Best Maple Pecan Apple Crisp – Easy Fall Dessert

This Maple Pecan Apple Crisp is the essence of fall in a baking dish. It's a simple, rustic dessert that lets the apples shine, with a crunchy, nutty topping that's just sweet enough.

I've kept the ingredient list short and the steps straightforward, so you can focus on the aroma filling your kitchen and the quiet satisfaction of making something from scratch.

Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold the next day, this crisp is a comforting treat that celebrates the season.

About the Ingredients

6 cups (900g) peeled and sliced Honeycrisp apples (about 6 medium)

Honeycrisp or Fuji apples hold their shape when baked. Substitute Granny Smith for a tarter flavor.

2 tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup

Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Grade A dark amber works well.

1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon is milder; use half if you prefer a subtler spice.

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Freshly grated nutmeg is more aromatic, but ground works fine.

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar

Light or dark brown sugar both work; dark gives a deeper molasses flavor.

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.

1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans

Toast the pecans beforehand for extra flavor, or substitute walnuts.

1/4 teaspoon salt

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• Slice apples uniformly (about 1/4-inch thick) so they cook evenly.
• Don't overwork the topping—it should be crumbly, not a dough.
• If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole.

2. Prepare apples

In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread them evenly in the prepared dish.

3. Make topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.

4. Assemble crisp

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.

5. Bake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling at the edges. If the topping browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.

6. Cool and serve

Let the crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken.

Delicious Variations

• Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture.
• Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds, or use a mix.
• Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or bourbon to the apples for extra depth.

How to Store Maple Pecan Apple Crisp

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this Maple Pecan Apple Crisp brings warmth to your table. If you try it, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience in the comments below.

Maple Pecan Apple Crisp

Maple Pecan Apple Crisp with a buttery oat topping, warm spices, and a hint of maple—perfect for cozy fall baking.

★★★★½ 4.8 (127 ratings)

15 minPrep time40 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 6 cups (900g) peeled and sliced Honeycrisp apples (about 6 medium)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole.
2. 2Prepare apples — In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
3. 3Make topping — In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.
4. 4Assemble crisp — Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
5. 5Bake — Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling at the edges. If the topping browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.
6. 6Cool and serve — Let the crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For an extra special touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 3g protein · 34g carbs · 17g fat

Written by Kenji Tanaka
Kenji explores technology and digital minimalism, helping readers declutter their digital lives and focus on what matters. He writes about app selection, notification management, and creating healthy tech habits, based on his own experiments with unplugging.