This Rose Water Apple Crisp is a warm, cozy dessert that pairs sweet apples with a hint of floral rose water. The crunchy topping makes it extra tasty!
Believe me, the smell of this baking will have everyone rushing to the kitchen! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. An excellent alternative is Fuji apples, which can add a nice crisp texture. Aim for a mix of sweet and tart apples for balance.
Rose Water: This adds a unique floral flavor. If you can’t find rose water, try orange blossom water for a different yet lovely aroma. A drop of vanilla extract works in a pinch, but it won’t have the same floral notes.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture. If you need a gluten-free option, certified gluten-free oats can be used instead. Avoid instant oats as they can turn mushy.
Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter. This will still provide that rich, buttery flavor and texture.
How Do I Make the Topping Extra Crunchy?
Getting that perfect crispy topping is all about the butter and proper mixing technique. Start with cold butter, as it creates a flaky texture. When combining with dry ingredients, don’t over-mix! Just aim for coarse crumbs, so each bite has a delightful crunch.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes for easier mixing.
- Use your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredient mix, resembling coarse crumbs rather than a dough.
- Don’t forget to spread the topping evenly over the apples to ensure every bite is flavorful!
How to Make Rose Water Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Apple Filling:
- 5 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For The Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Garnish:
- Dried rose petals (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So in total, you’ll spend around 1 hour! Most of that time is just the oven doing its magic while you dream about the delicious smell wafting through your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take out a baking dish or a medium-sized ovenproof skillet and grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This helps keep them fresh and tangy. Next, add in the rose water, granulated sugar, brown sugar (1/4 cup), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything well so that all the apple slices are coated evenly. Then, transfer this yummy mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out nice and even.
3. Make the Oat Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, the remaining brown sugar (1/2 cup), and salt. Next, add the cold, cubed butter. Now comes the fun part! Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix everything together until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will create that perfect crunchy topping!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle your oat mixture evenly over the apple layer in the baking dish. Now it’s time to bake! Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up safely under the crunchy layer.
5. Cool Down and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove your apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some dried rose petals on top for a beautiful and fragrant garnish. Serve it warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy your lovely Rose Water Apple Crisp, where every bite is a delightful blend of sweet apples and a hint of floral goodness!
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can experiment with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the fruit is tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Reduce the Sugar in the Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely reduce the sugar to suit your taste! Just remember that the sweetness of the apples plays a role, so if you’re using tart apples, you may want to leave some sugar in to balance the flavors.
Is it Possible to Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The rest of the ingredients should be fine, but always check your labels to be safe.