Autumn Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe

Fall hit, and all I could think about was warm apples. Like, soft and sweet with something crunchy on top. So I made this apple pecan crisp—and oh my gosh, it’s cozy in a dish.

It’s got tender apples, brown sugar, and a buttery pecan topping. Smells amazing while it bakes, too.

If you need a simple fall dessert that tastes homemade, this one’s it. Let’s make it together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Autumn-Inspired Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples captures the essence of fall in every bite.
• Crunchy and Buttery Topping: A mix of oats, flour, and brown sugar comes together to create a crisp that perfectly contrasts the tender apples.
• Quick and Easy: This apple pecan crisp comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.
• Versatile: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the experience.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make this ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have these tools on hand to make the process easier and more enjoyable:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A medium-sized baking dish works best for this recipe. It gives the apples room to cook evenly and provides plenty of space for the topping to bake to perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the apple slices with sugar and spices.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients for the topping.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients, creating that signature crumbly topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of ingredients.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing your apples evenly, allowing them to bake uniformly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dessert:

For the Filling:

• 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 6-7 medium apples): Choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. The mix of tart and sweet apples is key for a balanced filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples without overpowering the natural flavors.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar complements the cinnamon and nutmeg, adding richness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that pairs perfectly with the apples and gives the dessert its signature autumn flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a hint of earthiness to the crisp.
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and create a nice texture.

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats: The oats add a chewy, textured element to the topping, giving it a satisfying crunch.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (for topping): Adds a caramel-like sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the oats and butter.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the topping and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cold butter is key to creating a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth topping. It creates little pockets of buttery goodness throughout the crisp.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Pecans add a rich, nutty crunch that complements the apples perfectly. You can also swap these for walnuts or almonds if preferred.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by prepping your apples. Peel, core, and slice them into thin slices, making sure they’re even in size for uniform cooking. Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl, and add lemon juice to help prevent browning. Then, sprinkle the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour over the apples. Toss everything together gently until the apples are well-coated in the sweet, spiced mixture.

2. Assemble the Crisp

Next, transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The apples should fill the dish about halfway, leaving some room for the topping to rise and bake into a golden, crispy crust.

3. Make the Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, salt, and flour for the topping. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers to work the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to create pea-sized crumbs of butter mixed with the dry ingredients. Once that’s done, stir in the chopped pecans for added crunch.

4. Top the Apples

Evenly sprinkle the oat and pecan topping over the prepared apples. Don’t press it down—let the topping sit loosely to allow it to crisp up during baking.

5. Bake the Crisp

Place the assembled crisp in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are bubbling around the edges, and the topping is golden brown and crispy. You can even check the apples with a fork—they should be tender and easily pierced.

6. Let It Cool

Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to scoop into portions.

How to Serve Autumn Apple Pecan Crisp

This warm apple pecan crisp is the ultimate cozy dessert, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and side dishes:

• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top of the warm crisp is a match made in dessert heaven. You can also use caramel, cinnamon, or butter pecan ice cream for extra flavor.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the crisp.
• With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top for a decadent finish.
• With Hot Tea or Coffee: Enjoy this crisp with your favorite hot beverage for a perfect fall treat.

Storing and Reheating

How to Store

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the cooled crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

To reheat your apple pecan crisp, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crisp back in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the topping is crispy again. You can also microwave individual servings for about 30-45 seconds if you’re in a rush.

Variations for Autumn Apple Pecan Crisp

• Swap the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different crunch.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and flour as substitutes to make this a gluten-free dessert.
• Add Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can be tossed in with the apples for an added layer of sweetness and texture.
• Use Pears: Try mixing apples with pears for a slightly different flavor profile. Pears will soften slightly faster than apples, so keep an eye on the crisp as it bakes.
• Make it Vegan: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine, and use maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a vegan-friendly version.

Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Autumn Apple Pecan Crisp (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Carbohydrates	38g
Protein	2g
Fat	12g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	20g

Note: These values are approximate and will vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Autumn Apple Pecan Crisp is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. It’s warm, sweet, and buttery, with a delightful crunch from the topping and pecans. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday party, or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this recipe will become your go-to fall dessert. It’s easy to make, can be prepped in advance, and is sure to impress your guests. So, grab those apples and get baking—autumn is waiting!