This warm, comforting and healthy stovetop apple crisp takes a total of only 20 minutes to prepare and does not compromise on flavor. You cook the apples in a skillet and sprinkle them with a buttery and crunchy toasted oat, pecan and sesame seed topping. The recipe works equally well as a delicious dessert or a healthy after-school snack.
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A quick, easy and healthy no-bake stovetop apple crisp
Apple crisps are one of the most delicious ways to eat apples in my opinion but I‘m not always willing to put in the time to bake a crisp. That’s why I love this stovetop recipe, it takes only 20 minutes to prepare, tastes great and you won’t even need to fire up the oven. Here is what you need and how you make it:
Ingredients:
For the apples:
- 4 Gala apples
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds
How to make it:
Step 1. Cut, core and peel the apples, then cut them into 1/2-inch chunks.
Melt the butter in a skillet, then add the apple chunks, the brown sugar and the cinnamon. Mix everything around until well combined.
Step 2. Put on the lid and cook the apples until they’re soft (about 7 min.).
Step 3. Once the apples are done, prepare the topping. In a small non-stick pan, melt the butter, then stir in the remaining ingredients.
Step 4. Toast the topping until it is crunchy, then sprinkle over the apples.
RECIPE NOTE: One quick word of caution about the topping: it’s very easy to burn it, so don’t take your eyes off the pan. No texting while cooking for this one!
How to serve apple crisp:
To serve, add the warm cinnamon apples into individual serving bowls and sprinkle them with the toasty oat/nut/sesame mix. You can put a dollop of whipped cream (or ice cream) on top but I find that the crisp already tastes mighty delicious by itself and also makes a great (and healthy) snack.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Literally however many you need. Because you’re not locked into the volume of a baking dish, you can easily scale this recipe up or down to however many servings you like (one of the great advantages of stovetop desserts). The recipe card below is set to four servings but you can use the portion slider and easily adjust the number to your liking.
What apple variety is best for this recipe?
I recommend that you use Gala apples for this stovetop apple crisp recipe. I tested other apple varieties and even though many of them tasted good, they required vastly longer cooking times than Gala apples.
Is this apple crisp gluten free?
Yes, as long as you make sure to use rolled oats that have not been contaminated with gluten-containing ingredients during processing, this apple crisp is gluten-free.
More fruit desserts:
- Raspberry Custard
- Mini Apple Cakes with Cinnamon Whipped Cream
- Apple Tart with Chai-Spiced Custard Sauce
Made this recipe? It would be awesome if you could leave a rating. Either tap or click the stars in the recipe card or leave a comment below. Thanks!
Recipe Card
Stovetop Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
For the apples:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 Gala* apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the topping:
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 1 ½ teaspoons sesame seeds
- whipped cream and/or vanilla ice cream (optional)
Instructions:
For the apples:
- Melt the butter in a skillet.
- Add the apples, cinnamon and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Put the lid on and let the apples cook on medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft (about 7 minutes).
For the topping:
- Melt the butter in a non-stick pan.
- Add remaining 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).
- Serve apples in a bowl and sprinkle the topping on.
- Top with ice cream or whipped cream (optional).
Kelly | Foodtasia
Nicole, this apple crisp looks so delicious! Love that crispy topping -YUM!
Nicole Branan
Thank you, Kelly! I love the topping too, I make it all the time (sometimes even without the apples :)).
Karen D
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 Branan
That’s so wonderful to hear, Karen! Such a great idea to use nectarines, I’m going to have to try that! :)
Toni
Can I use quick oats to make the crisp topping?
Nicole Branan
Yes, that will work fine.
Karla Grigsby
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 Branan
That is so great to hear, Karla! Thank you so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it! :)
Chandni
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 Branan
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
Please do! And you are most welcome Nicole. Please keep more such recipes coming. It’s very motivating for budding home chefs :)
Sian
Thanks for this recipe – I’ve used the no bake topping twice for a speedy dessert and my family loves it!
Nicole Branan
That is SO GREAT to hear, Sian! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback, I really appreciate it. :)
Adam
Wow this sounds good because i need to make a desert for a boyscout trip im going on this weekend i think ill try this.
Nicole B.
That sounds great, I hope you like it, Adam! It’s my favorite dessert, I have made it countless times and could eat it everyday. :)
Michelle
Nicole, I love your recipe for a no bake crisp topping. It looks delicious and I will have to try it out!
Nicole B.
Glad you are intrigued, Michelle! Let me know how you like it. :)
Allyson
Yum! saw this on food gawker and now I am pinning! This looks so tasty and comforting!
Dina
sounds delish and easy!