Deep Dish Apple Crisp Recipe: The Perfect Comfort Dessert

If you’re a fan of cozy, warm desserts, then you’re in for a treat. This Deep Dish Apple Crisp is not only bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With its soft, spiced apple filling and perfectly crunchy topping, this dessert will quickly become a favorite for fall gatherings or even as a sweet finish to a weeknight dinner. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why Deep Dish?

Unlike traditional apple crisps, a deep dish version offers more of everything—more filling, more topping, and more comfort! Using a deep dish pan allows for a thicker layer of juicy apples, giving each bite the perfect balance between the soft apples and the crisp, buttery topping. It’s a great option when serving a crowd or when you just want a little extra dessert for the week.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

8 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crisp Topping:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup light brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a deep dish pie pan or an 8×8-inch square baking dish. This will prevent the apples and crisp from sticking to the dish as they bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Granny Smith apples are ideal because they maintain a firm texture and provide a tart contrast to the sweet topping. Honeycrisp apples, on the other hand, add a juicy sweetness. Using a combination of these apples creates a complex flavor profile for your Deep Dish Apple Crisp.

Once sliced, place the apples in a large mixing bowl and toss them with lemon juice. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning while also brightening the flavor of the filling.

Step 3: Season the Apple Filling

Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), flour, and vanilla extract to the apples. Mix everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated with the spices and sugars. The flour will help thicken the juices as the apples bake, preventing the crisp from becoming too runny.

Step 4: Transfer to the Dish

Pour the seasoned apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Be sure to spread the apples out evenly to ensure consistent baking.

Step 5: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, fold in the chopped nuts.

Step 6: Assemble the Crisp

Evenly distribute the topping over the apples. Be generous—this is a deep dish, after all, and you want every bite to have that delightful crunch!

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Serve

Allow the Deep Dish Apple Crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest time lets the filling set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Apples: As mentioned, Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are great choices for this recipe, but you can experiment with other varieties as well. Braeburn, Fuji, or Golden Delicious apples also work well. The key is to use apples that won’t turn mushy when baked.
Make It Ahead: If you’re planning to serve this dessert for a gathering, you can easily prepare the apple filling and crisp topping ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge and assemble the crisp just before baking.
Add Extra Flavor: For a twist, try adding a splash of bourbon or brandy to the apple filling. It adds a rich depth of flavor without overpowering the spices.
Oats and Toppings: If you prefer a slightly softer topping, you can substitute quick oats for the rolled oats. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to leave them out of the topping.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8)

Calories: 380
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 43g

While dessert is often indulgent, it’s always nice to know the nutritional breakdown. This deep dish apple crisp provides a good balance of fiber from the apples and oats, and you can adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar slightly if preferred.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just a cozy fall evening, this Deep Dish Apple Crisp is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The hardest part of this recipe is peeling the apples! Everything else comes together quickly, making it a great option for those who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness, or swap out the apples for pears for a unique twist.
Great for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), this apple crisp keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave for a warm, comforting treat.

Conclusion

This Deep Dish Apple Crisp is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. The combination of tender, spiced apples and a crunchy oat topping is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while making you feel cozy inside. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this apple crisp will impress with its simplicity and flavor.

Enjoy this recipe as part of your next meal and watch it disappear from the table. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll love it just as much as you do!