Sometimes you just need something warm and sweet without making a whole tray. This peanut butter apple crisp is the perfect solution for your solo cravings. It combines tart apples with gooey caramel and creamy peanut butter. You get all the comfort of a classic bake in one small dish.
This recipe delivers a crunchy oat topping that feels like a hug. It is timely for those crisp autumn evenings when you want a treat. You can have this peanut butter apple crisp ready in about 30 minutes. It is the ultimate way to use up that single apple in your fridge.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dessert is a winner because it requires minimal cleanup for maximum flavor. It is perfect for busy fall weeknights when you need a quick win. You only need one bowl and a small oven-safe dish. No leftovers means you won’t be tempted by extra sweets tomorrow.
The combination of peanut butter and caramel creates a rich, salty-sweet sauce. It coats the apples perfectly as they soften in the oven. This recipe is a great way to enjoy seasonal produce. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery in minutes.
Simple Method
Making this dessert is incredibly straightforward and fast. You simply toss the sliced apples in the caramel and peanut butter. Then, you mix the dry ingredients with a bit of cold butter. Even if you have never baked before, you can do this. It is a foolproof way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Simple Ingredients
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry and fridge right now.
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, toss apple slices with caramel sauce and warmed peanut butter until evenly coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture into a small individual-sized ramekin or oven-safe dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture using a fork until it reaches a crumbly texture.
- Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this dessert warm right in its cute little ramekin. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect companion. The cold cream melts into the warm peanut butter apple crisp beautifully. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Set the table and enjoy this during a quiet movie night. It feels much more special than just grabbing a cookie. If you are feeling fancy, drizzle a little extra caramel over the top. It is the perfect end to a cozy day.
Storage & Reheating
This dessert is definitely best when eaten fresh and warm. If you do have leftovers, cover the dish and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to two days. To reheat, place it in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes. This helps the oat topping stay nice and crunchy.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a tart Granny Smith apple to balance the sweet caramel.
- Don’t skip the pinch of salt in the crumble topping.
- Warm the peanut butter slightly so it coats the apples easily.
- Use very cold butter to get the best crumbly texture.
- Slice your apples thinly so they soften quickly in the oven.
- For a holiday treat, add a few dried cranberries to the mix.
- Check the crisp at 18 minutes to ensure the oats don’t burn.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend if needed.
- Use almond butter or sunflower butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- Try using a pear instead of an apple during the winter.
Common Questions
Can I make this in the microwave?
You can, but the topping will not be crispy. Cook for 2-3 minutes on high until the apples are soft. The oven is much better for that golden crunch.
What if I don’t have a ramekin?
Any small oven-safe glass or ceramic dish will work perfectly. Just make sure it is rated for 375°F temperatures. A small muffin tin can even work in a pinch.
Will kids enjoy this recipe?
Most kids love the combination of apples and peanut butter. It is a fun, kid-approved treat that they can help assemble. Just be careful with the hot dish out of the oven.
I hope this cozy peanut butter apple crisp makes your evening a little brighter. It is the perfect way to treat yourself to something special. Happy baking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon all -purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch sal t
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, toss apple slices with caramel sauce and warmed peanut butter until evenly coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture into a small individual-sized ramekin or oven-safe dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture using a fork until it reaches a crumbly texture.
- Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
