Butterscotch-Cornflake Apple Crisp

A delightful twist on the classic apple crisp, this Butterscotch-Cornflake Apple Crisp combines tender baked apples with a rich butterscotch sauce and a crunchy cornflake topping. It is a dessert that balances sweetness, crunch, and comforting warmth—perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any cozy evening treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is a wonderful blend of nostalgic flavors and textures. The butterscotch sauce provides a caramel-like richness that pairs beautifully with tart-sweet apples, while the cornflake topping adds a crisp and unique crunch compared to traditional oat-based crisps. It is also simple to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a creative spin on a classic.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

• Butterscotch chips

• Brown sugar

• Cornflakes cereal, lightly crushed

• Butter, melted

• All-purpose flour

• Ground cinnamon

• Vanilla extract

• Lemon juice

• Salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Prepare the apple filling by tossing sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly in the baking dish.

3. Melt the butterscotch chips with butter until smooth, then pour over the apple mixture.

4. In a separate bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with flour and additional melted butter to form the topping.

5. Sprinkle the cornflake topping evenly over the apples and butterscotch layer.

6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

7. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 8 servings. Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, while baking requires 35–40 minutes. Total time is around 1 hour.

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cornflake topping for extra flavor.

• Oat Blend: Mix oats with cornflakes for a hybrid texture.

• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished crisp for added richness.

• Spiced Apples: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a deeper autumn flavor.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornflakes and flour alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness. Freezing is not recommended, as the cornflake topping may lose its crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the apple mixture and topping separately, then refrigerate. Combine just before baking for best results.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal, as they balance the sweetness of the butterscotch.

Can I substitute butterscotch chips?

Yes, caramel chips or even white chocolate chips can be used as alternatives, though the flavor will differ slightly.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Bake uncovered and avoid overmixing the topping with liquids. Reheating in the oven also helps restore crispness.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you may cut back on the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute if preferred.

Is this dessert suitable for vegans?

It can be made vegan by using dairy-free butterscotch chips, plant-based butter, and ensuring the cornflakes are vegan-friendly.

Can I make this in individual portions?

Absolutely. Divide the mixture into ramekins for single servings and adjust baking time to about 20–25 minutes.

What can I serve with this crisp?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of warm butterscotch sauce make excellent accompaniments.

How do I know when the crisp is done?

The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the topping should be golden brown and crunchy.

Can I freeze the apples before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the apple mixture in advance, but it is best to prepare the topping fresh to maintain crunch.

Conclusion

The Butterscotch-Cornflake Apple Crisp is a comforting, flavorful dessert that elevates the traditional apple crisp with a crunchy, golden topping and the rich sweetness of butterscotch. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for gatherings or simple weeknight indulgences.

Print