This easy stovetop apple crisp takes only 20 minutes to make and does not compromise on flavor. You cook the apples in melted butter with cinnamon and brown sugar in a skillet, then make a toasted topping.
In addition to the traditional topping ingredients (rolled oats, brown sugar, butter, pecans) I also added sesame seeds to this recipe. The seeds add a unique flavor that works amazingly well in this dessert.
5-Star Reader Review: "Made this for breakfast with plain greek yogurt on the side and it was sooo so good!! I used pink lady apples and it turned out great. Love it."
How to make it:
See full ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below!
- Cut, core and peel the apples, then cut into ½-inch chunks. Melt butter, then add the apple chunks, brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
- Put on the lid and cook the apples until soft (about 7 minutes).
- To make the topping, melt butter in a small pan. Stir in brown sugar, rolled oats, chopped pecans and sesame seeds.
- Cook the topping on low heat until crunchy.
How to serve it:
Add the warm cinnamon apples into individual serving bowls, then sprinkle with the toasty oat/nut/sesame mix. You can put a dollop of whipped cream (or ice cream) on top, if you like.
Full Recipe
Stovetop Apple Crisp
Equipment:
Ingredients:
Method:
- Melt the butter in a skillet.2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add apples, cinnamon and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.4 large Gala* apples, peeled, cored and cut into ½-inch chunks, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- Put on the lid. Let the apples cook on medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft (about 7 minutes).
- Melt the butter in a small pan.½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- Add sugar, oats, pecans and sesame seeds and brown for a few minutes until crunchy. (Do this on relatively low heat and watch closely, it will burn easily.)1 teaspoon light brown sugar, ¼ cup rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats), ¼ cup chopped pecans, 1 ½ teaspoons sesame seeds
- Serve apples in a bowl and sprinkle the topping on.
- Top with ice cream or whipped cream (optional).
Jelena says
I'd love to make this crisp, but wonder about the approximate weight of the apples. I bought some Gala apples, but they're on the smallish side. Thanks in advance and happy holidays 💖
Nicole B. says
Thank you for the question, Jelena. I always use apples that weigh between 8 and 9 ounces each. I'll add that info to the recipe card. Happy Holidays to you too!
Tiffani Williams says
Excellent
Nicole B. says
Thanks! So glad you like it!
Deanne Evans says
I put the toppings in on top of apples, cinnamon, brown sugar and butter. Cooked for a couple minutes then let it sit for 5 minutes. Ate it with Greek vanilla yogurt on the side. Very yummy and healthier. Thank you!!
Nicole B. says
You're welcome, Deanne! I'm so happy to hear that you liked this recipe. Thanks so much for making it and sharing your review!
Jim W. says
Wow, this is fantastic! I had some sliced apples simmering with a little water in a skillet and then added cinnamon and some maple syrup. I googled ‘apple crisp’ and found your topping recipe, which I modified based on what I had. It was Quaker Oats, brown sugar, some pecan pieces, and maple syrup; toasted this in a pan on the stove. Mixed the toasted topping with the cooked apples and put a serving in a bowl with some soy milk on top, it’s like the greatest granola ever! Fast and easy! Thank you!
Nicole B. says
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Jim!! I am so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Jacey says
Made this for breakfast with plain greek yogurt on the side and it was sooo so good!! I used pink lady apples and it turned out great. Love it.
Nicole B. says
I'm thrilled to hear that, Jacey! Thanks so much for coming back and leaving a review, I appreciate that!!
Orion says
This was absolutely incredible! I didn't have the pecans and so I meant to double the oats but forgot, and it genuinely tasted like kettle corn. I highly recommend trying it with half the nuts/oats or double the butter and sugar! Even the apples alone were delicious though. I topped it with canned whipped cream and this is definitely one of the best desserts I've had in a while. I look forward to trying it with the nuts!
Nicole B. says
That's wonderful to hear, so glad you enjoyed it!!
Karen D says
I substituted nectarines from a friends tree and threw in some fresh blueberries for color. I topped it off with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.Everyone raved about how good this recipe tasted! I will definitely use this recipe again.
Nicole B. says
That's so wonderful to hear, Karen! Such a great idea to use nectarines, I'm going to have to try that! :)
Toni says
Can I use quick oats to make the crisp topping?
Nicole B. says
Yes, that will work fine.
Karla Grigsby says
Needed a healthy snack/dessert for my 2yr old son.tried this recipe he absolutely loved the no bake topping. not only did he love it so did my husband and I.Thx for this one!
Nicole B. says
That is so great to hear, Karla! Thank you so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it! :)
Chandni says
Hi! Tried this recipe today and it was really good :) Was in a hurry so replaced the nuts and seeds with museli with nuts. Thanks for this one!
Nicole B. says
That's so great to hear, Chandni! Thanks for leaving such a nice comment, I really appreciate it! Such a great idea to substitute muesli, I have to try that. :)
Chandni says
Please do! And you are most welcome Nicole. Please keep more such recipes coming. It's very motivating for budding home chefs :)
Sian says
Thanks for this recipe - I've used the no bake topping twice for a speedy dessert and my family loves it!
Nicole B. says
That is SO GREAT to hear, Sian! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback, I really appreciate it. :)