As the crisp air of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a homemade dessert to celebrate the season. One such treat is the Maple Pecan Apple Crisp — a comforting combination of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and the rich flavor of maple syrup. This dessert brings together the best flavors of fall, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or a delightful way to end a cozy evening at home.
The Ingredients that Make it Special
What makes this apple crisp truly special is its simplicity, enhanced by carefully chosen ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- White Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the apples.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the topping a rich, crumbly texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
- Sliced Apples: The star of the dish, bringing natural sweetness and a soft, tender texture when baked.
- Chopped Pecans: Provide a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, elevating the flavor of the apples.
- Maple Syrup: A signature autumn ingredient that adds depth and a subtle sweetness.
- Water: Helps the apples cook down to tender perfection during baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish, ensuring the crisp doesn’t stick to the sides.
2. Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly texture. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to give the topping a satisfying crunch.
3. Layer the Apples
Arrange 4 cups of sliced apples evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Choose apples that balance sweetness and tartness, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the best flavor.
4. Add the Maple and Cinnamon
Drizzle 1/4 cup of maple syrup over the apples, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for that cozy autumn flavor. The combination of maple and cinnamon will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as the crisp bakes.
5. Finish with Water and Topping
Pour 1/4 cup of water evenly over the apples to help them cook to tender perfection. Spread the pecan crumb mixture over the apples, making sure to cover them entirely for a golden, crunchy topping.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake the crisp in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. The topping should be crunchy, and the sweet, bubbling juices from the apples should peek through the crisp layer.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the crisp cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgence, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love Maple Pecan Apple Crisp
This Maple Pecan Apple Crisp isn’t just delicious; it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you’re gathering with friends for a cozy evening, hosting a family dinner, or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on your own, this dessert is a perfect choice. The combination of tart apples, crunchy pecans, and the warmth of cinnamon and maple syrup is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and bring a little autumn magic to your table.
So, grab your favorite apples, and get ready to bake a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Maple Pecan Apple Crisp
Description
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of autumn with this Maple Pecan Apple Crisp. An exquisite blend of sweet apples and crunchy pecans, elevated with a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon for a cozy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm for a delightful finish to your meal.
Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups sliced apples
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the white sugar, softened butter, and flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans and set aside. Arrange the sliced apples evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the maple syrup over the apples, followed by sprinkling the ground cinnamon. Pour the water evenly over the apples. Spread the pecan crumb mixture evenly over the apples, ensuring complete coverage. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Serve warm, optionally paired with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.