Apple Butterscotch Crisp – Warm, Gooey, and Irresistibly Cozy

Apple butterscotch crisp is the kind of dessert that instantly makes a kitchen feel warmer and more welcoming. It combines everything we love about a classic apple crisp—tender spiced apples, a buttery oat topping, and that unmistakable baked-in comfort—with the rich, caramel-like flavor of butterscotch. The result is a dessert that feels nostalgic and familiar, yet indulgent enough to stand out from the traditional versions we all grew up with.

As the crisp bakes, the apples soften and release their juices, mingling with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla to create a syrupy filling that bubbles around the edges. Butterscotch chips melt into the apples, adding pockets of deep sweetness that make each bite extra special. On top, a crumbly oat streusel turns golden and crisp, offering the perfect contrast to the soft fruit underneath.

This is the dessert you make when the weather turns cool, when apples are abundant, or when you simply want something warm and comforting to share. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or quiet evenings when all you need is a spoon, a blanket, and something sweet. Best of all, apple butterscotch crisp is wonderfully forgiving—no fancy techniques, no special equipment, just simple ingredients coming together in the most satisfying way.

Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream, this crisp becomes downright irresistible. The ice cream melts into the hot filling, creating a sauce that tastes like fall in dessert form. Once you try it, this version just might replace your classic apple crisp for good.

Ingredients:

Apple Filling:

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup butterscotch chips

Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, then spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Pour the melted butter over the oat mixture and stir until a crumbly topping forms.
6. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, covering the filling completely.
7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
9. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
• Mix apple varieties for deeper flavor.
• If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
• Let the crisp rest before serving so the filling thickens slightly.
• Add butterscotch chips just before baking to prevent sinking.

Variations:

• Salted Butterscotch Crisp: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the topping before baking.
• Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and flour.
• Extra Gooey: Drizzle butterscotch sauce over the apples before adding the topping.

Serving Suggestions:
Apple butterscotch crisp is best served warm with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a splash of heavy cream. It also pairs beautifully with coffee or chai tea for a cozy dessert moment.

Storage Information:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The crisp topping may soften slightly but will still be delicious.

FAQ:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead, then bake before serving.

Do the butterscotch chips fully melt?
They soften and melt into the filling, creating pockets of rich sweetness.

Can I freeze apple butterscotch crisp?
Yes, freeze baked and cooled crisp for up to 2 months.

What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or a mix of varieties work beautifully.

History / Fun Facts:
Fruit crisps became popular during wartime when pie ingredients were scarce. Adding butterscotch is a modern twist that builds on the classic dessert’s humble roots while enhancing its richness and flavor