There are certain fall desserts that feel like home the moment they come out of the oven. Maple Syrup Apple Crisp is one of those recipes. Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples melt into a golden, crunchy oat topping, all sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn and brings everyone running to the table.
If you love cozy fall baking, wholesome ingredients, maple-sweetened treats, or anything involving warm apples and cinnamon, this recipe will become one of your go-to fall desserts. It’s simple, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
This recipe is also naturally sweetened and can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, celebrating the changing leaves, or just want a warm dessert on a crisp evening, Maple Syrup Apple Crisp is a foolproof choice.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best apple crisp sweetened with maple syrup.
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Why Maple Syrup Apple Crisp Is the Ultimate Fall Dessert
You can make apple crisp a hundred ways, but THIS version stands out for a few reasons:
1. Naturally Sweetened with Real Maple Syrup
Instead of using refined sugar or brown sugar alone, this crisp gets most of its sweetness from pure maple syrup. This creates deep caramel-like notes and a warm, autumn-forward flavor.
2. A Healthier Twist That Still Tastes Indulgent
Using maple syrup, oats, apples, and spices naturally brings a wholesome feel without sacrificing richness.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Serve it for:
- Weeknight desserts
- Thanksgiving
- Fall potlucks
- Halloween gatherings
- Apple-picking season
It’s universally loved and always comforting.
4. Easy to Customize
Add pecans, switch to almond flour, add cranberries, drizzle maple glaze the possibilities are endless.
5. No Special Equipment or Baking Experience Needed
If you can slice apples and mix oats, you can make this dessert flawlessly every time.
6. Cozy, nostalgic flavor
Warm cinnamon apples meet maple-toasted oats truly the essence of fall.
Essential Ingredients for Maple Syrup Apple Crisp
For the Apple Filling
Fresh Apples
Choose apples that stay firm when baked. Great options include:
- Honeycrisp
- Granny Smith
- Fuji
- Pink Lady
- Jonagold
Using a mix creates the best flavor.
Pure Maple Syrup
The star of the recipe. Real maple syrup adds complex sweetness, moisture, and deep caramel undertones.
Cinnamon
Classic apple crisp spice that brings warmth.
Vanilla Extract
Adds flavor depth and enhances the maple notes.
Lemon Juice
Brightens the apples and prevents browning.
Flour or Cornstarch
Helps thicken the juices as the crisp bakes, preventing a watery filling.
For the Maple Oat Topping
Rolled Oats
Create a crunchy, rustic crumble.
Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Flour or Almond Flour
Adds texture and helps crisp the topping.
Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar
You only need a small amount since the filling is sweetened with maple syrup.
Cinnamon & Salt
Balances sweetness and boosts flavor.
Butter or Coconut Oil
Helps the topping brown and crisp.
Use vegan butter or coconut oil to keep the recipe dairy-free.
Optional Add-Ins
- Pecans or walnuts
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Maple sugar
- Dried cranberries
Step-by-Step Baking Guide Mixing, Baking, Cooling
This is the easiest fall dessert you’ll ever make. Follow this step-by-step guide to get perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel (optional), core, and slice apples into thin or medium slices.
Place them in a large bowl and add:
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Lemon juice
- Flour or cornstarch
Toss gently to coat every apple slice.
Step 2: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
Use a skillet, ceramic dish, or pie dish.
Step 3: Make the Maple Oat Crumble
In another bowl, combine:
- Rolled oats
- Flour or almond flour
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Coconut sugar
Pour in melted butter or oil and mix until crumbly.
The topping should be moist enough to clump but dry enough to crumble easily between your fingers.
Step 4: Layer the Crisp
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
Do not press it down leaving it fluffy helps it crisp up.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–50 minutes, depending on pan size.
It’s done when:
- The topping is golden brown
- The apples are bubbling around the edges
- The center looks set
Step 6: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes.
This helps the juices thicken and the topping firm up.
Decorating Your Maple Syrup Apple Crisp
You don’t need frosting or fancy decorations but a few finishing touches make this dessert irresistible.
1. Drizzle with Warm Maple Syrup
Highlights the maple flavor and adds shine.
2. Add a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
The cold cream melts into the warm apples perfection.
3. Top with Whipped Cream
Use classic or coconut whipped cream.
4. Sprinkle Extra Cinnamon
Adds fragrance and makes the crisp look bakery-fresh.
5. Add Toasted Pecans
Maple + pecan = peak autumn flavor.
FAQ for Maple Syrup Apple Crisp
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes use gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free flour or almond flour.
2. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. Maple syrup is sweet enough; reduce or omit added sugar in the topping.
3. What apples work best?
Firm baking apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady.
4. Can I use pre-cut apples?
Yes, as long as they are fresh and not overly wet.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut oil or vegan butter.
6. Can I prep this in advance?
Absolutely. Prep the filling and topping separately and assemble just before baking.
7. Do I need to peel the apples?
Optional. Peels add texture; peeling gives a softer, smoother finish.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Fall Dessert
Maple Syrup Apple Crisp is everything a fall dessert should be warm, fragrant, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With tender maple-sweetened apples and a crisp oat topping, this recipe delivers simple ingredients turned into something special and cozy.
Whether you’re baking for family, hosting a holiday dinner, or treating yourself on a cool autumn evening, this crisp belongs in your fall recipe lineup.