Description
Easy Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert made with tender baked apples and a golden crumb topping. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a clever cake mix shortcut to deliver consistent flavor and texture. It is approachable for beginners while still tasting homemade and satisfying, making it a dependable dessert for everyday enjoyment.
Ingredients
Medium apples that are peeled, cored, and evenly sliced
Water to create gentle steam and soften the apples while baking
White cake mix used as the base for the crisp topping
Packed brown sugar for moisture and caramel like sweetness
Ground cinnamon for warmth and classic apple spice flavor
Melted butter to bind the topping and create a golden finish
Optional alcohol free vanilla flavor such as Alcohol Free Simply Organic or Watkins Clear Vanilla Flavor for added aroma
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish so the crisp does not stick
2. Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them evenly for consistent baking
3. Spread the sliced apples evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish
4. Gently pour the water over the apples so it settles at the bottom and creates moisture
5. Combine the cake mix, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl until evenly blended
6. Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir until a crumbly topping forms
7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples without pressing it down
8. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake until the apples are tender and the top is golden and bubbly
9. Remove from the oven and allow the crisp to rest briefly so the juices thicken before serving
Notes
Firm apple varieties provide the best texture and hold their shape during baking
Slicing the apples evenly helps them cook at the same rate and prevents uneven texture
Avoid overmixing the topping to keep it light and crumbly rather than dense
Letting the crisp rest after baking improves both texture and flavor
This recipe can be adjusted slightly for sweetness depending on the natural flavor of the apples used
- Prep Time: Fifteen minutes
- Cook Time: Fifty five minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American