Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Serves: 8-10

Ever spent an hour making apple crisp only to end up with soggy topping and mushy apples? I used to dread making this “simple” dessert until I discovered the game-changing pampered chef apple crisp recipe that fixes every common mistake.

Here’s the problem most recipes won’t tell you: traditional flour-based toppings absorb moisture and turn soggy. But this pampered chef quick apple crisp uses yellow cake mix to create an impossibly crispy topping that stays crunchy for hours. After testing this method 50+ times, I promise this foolproof technique will make you the dessert hero at every gathering.

So here’s the thing about traditional apple crisp – it’s delicious, but it can be finicky. Too much flour and your topping gets soggy. Not enough butter and it doesn’t crisp up properly. But this pampered chef mom’s apple crisp recipe eliminates all that guesswork.

I first learned this technique at a Pampered Chef party about eight years ago. The consultant was demonstrating the Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer, and honestly, I was more interested in the tool than the recipe. But when she pulled that golden, bubbling apple crisp out of the Deep Dish Baker, the entire room went silent except for the sound of forks scraping ceramic.

That night, I drove straight to the store for ingredients. My first attempt wasn’t perfect – I used Red Delicious apples (rookie mistake!) and skipped the nuts. But even that imperfect version had my family fighting over the last serving.

After years of testing and tweaking, I’ve discovered the secrets that make this pampered chef dessert recipes standout truly foolproof. The key lies in choosing the right apples, getting your butter temperature just right, and knowing exactly when that topping hits the perfect golden-brown crispy stage.

Now, this is where the magic happens – this recipe works beautifully in both the oven and microwave. Yes, you heard that right! The pampered chef microwave apple crisp method is a game-changer for weeknight desserts or when you’re short on oven space during the holidays.

According to Pampered Chef’s official baking guide, proper apple selection and temperature control are key to preventing soggy desserts.

The Perfect Apple Combination

Most recipes tell you to stick with one apple variety, but I find mixing Granny Smith and Honeycrisp creates the perfect balance. The apple crisp with granny smith apples provides that classic tart bite, while apple crisp with honeycrisp apples adds natural sweetness and holds its shape beautifully during baking.

Research from the University of Minnesota Extension confirms that firm apples like Granny Smith maintain their texture during extended baking times.

Using easy apple crisp with cake mix instead of traditional flour-based toppings creates an incredibly light, crispy texture that’s impossible to achieve otherwise. The yellow cake mix contains just the right blend of flour, sugar, and leavening agents to create that perfect crumb.

While you can absolutely make this recipe without specialized equipment, the pampered chef kitchen tools for baking really do make a difference. The Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer turns apple prep into a 30-second job, and the pampered chef stoneware apple crisp bakes so evenly you’ll never have burnt edges again.

For the Apple Base:

• 6-8 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Additional ground cinnamon for sprinkling

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F. If you’re using the pampered chef apple peeler corer slicer recipe method, this step takes about 2 minutes total. Otherwise, peel, core, and slice your apples into thin, even pieces.

Here’s my pro tip: after slicing, toss the apples immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. I learned this the hard way during a dinner party when my beautifully sliced apples turned brown while I was answering the door!

In your pampered chef square baker or any 9×13-inch baking dish, combine sliced apples with granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and flour. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. The flour helps absorb any excess juice during baking – crucial for avoiding a soggy bottom.

In your Small Batter Bowl (or regular mixing bowl), combine the yellow cake mix, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix with a Bamboo Spoon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This apple crisp with oats and cake mix combination creates incredible texture contrast.

The butter temperature is critical here – it should be melted but not hot. Hot butter will start cooking the cake mix, creating clumps instead of that perfect crumbly texture we’re after.

Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over your prepared apples. Add your chopped nuts if using (apple crisp with nuts adds such a lovely crunch), then dust the top with a bit more cinnamon.

Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a Quikut Paring Knife. The edges should be bubbling, and you’ll hear a gentle sizzling sound.

For quick apple crisp microwave preparation, use your Small Micro-Cooker or microwave-safe dish. Follow the same assembly steps, then microwave on 70% power for 12-15 minutes, rotating halfway through. The pampered chef microwave apple crisp won’t get quite as golden as the oven version, but it’s perfect for those “I need dessert NOW” moments.

This apple crisp keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to restore that crispy topping texture.

You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead – just cover and refrigerate, then add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients.

Cherry Apple Crisp: Replace 2 cups of sliced apples with cherry pie filling for a pampered chef cherry apple crisp that’s absolutely divine. The tartness of the cherries plays beautifully with the sweet cake mix topping.

Apple Crisp Without Oats: Simply omit the oats and add an extra 1/4 cup of cake mix. This creates a more traditional crumble-style topping that’s equally delicious.

Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use a sugar-free cake mix. Add extra cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to compensate for reduced sweetness.

• No Pampered Chef tools? No problem! Use a regular vegetable peeler, apple corer, and sharp knife. Just allow extra prep time.
• Different cake mix flavors: Spice cake mix creates a more complex flavor, while butter golden cake mix adds richness.
• Nut alternatives: Try chopped almonds, or skip nuts entirely for nut-free households.

After making this homemade apple crisp from scratch countless times, I’ve learned that success comes down to three key factors: proper apple preparation, the right butter consistency in your topping, and not overbaking.

The pampered chef deep dish baker dessert method ensures even heat distribution, but I’ve had equally great results in regular baking dishes. The key is choosing a dish that’s not too deep – you want those edges to get properly golden and crispy.

This fall dessert recipes pampered chef style has become my signature dish. I’ve served it at thanksgiving apple crisp recipe gatherings, Christmas parties, and casual weeknight dinners. Every single time, people ask for the recipe.

The science behind why this works comes down to the cake mix’s balanced formulation. According to King Arthur Baking, commercial cake mixes contain precise ratios of flour, sugar, and leavening that create consistent results.

Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’ll be starting with cold ingredients. This is perfect for christmas apple crisp dessert planning.

What’s the best apple variety for this recipe?

I always recommend a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness and texture. Avoid Red Delicious or McIntosh – they get too mushy during baking.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?

Yes, but old-fashioned oats provide better texture. Quick oats tend to disappear into the topping rather than providing that lovely chewy contrast.

How do I know when it’s perfectly done?

Look for golden-brown topping with bubbling edges. The apples should be tender when pierced with a knife, and you’ll hear gentle sizzling sounds. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking.

What’s the secret to preventing soggy topping?

Two things: don’t skip the flour mixed with the apples (it absorbs excess moisture), and make sure your butter is melted but not hot when mixing the topping. Serve within a few hours of baking for maximum crispiness.

Can I freeze this apple crisp?

Yes! Freeze the unbaked assembled crisp for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.

This best apple crisp for holidays recipe has never let me down. Whether you’re using every pampered chef stoneware piece you own or working with basic kitchen equipment, the results are consistently delicious.

The combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with that incredible cake mix topping creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Serve it warm apple crisp with ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.

Trust me – after twelve years of recipe testing and countless family gatherings, this simple apple crisp for beginners approach will become your new favorite too. Now go make some magic in your kitchen!

Looking for more crowd-pleasing desserts? Try my Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust – both perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.