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Cozy Salted Caramel Apple Crisp for Two – Easy Fall Dessert

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A perfectly portioned apple crisp for two with tender apples tossed in homemade salted caramel sauce and a buttery oat crumble topping. Ready in 30 minutes, this cozy dessert is ideal for a special treat without leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples (about 300g total), such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (30ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for finishing
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (30g)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (42g)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (56g), cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and starts to bubble, about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream while stirring. Continue stirring for another minute until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Apples: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place in a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Toss gently to coat. Pour the salted caramel sauce over the apples and stir to combine. Let sit while making the topping.
  3. Make the Oat Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together. Add cold cubed butter and work into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, forks, or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized butter pieces. If using nuts, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts.
  4. Assemble the Crisp: Transfer the caramel-coated apples to a small baking dish (about 3-cup capacity or 6×6 inches). Spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the apples without pressing down. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch drips.
  5. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling to set.
  6. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the top before serving. Serve warm, preferably with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Use room temperature cream for the caramel to prevent seizing. Don’t overmix the topping; cold butter is key for a crispy topping. Check apples at 20 minutes as ovens vary. Let the crisp rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to thicken. For extra caramel, double the caramel sauce recipe and drizzle half over the top when serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp, salted caramel, small batch, dessert for two, fall dessert, easy apple crisp, apple crisp for two