This Rose Water Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that brings a lovely twist with the hint of rose flavor. Sweet apples topped with crispy oats make it extra yummy!
It’s so easy to make, even for those days when you just want a treat without the fuss. I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—heavenly! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent for this dish. They balance sweetness and tartness well. If these aren’t available, try Fuji or Braeburn apples for a similar flavor profile.
Rose Water: This ingredient adds a lovely floral touch. If you’re not a fan of rose essence, you can use vanilla extract instead. Just keep the amount the same, or reduce slightly if you want to avoid overpowering the dish.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for a crispy topping. If you need a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats will work too but may result in a softer topping.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great because you can control the salt content. For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter. The flavor will change a bit, but it’s still delicious!
How Do You Get the Oat Topping Crispy?
Creating a golden, crispy topping is key to a great apple crisp. Here’s how to ensure your oats get that perfect texture:
- Mix the oats with flour, sugars, and cinnamon thoroughly before adding melted butter. This helps everything combine well.
- When adding melted butter, stir just until it’s crumbly. Over-mixing can make it less crispy.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the apples but don’t pack it down. This allows heat and air to circulate, making it crispy.
Baking at 350°F allows the top to brown nicely while the apples cook through. If it’s not golden by the end of baking, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute—just watch it carefully to avoid burning!
Rose Water Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon rose water
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Rose Water Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 35-40 minutes baking time. Total, you should expect to spend about 1 hour, including cooling time before serving. It’s perfect for a cozy evening dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a moment to lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins to prevent sticking.
2. Toss the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced apples. Gently toss them with lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the rose water until every slice is coated well. This adds a lovely flavor and helps prevent browning.
3. Arrange the Apples:
Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread the apple slices out evenly, making sure they look beautiful for baking.
4. Make the Oat Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir until mixed well. Then pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when pressed.
5. Sprinkle the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples. Don’t pack it down too hard; you want it to bake up nice and crispy!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps the juices settle a bit. Serve warm, and feel free to top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy the gentle floral note from the rose water paired with the sweet and tangy baked apples and crispy oat topping!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or any apples you enjoy that hold up well during baking. Just adjust the sugar based on their sweetness!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this Rose Water Apple Crisp gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
Can I Prepare the Crisp Before Baking?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and oat topping separately ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Assemble and bake within a day or two for the best results!
