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Kid-Approved Harvest Apple Crisp with Oat Pecan Topping

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A warm, budget-friendly apple crisp with a crunchy oat pecan topping that comes together in under an hour. Perfect for weeknight desserts or holiday gatherings, this recipe uses simple ingredients and is picky eater approved.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 6 medium apples, mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith with Fuji or Gala)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
  2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Season the filling: Add granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the apples. Toss until every slice is coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Stir with a fork to break up clumps. Pour melted butter over dry ingredients and mix until mixture resembles wet sand with some clumps.
  5. Assemble the crisp: Pour seasoned apples into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle oat pecan topping evenly over apples.
  6. Bake: Place dish on middle rack and bake for 35-40 minutes, until topping is golden brown and edges are bubbling. If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  7. Cool and serve: Let crisp rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a splash of cold heavy cream.

Notes

Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats, for best texture. If pecans are too expensive, substitute with walnuts, almonds, or extra oats. Avoid Red Delicious apples as they turn mushy. For a gluten-free version, use 1:1 gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats. For dairy-free, use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter. Topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a day. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp, oat pecan topping, easy apple dessert, kid-friendly, fall dessert, budget-friendly, harvest apple crisp

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/kid-approved-harvest-apple-crisp-with-oat-pecan-topping/