Caramel Pecan Apple Crisp

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a delightful dessert experience with our Caramel Pecan Apple Crisp. It's the perfect blend of tart apples and sweet caramel, topped with a nutty, buttery crumble. This recipe is ideal for cozy fall evenings when you crave something warm and comforting.

Ingredients for Caramel Pecan Apple Crisp

The star of this dish is, of course, the apples. I like to use a mix of tart and sweet varieties for depth of flavor. The granulated sugar helps to sweeten the apples just right, while the cinnamon and nutmeg bring in warm, comforting spices. A dash of lemon juice keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.

The topping is made rich and crumbly with all-purpose flour and unsalted butter. The rolled oats add a satisfying chew, and the brown sugar brings a hint of molasses sweetness. Lastly, pecans introduce a delightful crunch, while the caramel sauce weaves everything together with its luscious, buttery notes.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra-crispy topping, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them in.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the caramel sauce to 2 tablespoons.
  • Always use cold butter for the topping; it creates a better crumb texture.
  • Try mixing different apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a complex flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Caramel Pecan Apple Crisp pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it with a spiced chai tea or a warm mug of apple cider to enhance those comforting autumn flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts or almonds work well if pecans aren't available.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely, just substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Caramel Pecan Apple Crisp Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it's ready to go once everything's assembled. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure every slice is well-coated; this ensures even flavor throughout.

Next, transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish, spreading them evenly. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, oats, and brown sugar. Now comes the fun part: add in the cold butter cubes. You can use a pastry cutter, but I prefer to use my fingers. It’s a bit messy but very effective. Work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Once crumbly, stir in the chopped pecans, then sprinkle this topping over the apples in the dish. Try to cover them evenly for a consistent bake. Finally, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. This step is where you can be a bit artistic, letting the sauce create a delicious network over the crisp.

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown, and the apples are tender. Once done, let it cool slightly. This brief cooling helps the caramel to set just a bit, making it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple, straightforward preparation.
  • Uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • A delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Topped with a crunchy, nutty layer that adds texture.
  • Perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

4 cups sliced apples (about 4 medium)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup caramel sauce

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
4. In another bowl, mix flour, oats, and brown sugar. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
5. Stir in chopped pecans.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
7. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the crisp.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.

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