Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp
This Cracker Barrel Apple Crisp is a delicious, homemade version of the classic restaurant dessert. Featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, buttery oat crumble, this easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle for a truly comforting treat!
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk or Fork
- 1 Pastry cutter (or two forks)
- 1 Apple peeler, corer, and slicer
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 –5 large apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Crumble Topping:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Toss everything until the apples are evenly coated and look syrupy.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Stir in chopped nuts if using.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the apple crisp rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Apple Selection: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the apple crisp up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked crisp for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend.