Apple Butterscotch Crisp: The Ultimate Cozy Fall Dessert

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There are few desserts that feel as comforting and nostalgic as a warm apple crisp fresh from the oven. Now imagine elevating that classic with rich, buttery butterscotch notes that melt into tender baked apples and a golden oat crumble topping. That is exactly what you get with Apple Butterscotch Crisp—a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness, warmth, and texture in every spoonful.

This recipe is designed for home cooks who want an impressive dessert without complicated steps. Whether you are hosting a fall dinner, preparing a holiday spread, or simply craving something cozy on a cool evening, this apple butterscotch crisp delivers bakery-level flavor using simple pantry ingredients.

Unlike traditional apple crisp recipes that rely solely on cinnamon sugar, this version incorporates butterscotch chips and brown sugar to create a deeper, caramel-like flavor. As the crisp bakes, the butterscotch melts into the apples, forming a luscious sauce underneath the crunchy topping. It’s indulgent without being overly sweet and rustic without sacrificing elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Butterscotch Crisp

  • Easy to Make: No mixer, no complicated techniques.
  • Big Flavor: Butterscotch adds richness that elevates classic apple crisp.
  • Perfect Texture: Soft apples, gooey sauce, crisp topping.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble early and bake when ready.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.

Ingredients for Apple Butterscotch Crisp

Apple Filling

  • 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup butterscotch chips

Crisp Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the Apples
    In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Mix the Filling
    Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the apples. Stir until evenly coated.
  4. Add Butterscotch
    Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, distributing them throughout the apple mixture.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish
    Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Make the Crisp Topping
    In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
  7. Top the Apples
    Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple mixture.
  8. Bake
    Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Cool Slightly
    Let the crisp rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.

Apple Butterscotch Crisp

A warm baked apple dessert layered with melted butterscotch and topped with a golden oat crumble.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling
  • 6 cups apples peeled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.75 cup butterscotch chips
Crisp Topping
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish
  • Measuring cups
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Toss apples with lemon juice in a large bowl.
  3. Mix sugars, cornstarch, spices, and salt into apples.
  4. Fold in butterscotch chips and spread into dish.
  5. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over apples.
  6. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  7. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Best Apples for Apple Butterscotch Crisp

For the best flavor and texture, use apples that hold their shape when baked. Granny Smith apples provide tartness that balances the sweetness of butterscotch, while Honeycrisp apples add natural sweetness and juiciness. A combination of both works beautifully.

Tips for the Perfect Crisp

  • Don’t Skip Lemon Juice: It brightens the flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Use Rolled Oats: Instant oats will become mushy.
  • Bake Until Bubbling: Bubbling ensures the filling has thickened properly.
  • Let It Rest: Cooling slightly prevents a runny filling.

Variations to Try

  • Salted Caramel Apple Crisp: Add flaky sea salt to the topping.
  • Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and flour.
  • Extra Saucy: Drizzle warm butterscotch sauce over the finished crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Apple butterscotch crisp is best served warm. Top with:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Custard sauce
  • Extra butterscotch drizzle

It pairs beautifully with coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can assemble the crisp up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked. Bake fresh when ready to serve. Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully.

Why Butterscotch and Apples Are a Perfect Match

Butterscotch’s deep caramelized sugar and butter flavors enhance apples without overpowering them. Together, they create a dessert that feels nostalgic yet elevated—perfect for fall and winter gatherings.

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