This Easy Southern Fried Apple Crisp is the ultimate cozy comfort food! Perfect for fall nights, Thanksgiving, or a simple Sunday treat, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. If you're searching for the best apple crisp recipe with a delicious Southern flair, look no further. This dessert is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Why You'll Want to Make Easy Southern Fried Apple Crisp
- It's the Perfect Texture Contrast: The foundation is warm, soft, and gooey fried apples, which are then topped with a perfectly crunchy, satisfying granola crisp.
- It Uses the Best-Kept Southern Secret: The apples are cooked in a skillet before baking-a true Southern technique-which caramelizes the sugars and prevents a watery filling.
- It's Fast and Simple: Despite its gourmet taste, the recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together quickly, making it the best easy apple crisp for any occasion.
- A Seasonal Star: Whether you're hunting for a Thanksgiving dessert alternative or a festive Christmas dessert, this crisp brings warmth and holiday cheer.
Ingredients for the Southern Fried Apples

Ingredients for the Crisp Topping

Steps to Make the Easy Southern Fried Apple Crisp
- Prepare one recipe for Dolly Parton's Southern Fried Apples, cooking the apples for only 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.

- Add ½ cup of water, reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow the apples to simmer while preparing the crisp topping.

- Place the honey granola, pecan pieces, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl. Then, stir everything together until well combined.

- Cube the unsalted butter and add it to the bowl.

- Put on a pair of vinyl gloves and work the butter into the granola mixture until all the cubes are broken up and the mixture is crumbly.

- Remove the pan with the apples from the heat and sprinkle the granola mixture over the top of the apples. Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until golden brown and crunchy. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice cream.

If you're searching for the best easy apple crisp recipe, your search ends here! This Easy Southern Fried Apple Crisp is a timeless classic that brings the irresistible warmth and comfort of the South straight to your table. From the buttery, spiced fried apples to the sweet, crunchy granola topping, this dessert is perfect for any gathering or a simple cozy evening.

Frequently Asked Questions
The best choice for a perfect balance of flavor and texture is the Granny Smith apple. Their high acidity and firmness are necessary to stand up to the frying and baking process. Other acceptable options include Honeycrisp or Fuji.
The term "Southern Fried Apples" refers to the technique of slowly cooking sliced apples in a skillet with butter, brown sugar, and spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg) until they are soft and caramelized before they are baked or served. This rich, buttery fried apple base distinguishes it from a standard baked apple filling.
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and the crisp topping separately the day before. Store the topping mixture in the refrigerator and the fried apples in an airtight container. Assemble and bake the crisp just before serving for the freshest crunch and warmth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat servings in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is crispy again and the filling is warm. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the topping soggy.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Apple: Granny Smith Apples are highly recommended because their tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter. They also hold their shape well during the frying and baking process.
- Don't Skip the Frying: The fried apples step is what sets this Southern recipe apart. Frying them in the skillet first evaporates excess moisture, ensuring your final crisp is thick and not soupy.
- The Best Topping Secret: Use high-quality granola in your topping for the ultimate crunch. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best streusel-like texture.
- Serving Suggestion: This warm apple crisp is best served immediately, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Other Great Apple Recipes
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Easy Southern Fried Apple Crisp
Equipment
- 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet or 5-qt. Le Creuset Braiser
- Vinyl Gloves
- 16-slice apple cutter
- Vegetable Peeler
Ingredients
- 1 recipe Dolly Parton's Southern Fried Apples
- 2 c Honey Granola
- 1 c Pecan Pieces
- 2 tbs Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tbs All-Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare one recipe for Dolly Parton's Southern Fried Apples, cooking the apples for only 10 minutes.
- Add ½ cup of water, reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow the apples to simmer while preparing the crisp topping.
- Place the honey granola, pecan pieces, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl. Then, stir everything together until well combined.
- Cube the unsalted butter and add it to the bowl. Put on a pair of vinyl gloves and work the butter into the granola mixture until all the cubes are broken up and the mixture is crumbly.
- Remove the pan with the apples from the heat and sprinkle the granola mixture over the top of the apples. Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until golden brown and crunchy.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice cream.
- Yield 12 servings














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