This Maple Walnut Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that is perfect for chilly days. It’s made with sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and topped with a delicious maple-flavored topping.
I love how easy it is to prepare! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the smell that fills the house. It’s a sweet hug in a bowl! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great choices for their balance of sweet and tart. If you can’t find these, feel free to use Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor or even mix varieties for added complexity.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup brings a warm flavor. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can use agave syrup or honey, but taste may vary. Make sure you pick pure maple syrup whenever possible for the best results!
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch and richness. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be excellent substitutes while still providing a nice texture.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for this recipe, giving a chewy texture. If you need a gluten-free version, just look for certified gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter controls the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well too.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp Texture?
The topping is where the crisp gets its character! You want it to be crunchy and golden brown. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and walnuts first to ensure even distribution.
- Don’t skip on the melted butter; it helps bind the topping together and adds richness. Ensure every morsel is coated.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples but don’t pack it down. This allows it to get crisp while baking.
Bake until bubbly and golden; the apples should be soft but not mushy! Cool it for a bit before serving to let the juices settle. Enjoy your wonderfully textured crisp!
Maple Walnut Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Apple Filling:
- 5 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4 medium apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 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:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Maple Walnut Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in about 1 hour, you’ll have a warm, delicious dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your baking dish (an 8-inch square or similar deep round dish works well) is lightly greased so it doesn’t stick!
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Then, add in the 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir everything together until the apples are nicely coated.
3. Spread the Apples:
Transfer the apple mixture to your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite has that delicious flavor!
4. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and chopped walnuts. This will give your topping a delightful crunch!
5. Combine the Topping Ingredients:
Pour the melted butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup over the oat mixture. Stir well until everything is crumbly and evenly coated.
6. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat and walnut topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish, covering them nicely. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
7. Let it Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you like!
Enjoy your Maple Walnut Apple Crisp, a perfect mix of sweet and crunchy, and a delicious treat everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or even a mix of different varieties for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the apples you choose!
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready, assemble and bake as directed. If the topping is too firm after refrigeration, give it a quick stir to break it up before spreading it on top of the apples.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Maple Walnut Apple Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the microwave!
Can I Substitute the Butter for a Dairy-Free Option?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free! Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil, vegan butter, or even vegetable oil. Just remember that using coconut oil may add a slight coconut flavor to the crisp.
