This Maple Pecan Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert, perfect for those chilly days. It combines sweet apples with a crunchy topping of oats, pecans, and a touch of maple syrup.
What’s not to love about a dessert that smells like a hug? I whip it up in no time, throw it in the oven, and the whole house fills with yummy scents. Enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream for extra fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for their balance of sweetness and tartness. If you don’t have these, Fuji or Braeburn apples can work too. Just avoid very soft apples like Red Delicious as they won’t hold up in baking.
Maple Syrup: Natural maple syrup adds a wonderful flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you could substitute it with honey or agave syrup, but the maple flavor will change. I love using darker maple syrup for a richer taste.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re allergic or don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes. Just chop them up roughly for some texture.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is key for the topping. You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version, though the crunchiness might differ slightly.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crisp Topping?
Making the topping just right can be tricky, but a few simple steps can help. The goal is to achieve a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples.
- Use cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients quickly. The colder the butter, the flakier the topping will be.
- Mix until you have pea-sized crumbs – avoid over-mixing, as this can make it dense.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling for uniform cooking, which ensures that every bite is delicious!
Let it cool slightly after baking to set up. Enjoy this delightful crisp with vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm topping for a treat that’s hard to resist!
How to Make Maple Pecan Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 5-6 medium apples; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned 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 pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Optional:
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Maple Pecan Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 40-45 minutes of baking time. After it’s baked, let it cool for a bit before serving. It’s perfect to whip up when you want a warm dessert straight from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or any similar-sized baking dish you have on hand.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Make sure everything is well coated. Then, pour this apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans until combined. This will be your crunchy topping!
4. Add the Butter:
Now, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to mix it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized chunks.
5. Add Maple Flavor:
Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of maple syrup over the topping and gently mix it in so the flavor is evenly distributed among the topping mixture.
6. Combine and Bake:
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that extra sweetness!
Enjoy your homemade Maple Pecan Apple Crisp, a delightful treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of different varieties for a more complex flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make your Maple Pecan Apple Crisp gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for both the filling and the topping.
How Can I Make the Topping Extra Crunchy?
To achieve an extra crunchy topping, make sure your butter is cold when you mix it with the dry ingredients. Additionally, bake until the topping is a deep golden brown—this enhances the crunchiness!
