Tips for the Perfect Skillet Apple Crisp

1. Choose the Right Apples:
   • For the best texture and flavor, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold their shape well when baked and offer the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
2. Use Cold, Cubed Butter:
   • For a flaky, crispy topping, make sure your butter is cold. Cutting it into small cubes before adding it to the dry ingredients will help create that perfect crumbly texture.
3. Top with Flakey Salt:
   • A pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving helps to balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert. My favorite brand to use is Maldon Salt!
4. Let It Cool:
   • After baking, let the crisp sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to serve.
5. Serve with Toppings:
   • Elevate the dish by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to create the ultimate indulgent dessert experience.
6. Make Ahead:
   • You can prepare the apple filling and crisp topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the dish just before baking for a quicker dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions for Skillet Apple Crisp

1. Apples:
   • If you don’t have the recommended apples, you can use any firm, tart apples that hold their shape when baked. Some great alternatives include Fuji, Pink Lady, or Jonagold apples.
2. Granulated Sugar:
   • You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar to add a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
3. Cornstarch:
   • If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Both will help the apple juices thicken as they bake.
4. Rolled Oats:
   • Quick oats can be used in place of rolled oats, though they’ll create a slightly finer texture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rolled oats.
5. Brown Sugar:
   • For a richer flavor, substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar to give the topping a deeper molasses flavor.
6. Pecans:
   • Swap out pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture. You can also omit the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free dessert.
7. Butter:
   • To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute vegan butter in place of regular butter.
8. Vanilla Extract:
   • If you’re out of vanilla extract, try using vanilla bean paste or almond extract for a unique twist.
9. Ice Cream:
   • If you’re not a fan of vanilla bean ice cream, you can serve your crisp with cinnamon ice cream, caramel ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter alternative.