Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp: 5 Easy Steps to Cozy Dessert

Name: Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe: The Coziest Fall Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 medium apples (peeled and chopped, mix of tart + sweet); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional); 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup flour; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 cup cold butter (cubed); 1 cup rolled oats; Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts, caramel drizzle, vanilla ice cream

Jump to Recipe

There are some desserts that just feel like home. For me, apple crisp is one of them. I can still remember walking into my grandmother’s kitchen on cool fall afternoons and catching that unmistakable scent—warm cinnamon apples bubbling away under a golden brown sugar topping. No matter how many fancy desserts I’ve cooked since, nothing hits me quite like that.

This Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp recipe brings that same feeling. It’s the kind of dessert you make when you want something cozy, comforting, and let’s be honest easy. You don’t need pie dough, special tools, or hours in the kitchen. Just apples, butter, sugar, and a little patience while it bakes into pure gold.

And here’s the kicker: once you taste that buttery, crumbly topping over soft, cinnamon-kissed apples, you’ll realize why apple crisp by Pioneer Woman has become one of Ree Drummond’s most loved desserts.

If you’re the “straight-to-business” type, here’s what you’ll need.

Filling

8 medium apples (peeled and chopped, a mix of tart + sweet)
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
¼ tsp salt

Topping

¾ cup flour
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup cold butter (cubed)
1 cup rolled oats
Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts, caramel drizzle, or vanilla ice cream for serving

Bake time: 45 minutes at 350°F, until golden and bubbling.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe

One of the reasons this dessert works so well is balance. You want that sweet-tart apple flavor playing against the buttery, spiced topping. Here’s why each ingredient matters:

The Filling

Apples – The star. Use a mix: Granny Smith for tart bite, Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. This combo gives depth of flavor.
Brown sugar – Brings sweetness and a hint of molasses richness.
Flour – Thickens the apple juices so the crisp isn’t watery.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and aroma.
Cinnamon + nutmeg – The essential fall spice duo. (Nutmeg’s optional, but I’m telling you—it rounds out the flavor.)
Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

The Topping

Flour + oats – The structure. Flour crisps it up, oats add chew.
Brown sugar – Sweet and caramel-y.
Butter – Cold and cubed. This is key. It melts into the topping, giving you that crumbly texture.
Cinnamon – Keeps the spice theme consistent.
Optional add-ins – Nuts for crunch, caramel drizzle for decadence, ice cream for, well… perfection.

Homemade Pioneer Woman apple crisp served fresh from the oven

How to Make Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp

This is where the magic happens. And if you follow these steps, you’ll get it right every single time.

Step 1: Prep the Apple Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Peel and chop your apples into bite-sized chunks.
In a big mixing bowl, toss them with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.

Chef tip: Pat those apples dry before tossing them with the sugar and flour. Excess water = soggy crisp. And soggy crisp is a crime.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork. Keep going until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Stir in the oats (and nuts if you’re using them).
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

Chef tip: Cold butter is non-negotiable. It’s what makes the topping crumbly instead of greasy. Keep it cold, and don’t overwork it.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes.
You’re looking for golden brown topping and bubbling fruit underneath.
Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Chef tip: That resting time? Don’t skip it. The juices thicken as it cools. If you dig in too early, you’ll have apple soup.

Why This Apple Crisp by Pioneer Woman Works Every Time

This isn’t just another homemade apple crisp. It’s a foolproof method that hits all the right notes:

Easy Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp – No pie crust to fuss with. You’re done with 15 minutes of prep.
Flavor balance – Tart Granny Smiths + sweet Honeycrisps, cozy spices, and buttery oats.
Versatility – Top it with ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or keep it rustic and simple.
Quick apple crisp – Bake it while you’re eating dinner, and dessert’s ready when you are.

This dish proves why Pioneer Woman apple dessert recipes are so popular: they’re approachable, reliable, and always delicious.

Pioneer Woman apple crisp with golden oat topping and cinnamon apples

FAQs About Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp

Can I make this without oats?

Yes! Just skip them or swap for chopped nuts if you still want crunch.

What apples are best for Ree Drummond Apple Crisp?

A combo of tart and sweet works best. Try Granny Smith with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.

Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble the apple filling and topping separately, refrigerate, then bake fresh.

Is this gluten-free?

Easily. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

Can I cut the butter?

You can reduce it slightly, but butter is what gives the topping its crunch. If you want lighter, try half butter and half coconut oil.

Conclusion + Call to Action

There’s a reason this dish has stood the test of time. The combination of tender, spiced apples and that crunchy, buttery topping is unbeatable. This isn’t just a dessert—it’s a memory-maker.

This is the apple crisp I want to eat. Rustic, cozy, and perfect for any fall night.

If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond apple crisp or any of the classic Pioneer Woman apple dessert recipes, do yourself a favor: bookmark this, print it, or pin it on Pinterest. Because once you’ve made this easy apple crisp recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Now grab some apples and get baking—you’ve got dessert to make.

If you enjoyed this Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp recipe, you’ll probably love a few more comforting fruit-forward desserts and drinks from my kitchen:

Cozy pumpkin crisp recipe for fall – If you enjoy this Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp, you might also love trying a pumpkin crisp for those chilly autumn nights.
Refreshing green apple juice – Apples shine in more than just crisps — this drink is crisp, tart, and hydrating.
Washington apple cocktail – For a fun twist, serve your apple crisp with this sweet-and-tart cocktail.

Dessert Pairings & Alternatives

Looking to round out your dessert table or try something a little different? Here are some of my favorite pairings and alternatives:

Peach cobbler trifle – This crisp pairs beautifully with fruity layered desserts.
Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream – If you love warm fruit desserts, this one’s for you.
No-bake banana caramel dessert – For an indulgent but oven-free option, this one hits the spot.

Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe: The Coziest Fall Dessert