Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful dessert that brings together the tartness of apples and the rich crunch of nuts, this Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe is an absolute must-try. It captures that perfect cozy feeling, combining tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery pecan topping that’s irresistibly crisp. This dish is fantastic for sharing with friends or family, whether it’s a special occasion or simply a way to make an ordinary day feel a little sweeter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this effortlessly delicious Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the bright tart apples to the warm spices that elevate the flavor and the pecans that add that much-needed crunch and richness.

• 6 cups Granny Smith Apples (peeled and sliced): These apples bring a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness to the dish.
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice: Prevents apples from browning and adds a fresh zing.
• 2/3 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes to the apple mixture.
• 2 Tablespoons flour: Acts as a thickener to bind the fruit juices while baking.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: This classic spice brings warmth and depth.
• 1 teaspoon cardamom: Adds an unexpected fragrant touch that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger: Offers a subtle hint of spice for complexity.
• 1 cup pecans (salted and chopped, divided): Half adds to the filling for texture; half goes in the topping for a crunchy finish.
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for creating the crumbly, buttery topping.
• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats: Adds hearty texture and rustic appeal to the crisp topping.
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar: Sweetens and balances the topping’s flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Brings a cozy autumn aroma that pairs wonderfully with apples.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and offsets the sweetness perfectly.
• 3/4 cup butter (cold and cubed): The key to a satisfying, flaky crumb that bakes golden and crisp.

How to Make Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. This simple step ensures your crisp won’t stick and comes out effortlessly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and half of the chopped pecans. This blend forms the flavorful base that will infuse the apples with both sweetness and warmth as they bake.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Toss your peeled, sliced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice in a separate bowl. This prevents the apples from browning and adds a fresh, bright note that balances the sugary topping beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Apples and Spice Mixture

Add the dry pecan and spice mixture to the apples and stir until the fruit is evenly coated. This step is crucial to ensure every bite bursts with flavor and the spices get absorbed into the apples.

Step 5: Assemble the Base Layer

Spread the coated apple mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Creating a uniform layer here allows the apples to cook evenly and the juices to mingle perfectly beneath the topping.

Step 6: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This process ensures a crumbly texture that will bake to perfection.

Step 7: Add Remaining Pecans to Topping

Fold the other half of the chopped pecans into the crumb topping. This adds delightful crunch and an extra layer of nutty flavor on top of your crisp.

Step 8: Top the Apples and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple layer. Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. When done, the apples should be tender and the topping golden brown and crisp—ready to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm, textured crisp. Freshly chopped pecans sprinkled on top can echo the crunch inside the dish and make it look picture-perfect.

Side Dishes

This crisp is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of hot coffee or chai tea. If serving at a holiday meal, consider light accompaniments like spiced cider or a smooth caramel sauce drizzle to complement the pecan flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve individual portions in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. You can also layer the Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe in clear glass jars for a stunning look—perfect for gatherings or gifting friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week. The crisp topping may soften slightly but will still be delicious.

Freezing

This Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled crisp securely in foil and plastic wrap or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm and crispy, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that signature crunch on top.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this crisp?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a great tartness and hold their shape well, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have cardamom?

If cardamom is not on hand, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of ground cloves or allspice. It adds a lovely warm note but is not essential to the overall flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil, and ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly. The crisp will still have that wonderful texture and flavor.

How do I make the topping extra crunchy?

Using cold butter and not over-mixing the topping dough helps achieve a crumbly, crunchy texture. You can also toast the pecans lightly before adding them for added depth.

Is this recipe good for larger or smaller servings?

Definitely. The recipe scales well—you just need to adjust your baking dish size and cooking time slightly. For smaller servings, ramekins work great and have shorter bake times.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting and satisfying about a warm fruit crisp fresh from the oven, and this Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe truly delivers just that. The balance of sweet and tart, soft fruit and crunchy nuts, and the warm spices makes it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do.

Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe

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4.2 from 37 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic Apple Pecan Crisp combining tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples with a crunchy pecan oat topping baked to golden perfection. This cozy dessert balances tartness and sweetness with warm spices and nutty crunch, perfect for family gatherings or a comforting treat.

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Ingredients

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Apple Mixture

• 6 cups Granny Smith Apples (peeled and sliced)
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 cup pecans (salted and chopped)

Crumb Topping

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/2 cup pecans (salted and chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with softened butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and half of the chopped pecans until evenly combined.
3. Prepare Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and introduce a subtle tang.
4. Combine Apples and Spices: Add the dry spiced pecan mixture to the bowl of apples and toss thoroughly until the apple slices are completely coated.
5. Assemble Base Layer: Spread the coated apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to create an even layer for baking.
6. Prepare Crumb Topping: In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend in the cold cubed butter until the mixture achieves a coarse, crumbly texture.
7. Add Remaining Pecans: Stir the remaining chopped pecans into the crumb topping for added crunch and flavor.
8. Top Apples: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage to create a crisp layer.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that holds up well during baking.
• Chilling the butter before mixing helps create a crispier topping texture.
• For a nuttier taste, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and adding.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven to retain crispness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American