples (8 medium): Peel and chop; mixing sweet and tart varieties adds depth.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and caramelizes the fruit.
• Flour (¼ cup): Thickens the juices as the apples bake.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings warm spice.
• Nutmeg (½ tsp, optional): Adds a hint of nutty warmth.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Gives cozy depth.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness.

For the Crisp Topping

• Flour (¾ cup): Creates structure.
• Brown sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and adds chew.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Enhances the spice.
• Cold butter (½ cup, cubed): Keeps the topping crumbly and crisp.
• Rolled oats (1 cup): Add chewy crunch.

Optional Toppings

Chopped nuts for crunch, salted caramel drizzle for richness, or vanilla ice cream for that classic finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Apples

Peel and chop eight medium apples into bite-size pieces. In a large bowl, mix them with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until evenly coated. Pour this mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly. Stir in the rolled oats until combined.

Assemble and Bake

Spread the crumbly topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp tastes incredible warm, and the recipe is even better when paired with vanilla ice cream or salted caramel. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any meal feel special.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Always use cold butter for the topping—it’s what keeps this Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp crunchy and golden, just like a bakery-style dessert. For the apples, a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp or Pink Lady balances tartness and sweetness. If you don’t have oats, you can swap them for flour, though the topping will be more cookie-like. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and oats. If you prefer less sugar, reduce the brown sugar slightly in the filling or topping. Nuts like pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the topping for added crunch. You can also prepare the crisp ahead by assembling and refrigerating it overnight, then baking fresh the next day.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

After baking, let the Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp cool completely before storing, so the topping stays crisp and the apples hold their flavor. It can sit at room temperature for up to 8 hours. For longer storage, cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, either before baking or after—it will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until warmed through. This way, you’ll enjoy the same crisp topping and tender apples every time.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp is about 310 calories, with 12g of fat, 50g of carbs, 31g of sugar, 4g of fiber, and 2g of protein. It also contains about 90mg of sodium. While it’s a sweet treat, it can fit into a balanced day, especially when paired with lighter meals. Enjoy it as a cozy dessert for gatherings or a special weekend indulgence.

Explore Similar Recipes

If you love this, you’ll also enjoy trying a Classic Apple Crisp Recipe with Cozy Comfort. For something festive, check out the Mummy Brownies Recipe – Perfect Halloween Treats. You might also like Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – Moist and Flavorful or the creamy Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake – Creamy and Cozy Dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp is warm, sweet, and so simple to make. With its tender apples and buttery oat topping, it’s the kind of dessert that brings comfort to any table. Whether you serve it for holidays, family dinners, or just because, it always delights. Try it this weekend, and you’ll see why it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat. For more cozy dessert inspiration, you can also check out ideas on Pinterest.

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