Description

This easy apple crunch recipe features warm, spiced apples topped with an unbelievably crisp streusel, filling the kitchen with inviting aromas. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dessert perfect for weeknights or unexpected guests, coming together quickly with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale

2.6 pounds firm, tart apples (about 8 medium), such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons granulated sugar for apples
0.25 cup granulated sugar for syrup
2 teaspoons ground cardamom (1 teaspoon for apples; 1 teaspoon for streusel)
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegetable shortening, melted for apples
8 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegetable shortening, chilled for streusel
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
0.5 cup finely chopped pitted Medjool dates
0.25 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon orange blossom water (ensure 0 percent alcohol content)
0.25 cup finely chopped unsalted shelled pistachios
Zest of 1 orange, finely grated
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons water (estimated, for syrup)

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and 0.75-inch (2 cm) cut apple pieces with lemon juice, 6 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, melted butter or vegetable shortening, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
Arrange in Dish: Spread the apple mixture evenly into a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking dish or a 10-cup (2.5 L) oval gratin dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent baking.
Make the Streusel: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 0.5 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger. Add the chilled, cubed butter or vegetable shortening. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, work the fat into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
Add Dates & Oats: Stir the finely chopped Medjool dates and rolled oats into the streusel mixture until evenly distributed, adding a unique chewiness and extra texture.
Assemble and Top: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the prepared apple mixture in the baking dish, covering all the apples with a thick, uniform layer.
Bake the Crunch: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife and the topping is golden brown and crisp. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.
Cool Before Serving: Remove the apple crunch from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the fruit juices to thicken slightly.
Prepare Syrup & Garnish: While the apple crunch cools, combine 0.25 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is clear. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water. Let cool slightly. Serve the warm apple crunch, drizzled with syrup and garnished generously with finely chopped pistachios and fresh orange zest.

Notes

If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time. Cooling for at least 15-20 minutes allows fruit juices to thicken, preventing a watery result. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter; for gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Pumpkin pie spice blend can be substituted for cardamom and cinnamon.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx 120 g)
Calories: 380 calories
Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: apple crunch, streusel, easy dessert, comfort food, baking, spiced apples, dates, oats, family dinner