Description
This Maple Oat Apple Crisp is a delightful and comforting dessert that features tart apples baked under a sweet, crunchy oat topping sweetened with pure maple syrup and brown sugar. Perfect for cozy gatherings or an everyday treat, this recipe balances the natural tartness of apples with warm cinnamon and the rich, buttery oat crumble.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Mixture
- 6 cups tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (half of total)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Oat Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (remaining half)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Peel and slice the tart apples into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Toss Apples with Flavorings: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, half of the maple syrup (1/4 cup), and ground cinnamon. Toss well to coat all apple slices evenly, which helps prevent browning and infuses flavor.
- Make the Oat Topping: In another bowl, mix the old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, remaining maple syrup (1/4 cup), and optional flour if using. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Assemble and Bake: Layer the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle and spread the oat crumble mixture over the apples. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the apple crisp rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the juices thicken, and the crisp sets. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Lemon juice is optional but helps brighten the apple flavor and prevent browning.
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Cold butter is key to creating a crumbly, crisp topping.
- Letting the crisp rest before serving improves texture and flavor melding.
