Stovetop Apple Crisp
This stovetop apple crisp brings warm, spiced apples together with an easy granola topping, creating the perfect balance of tender and crunchy in every bite. It’s a comforting dessert that comes together quickly, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and caramelized apples.
Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting Prince Edward Island twice—first during the summer with my family and then in the fall with some some fellow food bloggers. During my summer trip, I had the chance to reconnect with my dear friend Crystal, who graciously gifted me this incredible cookbook, Canada’s Food Island, which has over 100 seasonal recipes and stories. One of them being this amazing, stovetop apple crisp.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick and easy – This stovetop apple crisp skips the oven, making it a fast and fuss-free dessert that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings!
- Minimal ingredients – With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples, this recipe delivers big flavor without a long shopping list or complicated steps.
- Customizable and convenient – Using ready-made granola as the topping adds a delicious crunch with zero prep, and you can easily adapt the flavors with your favorite granola blend or spices.
If you love fruit crisp, you must also try my Perfect Peach Crisp, Easy Rhubarb Crisp, and my traditional Baked Apple Crisp.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- salted butter
- brown sugar – light or dark
- ground cinnamon or apple pie spice
- baking apples – a sweet variety is best
- granola – homemade or store-bought
How to make stovetop apple crisp:
(The full written and printable recipe is further below.)
Step #1) Add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a cast iron skillet or heavy-duty frying pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter is melted.
Step #2) Add the apples. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally.
Step #3) Remove the lid and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken if needed.
Step #4) Remove from heat and carefully set aside. Evenly sprinkle the granola on top before serving.
How to serve:
Spoon the stovetop apple crisp into individual bowls. For an extra indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a healthier option, top with vanilla or plain Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup. Serve immediately for the best combination of warm apples and crisp granola!
Storing & freezing instructions:
Storing – Allow the cooked apple mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the granola topping separate in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain its crunch.
Freezing – The apple mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. To reheat the apple mixture, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts until heated through. Top with granola just before serving for the best texture.
Recipe FAQs:
Definitely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Make sure to check the granola label to ensure it’s vegan-friendly as well.
No problem! You can make a quick topping by toasting oats with a little butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a skillet. Alternatively, crumbled cookies or cereal can work as a crunchy substitute.
Yes! Prepare the apple mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving and add the granola topping just before eating to keep it crunchy.
This stovetop apple crisp embodies the spirit of Prince Edward Island—simple, wholesome, and utterly satisfying. It’s a quick dessert that brings warmth to your table, just like the people of PEI bring warmth to every visitor’s heart.
What are your favorite quick desserts? I’d love to hear your thoughts and memories of recipes inspired by your travels!
If you’ve tried this Stovetop Apple Crisp Recipe or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Stovetop Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (75g) salted butter
- 1/2 cup (110g) firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 6 cups apples, about 6-8 apples, cored and cut into 1/2" slices (peeled if desired)
- 1 1/2 cups granola, homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a cast iron skillet or heavy-duty frying pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter is melted.1/3 cup (75g) salted butter, 1/2 cup (110g) firmly packed brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp salt
- Add the apples. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally.6 cups apples
- Remove the lid and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken if needed.
- Remove from heat and carefully set aside. Evenly sprinkle the granola on top before serving.1 1/2 cups granola
The stovetop apple crisp is full of cinnamon flavor! Perfectly sweetened with brown sugar and crunchy with all that granola. I used store-bought granola for this recipe. Quick and easy to make.