Introduction
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and leaves begin to turn shades of gold and crimson, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked apples wafting through your home. Enter the Sheet Pan Maple-Glazed Apple Crisp—a delightful twist on this classic dessert that’s perfect for cozy snacking or serving at your next gathering.
This recipe transforms the traditional apple crisp into an easy, shareable dish using a sheet pan, maximizing your baking space while ensuring every bite is infused with the warm, fragrant notes of cinnamon and maple. With tender apples nestled beneath a buttery, crunchy oat topping, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and nutty.
Drizzled with pure maple syrup for that quintessential autumn flavor and complemented by a hint of vanilla, it’s a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether you enjoy it warm straight from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or as a simple afternoon treat, this Maple-Glazed Apple Crisp is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Join me as we dive into this easy-to-make recipe that captures the essence of fall!
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
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- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the apples are well-coated. Pour the apple mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
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- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and walnuts (if using) until the mixture is crumbly and well-blended.
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- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples on the baking sheet, ensuring there is a good coverage to create a delicious topping.
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- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
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- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra cozy touch.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
- Apples: 4-6 medium-sized apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- Maple Syrup: 1/2 cup pure maple syrup for natural sweetness and a hint of autumn flavor
- Rolled Oats: 1 cup rolled oats for a hearty and chewy topping
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar to enhance sweetness and depth
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup to create a crumbly topping
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warm, warming spice notes
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for an additional layer of fall flavor
- Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, to bind the topping and add richness
- Salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
- Optional Toppings: Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) and vanilla ice cream for serving
These ingredients come together to create a delightful and cozy autumn treat that’s perfect for snacking on chilly days!
Baking Process
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sheet pan is warm enough to evenly cook the apple crisp, resulting in a perfect, golden-brown topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
While the oven is heating, wash and peel about 4-5 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for an optimal sweet-tart balance). Core and slice the apples into thin wedges for even cooking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/4 cup of maple syrup, a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, and a sprinkle of cinnamon (about 1 teaspoon) for warmth. Toss until the apples are well coated, then set aside to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, prepare your crisp topping by mixing together 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine the butter with the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. For an extra layer of flavor, stir in 1/3 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) if desired.
Step 4: Assemble on the Sheet Pan
Spread the coated apple mixture evenly on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Once the apples are spread out, sprinkle the crisp topping generously over the apples, ensuring that every bite will have that crunchy texture.
Step 5: Bake
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning; you want that beautiful, deep golden color but not burnt.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. The crisp will continue to set as it cools. Serve it warm, either on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Bonus Tips
- Feel free to experiment with spices! Adding nutmeg or ginger can elevate the autumn flavors.
- If you have leftover apple crisp, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Enjoy your cozy autumn snacking!
Serving Suggestions
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Warm and Cozy: Serve the sheet pan maple-glazed apple crisp warm from the oven for a comforting autumn snack. The warmth enhances the flavors and gives a delightful contrast to any toppings.
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A la Mode: For a delicious twist, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The creamy texture perfectly complements the sweet, crunchy apple crisp.
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Pair with Hot Beverages: Enjoy your crisp with a warm cup of chai tea, spiced apple cider, or a rich pumpkin latte. The cozy beverages elevate the autumnal experience.
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Layered Parfaits: Create individual apple crisp parfaits by layering the crisp with yogurt or cottage cheese, adding a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a nutritious twist.
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Hosting Delight: Serve the sheet pan crisp as part of a brunch spread. Pair it with flaky biscuits, scrambled eggs, and a fruit salad for a well-rounded meal.
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Nutty Crunch: Enhance the flavors by sprinkling some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before serving for added crunch and nutrition.
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Gourmet Touch: Drizzle a touch of caramel sauce over the crisp just before serving for an indulgent treat that will impress your guests.
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Breakfast Boost: Utilize leftovers as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes the following morning. Simply reheat the apple crisp and add it to your breakfast for a delicious start to the day.
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Fall Picnics: Cut into bars or squares and pack them for a picnic. The easy transport makes it a perfect snack to enjoy outdoors while soaking in the autumn scenery.
By presenting your sheet pan maple-glazed apple crisp in these delightful ways, you’ll ensure it becomes a favorite snack throughout the autumn season!
Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Maple-Glazed Apple Crisp is the perfect embodiment of cozy autumn snacking. With its irresistibly sweet and tangy flavor profile, paired with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon, it’s sure to evoke the best memories of fall. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply treating yourself to a comforting dessert at home, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. It’s an excellent way to showcase seasonal apples, and the sheet pan method allows for easy preparation and serving.
Don’t forget that the best part of this dish is its versatility—enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve it chilled as a delightful snack throughout the week. With each bite, you’ll savor the deliciousness of autumn, making it a staple in your fall recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and embrace the delightful flavors of this Maple-Glazed Apple Crisp—your taste buds will thank you! Happy snacking!
