Last Updated on January 8th, 2020

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.

This post was originally published on Nov. 25, 2013.

Say hello to 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:

Stovetop apple crisp ingredients and measurements:

For the apple crisp:

• 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
• 1.5 teaspoons sesame seeds

How to make stovetop apple crisp step by step:

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.

Put on the lid and cook the apples until they’re soft (about 7 min.).

Once the apples are done, prepare the topping. In a small non-stick pan, melt the butter, then stir in the remaining ingredients.

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, you 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 a stovetop apple crisp?

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
• Vanilla Cream with Cinnamon-Sugared Cranberries
• Raspberry Apple Crisp
• Lemon Cream Puffs
• Lemon Ginger Mousse
• Almond Orange Mousse with Anise
• Apple Tart with Chai-Spiced Custard Sauce

Print Recipe

4.58 from 7 votes

Stovetop Apple Crisp

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.

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: stovetop apple crisp

Servings: 4

Calories (estimated): 252kcal

Author: Nicole Branan

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:

• 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1.5 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).

Notes:

*I recommend that you use Gala apples for this recipe. I tested other apple varieties and even though many of them tasted good, they required vastly longer cooking times than Gala apples.

Made this recipe? It would be awesome if you could leave a rating. No need to type anything, just tap or click the stars in the recipe card and you’re done. Thanks!

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