This Maple Walnut Apple Crisp is a warm dessert that combines sweet apples with a crunchy topping. The hints of maple syrup and toasted walnuts make it extra special!
I love serving this crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—so yummy! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up for a cozy dessert night. 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect because they balance sweetness and tartness well. If you can’t find these, try Fuji or Braeburn, which also work nicely in crisps.
Maple Syrup: This sweetener brings a lovely flavor. If you’re out, you can use honey or agave syrup, but the taste will be slightly different.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch. For a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds; they give a different texture but still yummy!
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the topping to create a nice crumbly texture. If you’re vegan, coconut oil or vegan butter can be good substitutes.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
Creating a crunchy topping is key to a great apple crisp. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, ensure your butter is cold. Cold butter helps form the crunch when baked.
- Mix the dry ingredients well before adding the butter to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until the butter is pea-sized. Don’t overmix; you want those bits of butter!
- Adding maple syrup to the topping just before baking will help it caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Letting it bake until golden brown allows all those flavors to shine. Trust me, the perfect topping makes all the difference!
Maple Walnut Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
- 6 cups apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (for the apple filling)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Walnut Apple Crisp takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect to spend about an hour making this delightful dessert from start to finish, plus a little extra time for it to cool before serving. Perfect for those cozy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking your crisp!
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure the apples are nicely coated. Then, arrange this apple mixture evenly in your greased baking dish.
3. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and chopped walnuts. Next, add the cold butter pieces and use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Drizzle in 3 tablespoons of maple syrup and mix it gently to add some sweetness and moisture to your topping.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat and walnut topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Spread it out nice and evenly so every bite gets that crunchy goodness!
5. Bake the Crisp:
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help all the flavors settle.
7. Enjoy Your Crisp!
Serve warm, topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you like. Every bite will be a delightful mix of warm apples, crunchy topping, and a hint of maple—so delicious!
Enjoy your warm, sweet, and crunchy Maple Walnut Apple Crisp!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of sweet and tart apples for added flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the apple filling and topping separately a day ahead. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great way to save time for a gathering!
What Can I Substitute for Walnuts?
If you’re allergic to nuts or want a different flavor, try using pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for the crunch in the topping. For a different taste, you could also try pecans or almonds!