How to Make Cast Iron Apple Crisp with Maple Syrup (Simple, Old-Fashioned Recipe)

This old-fashioned cast iron apple crisp is sweetened naturally with maple syrup for a cozy fall dessert. Baked in a skillet, it’s warm, spiced, and perfect with a scoop of ice cream.

There’s something about apple season that always feels like the true beginning of fall. 🍎 The air turns crisp, the leaves start to change, and my kitchen fills with the scent of cinnamon and butter as apples bubble away in my cast iron skillet.

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels old-fashioned and cozy, cast iron apple crisp is it. And instead of using processed sugar, this version is sweetened naturally with maple syrup. It brings out the warm, spiced flavor of the apples and adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.

This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dessert but special enough to bring to the table when you have company. And the best part? You can make it all in your trusty cast iron skillet.

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Why Make Apple Crisp in Cast Iron?

Cast iron isn’t just nostalgic, it’s practical. The even heat makes sure the apples cook until tender while the topping gets golden brown and crisp. Plus, you can take it straight from oven to table for that rustic, farmhouse feel.

My all time favorite skillet is one that belonged to my great-grandma (as seen in these photos). My next favorite is this 10″ skillet from Lodge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix works best)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
• ½ cup cold butter, cut into cubes
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the apples.
Peel, core, and slice your apples. Toss them in the cast iron skillet with lemon juice, half the maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Spread evenly across the skillet.

Step 2. Mix the topping.
In a bowl, combine oats, flour, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle in the rest of the maple syrup and stir until combined.

Step 3. Assemble.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

Step 4. Bake.
Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Step 5. Serve.
Scoop warm apple crisp into bowls and serve plain, with whipped cream, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

• Nutty Crisp: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for almond flour or oat flour.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the apple layer earlier in the day and refrigerate, then add topping and bake before serving.
• Double Batch: Use a larger cast iron skillet or two skillets if serving a crowd.

Old-Fashioned Homemaking in Every Bite

When I pull this cast iron apple crisp out of the oven, it reminds me of the way great-grandma cooked, simple, wholesome ingredients turned into something warm and comforting. No need for fancy tools or refined sugar. Just apples, maple syrup, oats, and a good skillet.

This dessert is the essence of fall in a farmhouse kitchen, and I hope it brings the same cozy feeling to your home as it does to mine. 🌿