This Maple Pecan Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that brings together juicy apples, crunchy pecans, and a sweet maple syrup drizzle. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
I love how easy it is to prepare—just slice, mix, and bake! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes it a treat I can’t resist. Who’s with me? 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples works best. You get a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. If you can’t find them, other tart apples like Fuji or Braeburn will do great.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You could substitute it with honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will change a bit.
Pecans: I love using pecans for their buttery crunch, but walnuts or almonds can be good alternatives if you have nut allergies. Just chop them a bit before adding.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for baking, but you could use coconut oil or a plant-based butter if you need a dairy-free option.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Perfectly Cooked Apples?
Getting the apples just right can be tricky—too soft and they turn mushy, too firm and they stay crunchy. Make sure to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate. Mixing with lemon juice helps them stay fresh and adds a nice zing!
- Use a combination of tart and sweet apples for better flavor.
- Working in a large bowl helps you coat all the apple slices evenly with the syrup and spices.
- Keep an eye on the apples while they bake; you want them tender but not mushy—usually around 45-50 minutes does the trick.
Maple Pecan Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples; a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup pecan halves (or chopped pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Pecan Apple Crisp will take about 15-20 minutes to prep and around 45-50 minutes to bake. All in all, plan for about 1 hour and 10 minutes to enjoy this warm, cozy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar size oven-safe dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined so that all the apple slices get that yummy flavor.
3. Add the Apple Filling to the Dish:
Carefully transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
4. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together for the crunchy topping. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces mixed in. This is where the magic happens!
5. Add the Pecans:
Stir in the pecans, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the topping mixture. This adds a delicious crunch to your crisp.
6. Top the Apples:
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. It should cover all the apples, allowing them to bubble beneath that crispy goodness.
7. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll want to see a golden brown topping and bubbling apples when it’s ready. A fork should pierce the apples easily, indicating they are tender.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. It’s best enjoyed warm—serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
This Maple Pecan Apple Crisp is the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and cozy flavors, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can also experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or even Gala apples. Just make sure to balance tart and sweet varieties for the best flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture will still be delicious and enjoyable!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or enjoy it cold!
Can I Freeze This Apple Crisp?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked apple crisp for up to 3 months. Just prepare the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
