This Maple Walnut Apple Crisp is a warm hug in a dessert! With sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s both comforting and tasty.
Honestly, who can resist that crispy topping? I always think of it as a reason to have ice cream on the side. It’s a match made in dessert heaven! 🍏🌰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are perfect for this recipe as they balance the sweetness of the syrup. If you want a sweeter option, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. A mix of different apples can also add a unique flavor!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives great flavor, but you can substitute with agave nectar or honey if needed. Keep in mind that it will slightly change the taste, but it will still be delicious!
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch. If you’re allergic or just don’t like nuts, you can use oats or sunflower seeds as a substitute to maintain some texture.
Cornstarch: This is optional but helps thicken the apple filling and keeps it from being too runny. You can replace it with arrowroot powder or simply skip it if you prefer a juicier filling.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crunchy Topping?
The topping is key for that delightful crunch! Here are a few tips to ensure it comes out just right:
- Mix your dry ingredients well before adding the melted butter and syrup. This ensures even distribution.
- After adding the butter and syrup, don’t over-mix! You want some clumps for extra crunch.
- Bake until golden brown but watch closely in the last few minutes to prevent burning. Every oven is different!
Letting it cool slightly before serving makes a significant difference in enjoying those crispy edges. Pair it with ice cream—it’s really a must!
How to Make Maple Walnut Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Walnut Apple Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40 to 45 minutes to bake. So, in total, expect to spend about 1 hour! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to get the perfect texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch (if using). The lemon juice will help prevent browning, and the cornstarch will thicken the filling. Once well combined, pour the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, chopped walnuts, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and maple syrup, and stir gently with a fork until the mixture clumps together nicely and is evenly moistened.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat and walnut topping generously over the apple filling in the baking dish. Make sure to cover those apples well!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for that topping to turn golden brown and crisp, while the apples become tender and bubbly, which you can test with a fork.
6. Cool Down Pre-Serving:
Once it’s done, carefully remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps set the filling and makes serving easier.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy it warm right out of the oven! For an extra treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Dive into this cozy dessert experience, and enjoy every bite!
This Maple Walnut Apple Crisp is not only easy to make but also a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of maple and a satisfying crunch. Enjoy! 🍏🌰🍦
Can I Use Different Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. A mix of sweet and tart apples can add depth to your crisp!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to also check that your oats are certified gluten-free, as some can be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains.
What Can I Do If My Crisp Is Too Runny?
If you find your apple filling is too runny, you can return the crisp to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. This helps thicken the juices. Alternatively, for next time, consider using cornstarch or reducing the amount of maple syrup to balance the moisture.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the apple filling and topping separately and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just layer them in the dish and bake as instructed. Enjoy the freshness without the last-minute prep!
