Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two takes just 1 skillet and 15 minutes to make. This easy, fall dessert recipe is perfectly portion controlled!
You’re either going to love me or hate me for this (let’s go with ❤️!) What if I told you that 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?
Meet my 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?!
Watch How to Make It!
Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two
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 portioned dessert that makes just enough to share when a craving for apple crisp hits.
Did I mention you don’t even need to turn on the oven?!
How to Make Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two
Step 1: Make the crisp topping.
The crisp topping is ridiculously 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 butter, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a medium-sized skillet then stir until melted and bubbly. Add old fashioned oats plus 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 a silpat then set aside to cool.
Crispy, crunchy, perfectly sweet topping = DONE!
Step 2: Saute the apples.
To the same skillet add butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon then stir until melted and bubbly. Add Granny Smith apples that have been peeled then cut into bite-sized pieces then turn the heat down just a touch and saute for 2 minutes. Place a lid on the skillet then continue to cook, 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 like the aforementioned Granny Smith apples, Jonagold, or Honeycrisp apples.
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!
More Delicious Fall Desserts
- Gluten Free Peach Crisp
- Classic Gluten Free Apple Crisp
- Caramel Apple Crisp
- Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Soft Batch Pumpkin Gingersnap Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- 2 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- scant 3/4 cup gluten free old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
For the Apples:
- 2 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 medium-sized Granny Smith apples, peeled then cut into bite-sized pieces (~2 cups), or whatever apple you have on hand
- For serving: ice cream or whipped cream
Directions
For the Topping:
- Add the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to a medium-sized skillet 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 mixture onto a silpat or parchment paper 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 the 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.
Notes
- Please be certain to use purity protocol oats if you have Celiac Disease, or certified gluten free oats if you have a gluten sensitivity.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
Why is this 600 calories tho?! it seems so healthy!
Hi Lisa! The recipe nutrition calculator that I (and 95% of food bloggers) use provides an estimate only, and is not always correct. I always tell people to use it more as a guideline vs anything that would replace a doctor or dietitian’s advice or calculation!
I found your recipe this morning when I started searching for a recipe with 3 apples and cooked on the stovetop because my oven isn’t working. I have to tell you that I’m so thankful that I found it. It came out delicious. I had no ice cream so I tried it with some Greek yogurt.
Once again, thank you for sharing (It was for 3 people because of the third apple) 😊
Love to hear this, Maria!! So glad you found your way to this recipe, and I love the Greek yogurt pairing. Yum! :) Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
same situation. oven not working. also no ice cream. thank you for the yogurt tip.
Glad this recipe could help you out in a tight spot!
This is fabulous. Going to try with yogurt!
Great idea — I hope you love it!
Perfect easy fall dessert & not overly sweet. Just delicious, will make again. The oat topping is fabulous.
I was looking for a quick easy recipe without having to heat up the oven & wait for an hour baking time… made this as written except used a few more apples as the local apples I had were a little smaller. Total of 5 apples, same amount of sugar. Perfect! And the topping is to die for!! I also used regular rolled oats. For sure making this again! Thank you!
Making the topping again to have with greek yogurt and berries for breakfast.
Fantastic idea, Michelle! I’m so glad you loved the recipe!
This recipe was beyond perfect! The granola cools crispy, sticky and perfect. The apples were oerfect as well, all topped off with vanilla bean haagen daaz ice cream!
I’m so, so glad you loved it, Michelle!!
I made this for dessert twice this week substituting pears for the apples because that’s what I had on hand. It’s so good and I love that it’s stovetop so I don’t have to wait as long for my sweet treat!
Amazing, love the pear swap, Cynthia — it’s all about using what you’ve got! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
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!