This Maple Pecan Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that brings together sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and a touch of maple syrup. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Every bite feels like autumn, and the topping is simply irresistible! I love to serve it with a scoop of ice cream on top. Trust me, you won’t want to miss that part! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For this crisp, I recommend using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for their tart-sweet flavor. If you can’t find these, Fuji or Braeburn apples work well, too. Just make sure they are firm and crisp to hold their shape during baking.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup brings natural sweetness and distinct flavor. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, you could use agave syrup or honey, but the taste will vary slightly.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add crunch and a nutty taste. If you’re allergic, walnuts or almonds can substitute nicely. Just remember, they have a slightly different flavor, but still work well!
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for topping, but if you want a dairy-free version, you can swap it for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. This will change the flavor a bit but still create a delicious crisp topping.
How Do I Make the Topping Extra Crunchy?
A crunchy topping is key to a great apple crisp! Here are some tips to ensure that perfect texture:
- Use cold butter. Mixing cold butter with the dry ingredients creates flaky layers in the topping.
- Don’t overmix. Blend the topping just until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want some larger pieces for extra crunch.
- Bake until golden. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. The topping should turn a lovely golden brown.
Following these tips will give you a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender apples! Enjoy! 🍏
Delicious Maple Pecan Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 5-6 medium apples; a tart-sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Maple Pecan Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs around 45-55 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll spend about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes to have this delightful dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important as it ensures your crisp will bake evenly. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or any similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced apples with the lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure all slices are evenly coated for the best flavor. Once mixed, transfer this apple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans. Incorporate the cold butter pieces into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want to blend this until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. This texture will give you that wonderful crunch!
4. Assemble and Top:
Sprinkle the oat and pecan topping evenly over the apple filling in your baking dish. Make sure it covers the apples well for a golden, crispy top.
5. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and tender when pierced with a fork. The warm aroma should fill your kitchen too!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove your crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. Enjoy it warm, either solo or with a delightful scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.
This Maple Pecan Apple Crisp is the perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and crunchy, making it a lovely choice for any occasion, especially in the fall! Enjoy every bite! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Other Types of Apples for This Crisp?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of your favorite apples. Just aim for a balance of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Maple Pecan Apple Crisp gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy this dessert without the gluten!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately in advance! Just store the filling in the fridge and keep the topping in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake, assemble and pop it in the oven directly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy it warm for the best taste!
