Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp Recipe – A Cozy, Homemade Classic

Few desserts bring the same sense of warmth and nostalgia as Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp.

With its tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery oat crumble topping, this dish captures the essence of homemade comfort food.

It’s a beloved menu item at Cracker Barrel, known for its rich flavors and satisfying crunch.

The best part? You don’t have to visit the restaurant to enjoy this delicious treat.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the iconic Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dessert or a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe

Authentic Cracker Barrel Flavor

This recipe stays true to the flavors you know and love from the original.

The combination of tart apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and buttery oat topping gives it that signature taste and texture.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this apple crisp.

Most of the items are pantry staples, making it an easy go-to dessert whenever you have apples on hand.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it as a casual family dessert, bringing it to a potluck, or making it for the holidays, this apple crisp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly

This recipe can be prepped ahead of time and baked when needed.

You can also store leftovers in the freezer for a quick and delicious treat whenever the craving strikes.

With its perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch, this homemade Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp is a dessert you’ll come back to again and again!

Stay tuned as we walk through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make it flawless every time.

Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Crisp

Creating the perfect Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp starts with the right ingredients.

Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and golden, buttery crumble that make this dessert irresistible.

For the Apple Filling:

• 4–5 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix) – peeled, cored, and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – adds the perfect amount of sweetness
• ¼ cup brown sugar – deepens the flavor with a caramel-like richness
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – enhances the warmth of the apples
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – optional but adds depth
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – brings out the natural apple flavor
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – prevents browning and balances sweetness
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens the apple filling for a syrupy texture

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats – creates the signature crispy texture
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – helps bind the topping
• ½ cup brown sugar – caramelizes for a rich, crunchy topping
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – infuses warm spice throughout
• ¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes) – creates a buttery, golden topping
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – adds a nutty crunch

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into making this delicious homemade apple crisp!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp

Making this Cracker Barrel-inspired apple crisp is easy and requires minimal effort.

Follow these steps for the perfect balance of tender apples and crispy topping.

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
3. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated and the mixture begins to look syrupy.
4. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

1. In another bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to blend it into the dry ingredients until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture.
3. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, ensuring full coverage.
2. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
3. Remove from the oven and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the filling to set.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
• For a lighter option, enjoy it with whipped cream or Greek yogurt.

This homemade Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated for a delicious treat anytime! Stay tuned for tips on making it even better.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Apple Crisp

A warm serving of Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp is already a delightful treat, but a few thoughtful additions can take it to the next level.

Whether you’re craving extra indulgence or a unique twist, here are some delicious ways to enjoy this classic dessert.

Classic & Indulgent Toppings

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The contrast of warm apple crisp and cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.
• Whipped Cream – A light and airy alternative that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Caramel Drizzle – A warm caramel sauce enhances the rich, buttery flavors of the crisp.
• Maple Syrup – For a natural sweetness that complements the cinnamon-spiced apples.

Creative Twists for a Unique Flavor

• Cheddar Cheese – A classic pairing with apples! Try a thin slice of sharp cheddar melted on top for a sweet and savory combination.
• Chopped Nuts – Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds add extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting – A quick sprinkle before serving enhances the warm spice profile.
• A Splash of Bourbon – Add a drizzle of bourbon to the apples before baking for a deep, caramelized richness.

Pairings for the Perfect Dessert Experience

• With a Hot Beverage – Enjoy it alongside coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
• As a Breakfast Option – Serve leftovers over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a morning twist.
• With Fresh Berries – A handful of raspberries or blueberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness.

No matter how you serve it, this Cracker Barrel-inspired apple crisp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Tips & Tricks for the Best Apple Crisp

Making the perfect apple crisp is all about getting the right balance of flavors and textures.

Follow these expert tips to ensure your dessert turns out crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious every time.

Choosing the Best Apples

• For the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, use a mix of Granny Smith (tart) and Honeycrisp or Fuji (sweet).
• Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious—they can turn mushy during baking.

Perfecting the Crumble Topping

• Use cold butter when making the topping to create a crisp, crumbly texture. Soft butter will make it too greasy.
• Don’t overmix! The topping should have small clumps rather than a smooth dough.
• Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra crunch.

Preventing a Soggy Apple Crisp

• Toss the apple slices with cornstarch or flour to help thicken the juices as they bake.
• Avoid overcrowding the apples in the baking dish—spread them in an even layer.
• If your crisp looks too watery after baking, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make it ahead: Assemble the crisp and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze it: Bake and let it cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Reheating leftovers: For best results, warm individual portions in the oven to maintain the crisp texture.

With these tips, you’ll achieve bakery-quality apple crisp every time! Up next, we’ll cover common mistakes to avoid so your dessert turns out perfectly golden and delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can go wrong if a few key details are overlooked.

To ensure your Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Using the Wrong Type of Apples

• Soft apples, like Red Delicious or McIntosh, break down too much and turn mushy.
• Instead, use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, which hold their shape and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

2. Not Thickening the Apple Filling

• If you skip adding cornstarch or flour, the apple mixture may turn out too watery.
• A little cornstarch helps thicken the juices, creating a luscious, syrupy filling instead of a soupy mess.

3. Overmixing the Crumble Topping

• The topping should be crumbly and coarse—not doughy or smooth.
• Overmixing or using melted butter instead of cold butter will make the topping greasy rather than crispy.

4. Baking at the Wrong Temperature

• If your oven is too hot, the topping can burn before the apples are fully cooked.
• If it’s too low, the crisp won’t brown properly. Stick to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.

5. Not Letting It Rest Before Serving

• The apple crisp needs at least 10–15 minutes to cool slightly after baking.
• This allows the filling to set and prevents it from being too runny when served.

By keeping these mistakes in mind, you’ll get a perfectly balanced, crispy, and flavorful apple crisp every time!

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp!

Now that you have the perfect Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp recipe, it’s time to bake and enjoy!

With its warm, spiced apples and crunchy, buttery topping, this dessert is guaranteed to bring comfort and joy to any occasion.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or a holiday treat, this apple crisp will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Serve it with vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, or a hot cup of coffee, and savor every bite.

We’d love to hear how your apple crisp turned out! Leave a comment below and let us know if you tried any variations or have a favorite way to serve it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use canned or frozen apples instead of fresh ones?

Yes, but fresh apples give the best texture and flavor.

If using canned apples, drain them well to prevent excess moisture.

For frozen apples, thaw and pat them dry before using.

2. How do I store leftovers, and how long will they last?

Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore the crisp texture.

3. Can I make this apple crisp gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the apple crisp and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

You can also freeze the unbaked crisp for up to 3 months—just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?

To keep the topping crispy, make sure the apple mixture isn’t too watery, use cold butter in the crumble, and avoid covering the dish while it cools.

Reheat leftovers in the oven, not the microwave, to maintain the crispiness.