This Rose Water Apple Crisp combines tender apples with a hint of floral rose water. Topped with a crunchy oat mixture, it’s a cozy dessert that’s perfect for gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter option. You can mix different varieties for a more complex flavor. If you need a substitute, pears would also work nicely.
Rose Water: This ingredient gives a unique floral taste. If you can’t find rose water, you could use a splash of almond extract or vanilla extract for a different but still delicious flavor.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch. If there are allergies or if you prefer a nut-free version, you can leave them out or replace them with pumpkin seeds for some crunch.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over flavors. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works well too.
How Do I Make the Oat Topping Extra Crunchy?
The oat topping is what makes this crisp truly delightful! To achieve that perfect crunch, it’s crucial to handle the butter correctly. Make sure it’s cold when mixing with your dry ingredients.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until you get a crumbly texture—don’t overwork it!
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples. Leaving some small clumps helps create those crispy bits.
- If you like a bit of extra texture, you can mix in some shredded coconut or more oats to the topping.
Remember, baking is about patience. Let your crisp cool slightly before serving, so the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your dessert with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream—it doesn’t get better than that! 🌟
Rose Water Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp rose water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and 40-45 minutes for baking. Altogether, you can expect it to take about an hour to an hour and a half, including cooling time before serving. Perfect for an enjoyable evening dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your crisp is ready to bake!
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and rose water. Make sure all the apple slices get a good coating. Then, add granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing well to ensure every slice is nicely coated. Transfer this fruity mixture into a greased 8-inch square or similar sized baking dish.
3. Make the Oat Topping:
In another bowl, combine the oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and nuts if you are using them. Then, add the cold butter pieces, mixing together using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold for a crispy topping!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Spread it out nicely so every apple is covered. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Enjoy this comforting and aromatic dessert, where the floral notes of rose water bring a delightful twist to the classic apple crisp!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with other varieties like Fuji or Gala. Mixing different types can enhance the flavor profile of your crisp.
Can I Omit the Rose Water?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of rose water or don’t have it on hand, you can simply skip it. For a different flavor twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of almond extract instead!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat portions in the microwave or bake them in a warm oven until heated through. It’s delicious warm!
Can This Apple Crisp Be Made Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free, as some oats can be processed in facilities with gluten-containing products.