overhead shot of a warm apple crisp with thyme sprigs and a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Apple crisp

apple crisp with thyme and honey

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

22 Jul 2025
overhead shot of a warm apple crisp with thyme sprigs and a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Fall is a funny time of year. You're sipping pumpkin spice lattes one day, and then BOOM, it's freezing. I remember one autumn, my grandmother, God rest her soul, used to make this apple crisp every Sunday after church. The smell would fill the whole house, a cozy aroma that wrapped you up like a warm blanket. She always said the secret ingredient was a pinch of thyme—sounded weird, tasted amazing. This recipe is my slightly jazzed-up version of her beloved classic.
close-up of sliced apples being tossed with spices and honey in a mixing bowl
This Apple Crisp with Thyme & Honey recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about creating a sensory experience. The thyme adds an unexpected herbaceous note that cuts through the sweetness of the apples and honey, creating a delightful balance. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day—comforting, familiar, but with a twist. Even if thyme sounds weird in a dessert, trust me, it's a winner!
golden brown apple crisp in a baking dish, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and a drizzle of honey

Required Equipments

  • 9-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paring knife
  • Pastry blender or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Apple Crisp with Thyme and Honey: Frequently Asked Questions

Apple Crisp with Thyme and Honey

Warm, comforting Apple Crisp with Thyme & Honey features sweet, tender apples baked under a buttery oat topping infused with fragrant thyme and drizzled with golden honey. It’s the perfect dessert for a crisp autumn evening.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, a well-heated oven is key to a beautifully browned crisp topping.
  2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. I like using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness. If the apple slices are too thick, they won't cook evenly.
  3. Mix the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, honey, lemon juice, flour, thyme leaves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently toss until the apples are evenly coated. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and enhances their flavor.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the apple filling into a 9-inch baking dish. Distribute the apples evenly.
  5. Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt.
  6. Add Butter and Honey: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the honey. The butter should be cold to create those lovely pockets of flakiness in the topping.
  7. Sprinkle Topping: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling. Gently press down to ensure it adheres slightly.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.
  9. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a drizzle of honey. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Oh man, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast the oats lightly before adding them to the topping.
  • Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for added crunch.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal

Protein: 3g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fiber: 4g

Calcium: 50mg

The best things in life are sweet, simple, and shared with loved ones. This apple crisp embodies all three.

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