Speaking of irresistible fall comfort foods…you’re either going to love me or hate me for this (let’s go with ❤️ though, mmkay?) What if I told you you could make just enough apple crisp for two, using ingredients I can almost guarantee you already have in the house, and that it can be made in one skillet on the stovetop in under 15 minutes?
We’re talking gluten-free, easily made dairy-free, speak to your SOUL Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two! All the things you love about regular apple crisp – tender, cinnamon-spiced apples smothered under a crunchy crisp topping – except you can make just enough for an evening nightcap and you don’t have to wait an hour for it to bake. Can I get an Amen?!
Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two is my answer to the single serving mug cake that never turns out quite right. If it’s not too eggy, it’s too spongy, doesn’t translate using GF flour, or calls for like, double checking my microwave’s wattage. Cake is supposed to lower my stress levels, not increase them!
That said, I’m sticking to the stovetop and this perfectly proportioned dessert that makes just enough to share when a craving for apple crisp hits. And by “just enough to share” I mean sharing with the baby, of course. Eating for two and all that?
How to Make Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two
Start by making the crisp topping. This stuff is just ridiculous and so easy – it’s basically homemade skillet granola, and if you happen to eat half of it while waiting for the apples to cook I would completely understand (and totally relate.)
Add 2 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter like Earth Balance, 2 packed Tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar, 1-1/2 Tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a medium-sized skillet then stir until melted and bubbly. Add a scant 3/4 cup certified gluten-free old fashioned oats plus 1/4 cup sliced almonds then cook, stirring often, especially near the end, until the topping is very fragrant and slightly toasted, 4-5 minutes. Scrape the topping onto a piece of parchment paper or silpat then set aside to cool.
Crispy, crunchy, perfectly sweet topping = DONE!
To the same skillet add 2 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter, 1 packed Tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon then stir until melted and bubbly. Add 2 medium-sized apples that have been peeled then cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups) then turn the heat down just a touch and cook for 2 minutes. Place a lid on the skillet then continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still have a little bite, 3-5 minutes.
This recipe is all about using what you’ve got to satisfy a serious and sudden apple crisp craving, so really any apple will do. That said, I tested using Jonagold and Honeycrisp and both were fantastic.
Last step is to scoop the apples into a bowl then top with the crisp topping and a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream before diving in. I hope you LOVE this quick and easy, totally scrumptious Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two the next time a craving hits!
Similar Recipes
free email bonus
Dinner Made EASY
5 days of simple yet flavorful recipes that take the stress out of dinnertime!
Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two
Description
Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two is for when you're craving apple crisp, but don't want to make a big batch that has to bake for an hour. Just 1 skillet and 15 minutes is all you need!
Ingredients
- For the Topping:
- 2 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter like Earth Balance
- 2 packed Tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- scant 3/4 cup certified gluten-free old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- For the Apples:
- 2 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter like Earth Balance
- 1 packed Tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 medium-sized tart apples, peeled then cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups)
- Ice cream or whipped cream for topping (optional)
Directions
- For the Topping: Add the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to a medium-sized saute pan over medium heat then stir until melted and bubbly. Add oats and almonds then cook, stirring often, especially near the end, until mixture is very fragrant and slightly toasted, 4-5 minutes. Scrape onto a silpat or parchment paper (could probably just use a plate too,) then set aside to cool.
- For the Apples: Add butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to the same skillet then stir until melted and bubbly. Add apples then turn heat down slightly and saute for 2 minutes. Cover skillet with a lid then saute, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but still have a little bit of a bite, 3-5 more minutes.
- Scoop apples into bowls then top with crisp topping and serve with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
I’m newly postpartum and had a sudden immediate need for apple crisp – this was perfect. Also in my sleep deprived state I didn’t read the directions and it still turned out great and was even quicker. I just dumped all the topping ingredients in a bowl together and microwaved for a minute then mixed together. Added all apple ingredients to the skillet at the same time as well. One dish to clean, and a delicious 5 minute apple crisp.
I’m SO glad this hit the spot, Syd, and congratulations on baby!!
I have made apple crisp the traditional oven baked way for decades. Gave this a try in an attempt to avoid getting the oven going on a hot day. Although it sounded good, I really didn’t have high expectations for it. But WOW, was I surprised. I dont’ have a gluten issue, so I made it with regular rolled oats, etc. Came out fantastic. I used Granny Smith apples and they worked well. I made sure I simmered them for the full 5 minutes. The amount of topping seemed a bit too much for just two servings, so I think it can be cut back bit or some saved to munch on as granola! Overall, an excellent 5 star recipe! Thank you.
Thrilled you gave this recipe a chance, Brian!! There is nothing like traditional oven baked crisp, but this one is super great for those hot days. Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Great quick and easy dessert. Would be great even for breakfast.
I agree! So glad you loved the recipe, and thank you so much for your recipe rating and review!
I really do not like oats gluten-free or otherwise, please is there a substitution. Thank you Nita.
Hi Nita! You could try topping the apples with this grain free granola instead! https://iowagirleats.com/the-best-grain-free-granola/
I live in my converted bus that only has stove top, this was super easy to make and super delicious!I even had everything I needed with my limited inventory and storage!!! I will be making this again!!! Thank you for sharing
Oh I love that!! So glad you found your way to this recipe, Tami!
This is the quickest apple crisp that I have ever made. It is great! The oat topping would be a great stand alone granola.
Oh yeah, I totally eat the granola alone without the apples. ?
So easy!