If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day, this Maple Apple Crisp Recipe will quickly become your absolute favorite. Melding the natural sweetness of tender apples with the deep, rich flavor of pure maple syrup and a buttery crumbly topping, this dish offers that perfect balance of cozy and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or just craving a homemade treat, this recipe highlights the best of fall flavors with an easy approach that anyone can master. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most inviting scents while creating a dessert that’s satisfyingly crisp and irresistibly comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward creating a memorable Maple Apple Crisp Recipe. Each component plays a key role—from the variety of apples that provide a perfect texture contrast, to the warm spices and maple syrup that add rich, nuanced layers of sweetness. Let’s take a look at what makes this dish shine:
- 6 McIntosh apples: Their soft, tart flavor creates a tender filling that cooks down beautifully.
- 2 firm apples such as Gala: These add a slight crunch and sweetness for textural balance.
- 3 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the filling and create the crisp topping’s structure.
- 2/3 cup pure maple syrup (dark or amber): The star sweetener that brings deep, natural maple richness.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth that perfectly complements the apples.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle spice that enhances the complexity without overpowering.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Essential for that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crumble topping.
- ¼ cup granulated maple sugar or brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the crisp topping beautifully.
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- ½ cup rolled oats: Provides rustic texture and helps hold the topping together.
- Pinch of salt: Balances all the sweet flavors and enhances depth.
How to Make Maple Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF—this creates the perfect environment for slow, even baking. Lightly coat a 2 ½ quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make serving a breeze. This initial preparation ensures your crisp will come out perfectly browned and easy to enjoy.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced McIntosh and Gala apples with 3 tablespoons of flour, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss everything gently until the apples are evenly coated, which will make the filling luscious and flavorful once baked. Then transfer this mixture into your prepared casserole dish—this will be the juicy, tender base of your crisp.
Step 3: Create the Crisp Topping
Now for the most satisfying part: the topping. In a medium bowl, mix the remaining 1/3 cup flour with softened butter and maple sugar. Use your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it becomes crumbly, bringing a rich, buttery texture to your crisp. Stir in the chopped nuts, rolled oats, and a pinch of salt, making sure everything is evenly mixed. Then, sprinkle this crumble evenly over the apple filling, creating that irresistible golden topping.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 350ºF to get the topping started on browning. Without opening the oven, lower the temperature to 325ºF and continue baking for another 60 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apple filling bubbles along the edges and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. This slow baking process allows the flavors to deepen and the textures to meld together perfectly.
How to Serve Maple Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Top your warm serving of Maple Apple Crisp Recipe with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—this adds a luscious contrast to the crisp’s warm sweetness. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the presentation and taste further.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea creates a truly comforting experience. For a brunch setting, consider serving alongside cinnamon-spiced yogurt or fresh fruit salad to keep the flavors fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the Maple Apple Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This personal touch not only makes for an impressive presentation but also ensures everyone gets a perfect crisp-to-apple ratio in every serving. Sprinkling some edible flowers or fresh mint leaves on the side also adds a pretty pop of color that makes your dessert table instantly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and why wouldn’t you?), store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. The crisp’ll keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to continue melding and making for an even more delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
This Maple Apple Crisp Recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Frozen crisp can last up to 3 months—perfect for making dessert ahead of time for busy days or surprise guests.
Reheating
To warm up refrigerated or frozen leftovers, bake your crisp in a preheated oven at 325ºF until heated through and crisp on top—usually about 20 minutes if refrigerated, or 40 minutes from frozen. Avoid the microwave if possible, to retain that wonderful crunchy topping everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a mix of tart and firm apples adds both flavor and texture, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Just remember to balance tartness and sweetness for the best result.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and ensure your maple syrup is pure and not processed with animal products. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare this recipe without nuts?
Definitely. If you have nut allergies or preferences, simply omit the pecans or walnuts. You might replace them with extra oats or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for additional crunch.
How do I know when the Apple Crisp is done baking?
You’ll want to look for bubbling edges of the apple filling and a golden-brown, crisp topping. The bubbling means the filling is cooked through and juicy, while the golden crisp ensures a delightful texture contrast.
What’s the best way to slice apples for this recipe?
Peeling and coring your apples, then slicing them evenly about 1/4 inch thick, ensures they cook uniformly. Using a mix of softer and firmer apples gives a great combination of tender and slightly crisp pieces in your filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about a homemade Maple Apple Crisp Recipe that brings friends and family together over shared comfort and sweetness. With its fragrant spices, tender baked apples, and crisp topping infused with pure maple syrup, this dessert is as approachable as it is delightful. I hope you’ll try making it soon and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do.
Print
Maple Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Maple Apple Crisp is a comforting, warm dessert featuring a juicy blend of McIntosh and Gala apples tossed in pure maple syrup and warming spices, topped with a buttery, crumbly oat and nut topping. Baked to perfection, this crisp offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a crunchy texture, perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 2 firm apples (such as Gala), peeled, cored and sliced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup pure maple syrup (dark or amber)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Crumb Topping
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated maple sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly coat a 2 ½ quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine apple filling ingredients. In a large bowl, toss together the sliced McIntosh and Gala apples with 3 tablespoons of flour, the pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer this mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Make the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, mix the remaining 1/3 cup flour, softened butter, and maple sugar (or brown sugar) together with your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and the butter is fully incorporated. Stir in the chopped nuts, rolled oats, and a pinch of salt until everything is evenly distributed. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the apple layer in the casserole dish.
- Bake the crisp. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 350ºF. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 325ºF and continue baking for an additional 60 to 65 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is a golden brown color.
Notes
- Use a mix of apple varieties for balanced sweetness and texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the maple syrup slightly.
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving to let the juices thicken.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
