This easy apple crisp made with apple pie filling skips the peeling and slicing. A caramel-oat streusel topping adds extra flavor—ready in under an hour.
Apple desserts are a favorite in cooler months, and a well-made crisp is one of the simplest, most comforting options. This caramel apple crisp streamlines the process by using canned apple pie filling, paired with a brown sugar and oatmeal streusel inspired by a classic family recipe. The result is a warm, tender filling with a crunchy topping and just the right hint of caramel and cinnamon.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Apple Crisp
Use the list below for ingredient guidance and notes. Adjust sweetness to taste—see the Tips section for variations.
- 2 cans apple pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (ice cream topping) — optional or reduced if you prefer less sweetness
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated (white) sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 cup old fashioned or large-flake rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Quick Facts
- Yield: about 12 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 35–45 minutes
- Total time: approximately 45 minutes
Quick & Easy Caramel Apple Crisp with Pie Filling and Oatmeal
Combine the convenience of apple pie filling with an old-fashioned oat-and-brown-sugar crisp topping for a quick fall dessert that still tastes homemade.
Ingredient Notes
Use cold butter to create a crumbly streusel. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce or omit the caramel topping and use light brown sugar instead of dark.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, stir together the apple pie filling, caramel sauce (if using), and the cinnamon until evenly combined.
Step 2: Make the streusel topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oats. Cut in cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and the oats are evenly coated. Stir in the chopped pecans, if using.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple filling. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly at the edges and the topping turns golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the final 10 minutes.
Step 4: Rest and serve
Let the crisp cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
Step-by-Step Photos
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1. Stir together the apple pie filling and cinnamon. -
2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly in a 9×13-inch pan. -
3. Combine topping ingredients and cut in cold butter.
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4. The oat topping should be coarse and crumbly. -
5. Sprinkle the topping and nuts over the filling. -
6. Bake until bubbly and golden brown on top.
How to Serve
Apple crisp is best served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts make an appealing finishing touch. The contrast between hot filling and cold ice cream is especially comforting.
Variations and Tips
- Swap the apple pie filling for other fruit pie fillings—cherry, peach, or mixed berry all work well.
- For less sweetness, reduce the caramel sauce or omit it entirely. You can also reduce the granulated sugar in the topping by a tablespoon or two.
- Use quick oats in a pinch, but old-fashioned oats give the topping more texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm a full dish in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
More Crisp Ideas
- Peach crisp made with fresh peaches is wonderful in summer.
- Rhubarb crisp is a classic that balances tangy fruit with a sweet oat topping.
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