Name: Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and sliced); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon ginger; 1 cup pecans (salted and chopped, divided into 1/2 cup and 1/2 cup); 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup old fashioned oats; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup butter (cold and cubed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 43 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy dessert that brings together warm spices, tart apples, and a satisfying crunch, you’re going to love this Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe. It’s one of those fan-freaking-tastic recipes I turn to whenever I want to impress without stressing—simple ingredients, easy steps, and a comfort-food vibe that’ll make your kitchen smell like autumn all year round. Stick with me, and I’ll share my best tips for making this crisp absolutely perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple but Flavorful: This Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe uses just a handful of pantry staples—yet each bite bursts with warm spices and nutty textures.
Perfect Texture Balance: The tender, tart apples paired with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping create a wonderful harmony every time.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep it in advance and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve, saving time on busy days.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert has never failed to charm guests or satisfy my family’s sweet tooth — it’s consistently a hit!

Apple Pecan Crisp, apple pecan crisp, easy apple dessert, fall dessert recipes, crunchy apple crumble - A clear glass baking dish filled with a golden brown apple crisp topped with a crunchy layer of chopped pecans and oats, showing a slightly uneven texture with bits of the crumble mix. Two creamy, round scoops of vanilla ice cream sit near the center on top of the dessert. A wooden spoon inside the dish scoops out a portion, revealing a moist, soft apple layer underneath with a light, yellowish color. The background is a white marbled surface with two green apples on the left and a cinnamon stick on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I make this Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe, I always aim for a balance of tartness from the apples, warm spices for depth, and a crunchy topping that complements rather than overwhelms. The pecans add more than just texture—they give a fantastic toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and cardamom.

Apple Pecan Crisp, apple pecan crisp, easy apple dessert, fall dessert recipes, crunchy apple crumble - Flat lay of peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples arranged neatly next to a small white bowl of lemon juice, a small white bowl filled with golden brown sugar, a small white bowl of fine white flour, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl holding ground cardamom, a small white bowl containing ground ginger, a simple white ceramic bowl with chopped salted pecans, a small white bowl with old fashioned oats, a small white bowl containing cold cubed butter, and a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a lovely contrast to the sweet topping.
Lemon Juice: Tossing the apples in lemon juice stops them from browning and adds a subtle brightness to the filling.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich caramel flavor that works wonders in both filling and crumb topping.
Flour: Helps thicken the fruit juices so the crisp isn’t soggy, especially in the filling and topping.
Cinnamon, Cardamom & Ginger: These spices bring warmth and complexity, making each bite cozy and aromatic.
Pecans: Salted and chopped, they add crunch and a slightly savory edge that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Old Fashioned Oats: Essential for that classic crisp texture in the topping.
Butter (cold & cubed): It’s key for creating the crumbly, golden topping when combined with the dry ingredients.
Nutmeg & Salt: Nutmeg deepens the spice profile while salt enhances all other flavors—don’t skip them!

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe my own by switching up the spices or nuts depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative—after all, that’s how memorable recipes are born.

Variation: One time, I swapped pecans for walnuts and added a pinch of ground cloves, which gave the crisp a slightly different but equally delicious twist. You can also swap some of the oats for chopped almonds for extra crunch.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute and it works just as well—perfect for friends with dietary restrictions.
Seasonal Fruit Mix: Try mixing the apples with pears or even adding a handful of dried cranberries for festive flair.
Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sugary dessert, reduce brown sugar a bit and add a splash of maple syrup for natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples with Care

Start by peeling and slicing about 6 cups of Granny Smith apples. Toss them immediately with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice—this brightens the fruit and keeps them from turning brown. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger along with half of your chopped pecans. Then, pour this dry mix over the apples and toss gently until they’re evenly coated. This step is key to ensuring the apples bake up tender but not mushy, with a subtly spiced flavor throughout.

Step 2: Make and Add the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Add in the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the texture looks like coarse crumbs. The cold butter is absolutely crucial—it’s what makes this topping so wonderfully crisp and golden after baking. Stir in the remaining pecans, then sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over your apple filling. You want to cover the apples completely, so every bite has that perfect balance of fruit and crunch.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake the crisp in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end—you’re looking for tender apples bubbling beneath a golden brown topping. No one wants a soggy crisp, and I’ve found that letting it bake a little longer if it’s not quite golden really does the trick. When it’s done, let it cool for a bit before serving so the juices settle nicely.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe

Use Tart Apples: Granny Smiths hold their shape and balance sweetness perfectly compared to softer apples like Fuji or Gala.
Keep Butter Cold: When mixing the crumb topping, cold butter creates flakier, crisper bits—don’t let it soften before cutting in.
Don’t Overmix the Apples: Toss just until coated to avoid breaking down the fruit too much during baking.
Bake Inspected Near the End: If the topping browns too fast, you can tent it with foil to prevent burning while the apples finish baking.

How to Serve Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe

Apple Pecan Crisp, apple pecan crisp, easy apple dessert, fall dessert recipes, crunchy apple crumble - A white bowl filled with a warm apple crumble dessert, showing a bottom layer of soft, cooked apple pieces that are light golden brown, covered by a chunky crumb topping made of oats and chopped nuts in a brown, crumbly texture. On top, two round scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream sit slightly melting over the crumble. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, digging into the dessert, with its handle resting on the edge. The background is a white marbled surface, with two cinnamon sticks placed nearby, and a gray cloth partially visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love serving this crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cold creaminess contrasts so beautifully with the warm fruit and crunchy topping. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce works wonders too, especially if you want that extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

Though this Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe is perfect as a standalone dessert, it’s also fantastic paired with a cozy cup of chai tea or a robust coffee. For a brunch twist, try serving alongside cinnamon-spiced sausage or baked oatmeal—balance sweet and savory for an irresistible spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to bake the crisp in individual ramekins or mason jars—it adds charm and makes portion control a breeze. Sprinkle a few whole pecans or a dash of ground cinnamon on top for a pretty finishing touch. Plus, these single servings heat up quickly for last-minute dessert cravings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple pecan crisp tightly covered in the fridge, usually in the same baking dish or transferred to an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I bake it fully, then cool it completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When I want to enjoy it later, I just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven—perfect for busy days when you want homemade dessert on demand.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the crisp into a preheated 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping crisps back up. Avoid microwaving because it tends to make the topping soggy, and you lose that delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness and firmness, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a sweeter, softer texture. Just keep in mind that softer apples might break down more during baking.
Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crumb topping a day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. This actually helps keep the butter cold, making it easier to sprinkle evenly over the apples before baking.
What if I don’t have pecans—are there good substitutes?

Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work great as substitutes. Toast them lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
Can I make this Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still taste fantastic.
How do I know when the Apple Pecan Crisp is done?

The topping should be golden brown and crisp, and you’ll see the apple juices bubbling up around the edges. When a fork easily pierces the apples, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pecan Crisp Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, perfect for weeknight treats or gathering with friends. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. So, don’t hesitate to dive in and make this recipe yours. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.