This Rose Water Apple Crisp is a sweet twist on a classic dessert! With juicy apples, warm spices, and a hint of fragrant rose water, it’s simply delightful.
It smells so amazing while baking! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s the perfect ending to any meal and a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are my go-tos for this dish; they provide a nice balance of tart and sweet. However, you can use any firm apples like Fuji or Braeburn. Just make sure they hold their shape while baking!
Rose Water: This ingredient gives the crisp its unique flavor. If you can’t find rose water, you could use a hint of vanilla extract or even a splash of almond extract for something different.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats create the perfect texture for the topping. If you want a gluten-free option, you can swap in certified gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it allows you to control the saltiness. For dairy-free options, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Both work great and will still give a lovely richness.
How Do You Achieve a Crispy Topping?
Getting the topping just right is key to a delicious apple crisp! Here’s how you make it perfectly crispy:
- Chill the butter before adding it to the dry ingredients. Cold butter helps the topping become flaky.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter with the oat mixture until you see small, pea-sized clumps.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples in the dish. This ensures that it crisps up uniformly.
- Don’t skip the baking! Cook it until the topping is golden brown and the apples bubble; this caramelization adds amazing flavor.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a wonderful, crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the soft, spiced apples below!
Rose Water Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon rose water
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Dried rose petals for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Rose Water Apple Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 40-45 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour, including cooling time before serving. Perfect for a cozy dessert at any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your delicious crisp!
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rose water. Make sure all the apples are nicely coated. Let this mixture sit while you move on to the topping.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. This is where the magic happens! Next, add the cold butter cubes into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It should be crumbly but still hold together when pressed.
4. Assemble the Dessert:
Now, transfer the apple mixture into a baking dish or a rustic copper pan. Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apples, covering them completely. This will create a beautiful crisp layer on top!
5. Bake:
Pop your dessert into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown and the apples to be bubbly and tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. For a lovely finishing touch, dust with powdered sugar and feel free to sprinkle some dried rose petals over the top for a beautiful presentation.
7. Enjoy:
Serve your Rose Water Apple Crisp warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the delightful balance of warm, spiced apples and the unique floral notes of rose water!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices, feel free to experiment with other firm apples such as Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala. Just choose apples that balance tartness and sweetness for the best flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Rose Water?
No worries! If rose water is unavailable, you can substitute it with a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract. Both options will still add a lovely aroma to your crisp!
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the apple filling and topping separately, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions until heated.
