Name: Apple Peanut Butter Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

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If you’re chasing a cozy, nostalgic dessert with a playful twist, this Apple Peanut Butter Crisp will absolutely steal the show. Tart apples meld with the warmth of cinnamon and a kiss of lemon, while a gorgeously golden oat crumble laced with creamy peanut butter brings unexpected richness and crunch. It’s quick to assemble and delivers that baked-from-scratch comfort, but thanks to gooey peanut butter and the bright zing of apples, every bite feels exciting and new. I can’t wait for you to taste this irresistible harmony!

Apple Peanut Butter Crisp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Peanut Butter Crisp comes together with straightforward pantry staples and a few fresh classics. Each ingredient plays a special role, ensuring every mouthful has the right balance of tart, creamy, crunchy, and sweet.

Apples: Choose crisp, tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a firm texture and bright flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling, highlighting the apples without overpowering them.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds that signature autumn warmth and depth to both the filling and the topping.
All-purpose Flour: Thickens the apple juices and gives structure to the crisp topping.
Lemon Juice: Lifts the flavor and prevents the apples from browning.
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: Bring a hearty crunch and rustic texture to the topping.
Brown Sugar: Provides rich, caramel-like sweetness to the crumble layer.
Salt: Just a pinch to brighten the flavors and tie together the sweet elements.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Binds the crumble together and adds classic buttery flavor.
Creamy Peanut Butter: For irresistible nutty richness that takes this crisp to the next level.
Vanilla Ice Cream (optional): The perfect cool, creamy contrast if you’re serving your crisp warm.

How to Make Apple Peanut Butter Crisp

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8-inch square baking dish and lightly grease it – this simple step will help your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp release beautifully once it’s baked.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine your peeled and sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, one tablespoon of flour, and a splash of lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated, ensuring each piece is ready to soak up all that flavor. Spread this mixture into your prepared baking dish to create an inviting, fragrant base.

Step 3: Mix the Crumble Topping

Grab a clean bowl and mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, additional flour, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and creamy peanut butter, then use a fork (or your fingertips) to blend everything until the mixture is crumbly, but still holds together in tempting little clumps.

Step 4: Top the Apples

Sprinkle your peanut butter-oat crumble evenly over the apples. Try to cover as much surface area as possible for a generous, crisp topping in every scoop!

Step 5: Bake

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The apples should be bubbling, tender, and juicy, while the topping turns gorgeously golden and crisp. When you see that signature color and smell sweet toasty peanut butter in the air, you’ll know it’s done.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp cool for at least 10–15 minutes. This melds the flavors together and makes serving a breeze. Scoop it into bowls while still warm and, if desired, top each portion with a cloud of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

How to Serve Apple Peanut Butter Crisp

Garnishes

For a truly special finish, try dusting your crisp with a little extra cinnamon, a handful of roasted peanuts for added crunch, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Of course, a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream instantly turns this into an over-the-top dessert experience!

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp with a tangy fruit salad (think citrus, pomegranate, or berries) for a lighter contrast. If you’re serving this as part of a holiday spread, a hot cup of spiced chai or coffee is a fantastic match. For brunch, it’s delightful with yogurt and a sprinkle of extra oats.

Creative Ways to Present

You can bake individual portions in mini ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation, or try topping the crisp with a scoop of cinnamon or salted caramel ice cream for an unexpected twist. For a playful approach, layer leftovers in a jar with whipped cream for a grab-and-go parfait!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp covered in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days and is perfect for sneaking bites straight from the fridge or for a quick midnight treat.

Freezing

To freeze, let the crisp cool completely. You can wrap it tightly (or transfer to an airtight container) and freeze for up to two months. For the best texture, freeze before baking and bake fresh when needed, but you can also freeze baked portions with good results.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps restore the topping’s crispness. For a speedy fix, a quick microwave zap works for individual servings, though the topping will be softer. Add fresh ice cream for that “right out of the oven” magic!

FAQs

Can I make this Apple Peanut Butter Crisp dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the unsalted butter for a quality vegan butter or solid coconut oil, and double-check that your peanut butter is dairy-free. Served with dairy-free ice cream, no one will miss a thing!

What apples work best for this recipe?

I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples because they balance tartness and sweetness, and they hold their shape during baking. Mixing two types can add extra flavor complexity and texture, too.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will give your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp a delightful nutty texture. If you’re a fan of peanuts, it’s a great way to add an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

Is it possible to prepare this crisp ahead of time?

You can assemble the filling and topping separately up to a day in advance; just cover and chill both. When you’re ready, sprinkle on the topping and bake. This way the crumble stays crisp and the apples stay fresh!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! If you’re hosting, simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Keep an eye on the bake time, adding a few minutes if needed to ensure everything bubbles and browns to perfection.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the smell and flavor of freshly baked Apple Peanut Butter Crisp. I hope you’ll give this crave-worthy, satisfying dessert a try—it’s a little nostalgic, a little unexpected, and sure to become a new favorite for family and friends alike!

Apple Peanut Butter Crisp Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet apples and creamy peanut butter with this delightful Apple Peanut Butter Crisp. A comforting dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apple Filling:

5 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter and peanut butter until the mixture is crumbly and well combined. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.