Save to Pinterest Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crunchy pecan oat crumble, served with creamy vanilla ice cream—a comforting dessert perfect for any season.
I first served this crisp on a chilly autumn evening and it quickly became a family favorite, evoking cozy memories and smiles at the table.
Ingredients
- Apple Filling: 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt
- Pecan Crisp Topping: 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped, 1/4 tsp salt
- Serving: Vanilla ice cream (about 1 pint)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9-inch (23 cm) baking dish.
- Prepare filling:
- In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare topping:
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble:
- Evenly sprinkle the pecan oat topping over the apples.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Cool and serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has brought many joyful family moments, especially during holiday gatherings when everyone asks for seconds.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Try adding dried cranberries or raisins for extra flavor. Consider pairing with a glass of late-harvest Riesling or apple cider.
Required Tools
9-inch (23 cm) baking dish, mixing bowls, vegetable peeler and corer, pastry cutter or fork, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains milk (butter, ice cream), tree nuts (pecans), gluten (flour, oats if not gluten-free). Double-check ice cream and oat labels for allergens if needed.
Save to Pinterest This dessert is always a hit and perfect for making ahead of time to impress your guests effortlessly.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Firm and tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a balanced flavor when baked.
- → Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives, offering different textures and flavors to the crisp topping.
- → How can I make the oat topping more crunchy?
Using cold butter and handling the mixture lightly before baking helps create a crumbly, crunchy texture in the topping.
- → Is there a way to adapt this dish for gluten-free diets?
Substitute regular oats with certified gluten-free oats and use a gluten-free flour blend for the topping to ensure it’s gluten-free.
- → What beverages pair well with this dessert?
Late-harvest Riesling or apple cider complement the sweet and spiced flavors beautifully.