There's something undeniably comforting about a warm apple crisp, especially when it's infused with the rich flavors of maple syrup and pecans. This Rustic Maple Pecan Apple Crisp is the perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and texture, making it an ideal dessert for any cozy gathering or a quiet night at home.
Apples: These are the heart of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a tender texture when baked. Choose a mix of tart and sweet varieties for a well-rounded flavor.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: They add a wonderful chewiness to the crisp topping, making it hearty and satisfying.
Brown sugar: This sweetener deepens the flavor with its molasses notes, perfectly complementing the apples.
All-purpose flour: It helps bind the topping ingredients together, giving the crisp its structure.
Cold unsalted butter: Ensures a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth topping. Keeping it cold is key for the perfect texture.
Pecans: These nuts add a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the maple syrup.
Maple syrup: Infuses the apples with a warm, aromatic sweetness that's more complex than sugar alone.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and depth, enhancing the natural apple flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance and highlight the sweetness and spices.
This crisp is delightful on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess paired with the warm, spiced apples is an unbeatable combination. It's also lovely with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
First, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready to go. In a large mixing bowl, toss your thinly sliced apples with the maple syrup, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Make sure every apple slice is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Now, in a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, the remaining cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes into this mixture. You can use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until you get a crumbly texture. It should look like coarse crumbs, which is exactly what you want for a good crisp topping.
Stir in the chopped pecans into your oat mixture. These will add a great nutty crunch to your dish. Next, spread your apple mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish. You want it to be an even layer so it bakes uniformly.
Now, sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples, making sure to cover them evenly. This is where you'll get that deliciously crispy and golden topping. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Once it's out of the oven, let it cool for at least 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the flavors set, making it easier to serve and even more delicious.
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