This Rose Water Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that features sweet apples tossed with fragrant rose water. It’s topped with a crunchy, buttery oat mixture!
The smell of this dish baking is heavenly! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, you won’t want to share! 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. If you can’t find those, Fuji or Gala apples also work well! Always choose firm apples that will hold their shape when baked.
Rose Water: This is what adds a lovely floral note to the dish. If you don’t have rose water, you could use orange blossom water for a different but still aromatic flavor. Just use half the amount to start, as it can be quite strong!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. It will still give you that great crumbly topping!
Oats: Rolled oats are essential for the crisp texture. You can substitute with gluten-free oats if you’re avoiding gluten, and they will still turn out delicious!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
Getting the topping just right can be tricky, but here are some tips! You want a crumbly texture that will crisp up nicely while baking.
- Make sure your butter is cold! Cut it into small cubes before adding to the dry ingredients.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine the butter with the oats, flour, and brown sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Don’t overwork it – you want to keep some larger pieces for the crunch!
Spread the topping evenly over the apples; this helps it bake uniformly. Baking it until it’s golden brown will ensure the toppings are crispy and delicious!
Rose Water Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon rose water
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Dried rose petals, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then bakes for 40-45 minutes. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour for everything from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or individual serving bowls to ensure nothing sticks to the sides.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rose water. Toss the apple slices until they are coated evenly with the mixture. Once mixed, transfer the apple filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to cover the bottom.
3. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if there are some larger pieces—they will make the topping extra crispy!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure it covers all the apples to create a nice crunchy layer.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the apples to be tender and the topping to turn a golden brown color.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the crisp out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top to balance the flavors.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle dried rose petals on top for a beautiful touch. Enjoy this fragrant and delicious Rose Water Apple Crisp with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic choices, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just ensure you’re using firm apples that will hold their shape while baking for the best texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Can I Make This Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. It will still turn out deliciously!
What Is the Best Way to Serve Rose Water Apple Crisp?
For a delightful serving, enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the sweet, floral flavors of the crisp, making for an indulgent dessert!
