Apple Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that brings out the natural sweetness and soft texture of baked apples, mixed with a tender, crumbly topping. It’s a simple, homey dessert that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for chilly days or whenever you want a cozy treat.
I love making apple casserole because it’s easy to throw together, and it fills the house with that wonderful smell of cinnamon and baked apples that always makes me feel at home. One of my favorite things is adding a little extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top to get that perfect sweet and spicy touch.
My go-to way to serve this is warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the kind of dish that everyone asks for seconds on, and I find it brings people together around the table, sharing stories and smiles over something simple and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith because they keep their shape and balance the sweetness. If you like sweeter apples, Fuji or Honeycrisp work well too. Mixing varieties can add texture and flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give warm flavor. You can add a pinch of cloves or ginger for a little extra spice if you like. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon to your taste.
Brown Sugar & Butter: These create the crumbly topping with a rich, sweet flavor. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. Maple syrup can replace brown sugar, but reduce oats slightly to keep texture.
Rolled Oats and Flour: These give the topping its crisp texture. You can use gluten-free oats and flour if needed. Quick oats work fine too, just don’t overmix.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumb Topping?
A great crumb topping is crumbly but holds together a bit. Here’s how:
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted; cold butter won’t blend well, and melted butter makes it greasy.
- Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix butter into flour, sugar, and oats until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Don’t overmix—you want small clumps to form, not a dough ball.
- Spread the topping evenly on the apples so it bakes nicely and gets golden brown.
- Check the casserole around 40 minutes; the topping should be crunchy and golden, and the apples soft but still hold shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish – I use this size because it fits the apples nicely and bakes evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for tossing the apples with spices and preparing the topping; a large bowl makes mixing easier.
- Pastry cutter or fork – helps cut in the butter to make a crumbly topping; I find it quickest with a pastry cutter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy; essential for the right balance of spices and sugar.
- Peeler and corer (optional) – makes preparing apples faster and easier, especially if you like uniform slices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or a mix of apples and cranberries for a different flavor and tartness.
- Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and richness.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of ginger to the apple mixture for extra warmth and depth.
- Top with crumble streusel made of brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon for a more decadent topping.
How to Make Apple Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith or a tart variety)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
For Serving (Optional):
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This apple casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s a fast and easy recipe that fills your kitchen with the warm smells of baked apples and cinnamon.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together so the apples are nicely coated with the spices and sugar.
2. Make the Crumb Topping:
In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and rolled oats. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly with small clumps.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when poked with a fork.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like. Enjoy your cozy and comforting apple casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using to prevent a soggy casserole. Fresh apples usually yield the best texture, though.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Apple Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole and topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Butter in the Topping?
You can use coconut oil or a plant-based margarine to make it dairy-free. Use the same amount and make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.