This Maple Pecan Apple Crisp is a cozy dessert made with sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any occasion!
Who doesn’t love the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven? I always make extra so I can enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream on top—yum! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness works great. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Gala can be used instead. And don’t worry about being exact on the quantity—more apples can add extra heartiness!
Maple Syrup: This is the star of the dish! For a different twist, try using agave syrup or honey if you’re out of maple syrup. Just remember, honey is sweeter, so you may want to use a little less.
Pecans: These add a wonderful crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to substitute with rolled oats or sunflower seeds. Chopped walnuts also work well if you like a different nut flavor.
Butter: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
How Do I Get the Crisp Topping Just Right?
Getting that perfect crumble topping can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! The key is to keep the butter cold and not over-mix. You want the mixture to look crumbly, with small chunks of butter still visible.
- First, combine dry ingredients (oats, flour, sugar, spices) in a bowl.
- Add cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. It should feel like wet sand.
- Don’t worry about completely mixing; leaving some butter pieces means a flakier topping!
After baking, the topping should be golden brown and crispy, creating a delightful contrast to the tender apples underneath. Enjoy!
Maple Pecan Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 5-6 medium apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Pecan Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 40 to 45 minutes of baking time. You’ll be left with a bubbling dessert full of sweet apples and crunchy topping—absolutely worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, get your baking dish ready by lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. This will prevent the crisp from sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced apples with the lemon juice, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. This will add flavor and keep the apples from browning.
3. Assemble the Bottom Layer:
Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite is filled with those delicious flavors!
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans. Mix these ingredients together until well combined. This is where the crunch comes from!
5. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the cold, chopped butter to the oat mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend everything together until the mixture becomes crumbly. There should be some small chunks of butter visible—that’s what will make the topping crispy when it bakes!
6. Top the Apples:
Easily sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples in your baking dish. Try to cover the apples completely for an even crisp.
7. Bake It:
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and soft. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy your comforting Maple Pecan Apple Crisp! It’s a delicious treat that warms the heart and pleases the taste buds. Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can also try using pears, peaches, or a mix of berries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetener according to the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture will remain delicious!
Can I Prepare This Dessert Ahead of Time?
You can prep the apple filling and topping separately up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and assemble just before baking to ensure optimal crispiness!
