The Classic: Vanilla Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream is perhaps the most traditional apple crisp pairing for a reason. The simplicity of the flavor allows the tartness of the apples to be the star of the dish while adding a burst of sweetness to each spoonful. Your grocery store's brand of vanilla ice cream will be a fine addition to a casserole of apple crisp, though vanilla doesn't have to be boring. Check a gourmet vendor for variations on the classic flavor, like vanilla ice cream infused with oaky bourbon, or use a scoop of vanilla as a base for more toppings along with your crisp. Sprinkle on toasted, chopped pecans or crushed breakfast cereal, or drizzle maple syrup over your bowl.

The Seasonal: Spiced Ice Cream

• As a dish traditionally served in cool weather, it's fitting that apple crisp is typically seasoned with spices that are found in so many autumnal foods. Play up those flavors by pairing the dessert with spiced ice cream. Topping apple crisp with cinnamon ice cream will be pleasing to those who like the combination of spicy and sweet. Similarly, nutmeg ice cream would be ideal with apple crisp; "Saveur" offers a recipe flavored with both grated and whole nutmeg for a full-bodied flavor. Any pumpkin-pie flavored ice cream should include spices mimicking those in your apple crisp topping, with the added creaminess and flavor of pureed pumpkin. When all you have on hand is vanilla ice cream, soften it and stir in a few pinches of your favorite spices.

The Refreshing: Fruit Ice Cream

• If you consider fruit nature's perfect dessert, double up on that fresh flavor by topping your apple crisp with another dose of fruitiness. Apple ice cream can pump up the decadent apple flavor of your dish, but taste-test it first: some varieties have a cloying, artificial apple flavor that has no place on a bowl of the fresh stuff. If you can find it or have the equipment to make your own ice cream, top your crisp with cranberry ice cream. If possible, add a big handful of fresh cranberries to the apple mixture when you're baking the crisp from scratch. A scoop of raspberry sorbet will add a similar tartness to your dessert with fewer calories.

The Unconventional: More Options to Try

• You'll likely find that many common ice cream flavors just don't work with apple crisp. Chocolate, mint, banana and chunky ice cream varieties like cookie dough are best kept away from this dish. However, you might find that some of your favorite flavors complement tangy apples surprisingly well. Caramel or dulce de leche ice cream paired with apple crisp will mimic the flavor of a caramel apple. If your tastes are on the bold side, get your hands on an ice cream maker and experiment with ingredients that pair well with apples. Add roasted butternut squash to a recipe for vanilla ice cream, or use another ingredient that chef Charles Claassen says complements apples: rosemary. A batch of lightly herbed ice cream will dazzle the senses both on your apple crisp and on its own.