This Maple Walnut Apple Crisp is a warm treat bursting with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts. Topped with a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s simple yet oh-so-satisfying!
Honestly, who can resist that crispy topping? I could eat it by the spoonful! Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for the perfect cozy dessert. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for a tangy twist, or Honeycrisp for sweetness. If those aren’t available, any firm apple will do. Just avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, as they may turn mushy!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a unique flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, you could use agave syrup or honey, but it will change the taste a bit. For a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar-free syrup.
Walnuts: These give a lovely crunch. If you or someone you’re serving has nut allergies, you can replace walnuts with rolled oats or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is best for that crumbly topping. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute works well here too!
How Can I Perfectly Prepare the Topping?
The topping is what makes this dessert shine! Getting it right can be tricky, but it’s important for a delicious texture.
- Mix the oats, flour, walnuts, and brown sugar together first. This ensures even distribution of the sweet and nutty flavors.
- When adding the cold butter, use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Avoid melting the butter, as you want small chunks for a crisp texture.
- Make sure to sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, so every bite has that crunchy goodness.
Remember, patience is key when baking! Let your apple crisp cool slightly to set before serving. Enjoy!
Maple Walnut Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Walnut Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake. So, set aside about an hour to enjoy the irresistible aroma and get this dessert on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a round or oval baking dish that’s about 8 inches in size. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix gently until all the apple slices are well coated in the sweet, fragrant mixture. Once it’s all mixed, transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, chopped walnuts, and brown sugar. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Then, add the cold cubed butter to this mixture. With your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms small clumps and looks like coarse crumbs. This is what gives your topping that delicious crispiness!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Now, sprinkle the oat and walnut topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the apples so each bite has that lovely crunch. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if you’d like, for an extra special treat!
Enjoy your delightful Maple Walnut Apple Crisp, a comforting dessert that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any firm apples. Consider using a mix for a balance of sweet and tart flavors!
How Can I Make the Crisp Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring the oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy it!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Is It Possible to Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the apple filling and topping in advance, then assemble them just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves time on baking day!
