Amazingly Easy Autumn Apple Crisp

Written by Jacqueline Burt on CafeMom's blog, The Stir.

Apple season is officially here! The taste of crisp, juicy apples is the definition of fall, at least to me -- along with the feel of soft sweaters and the sound of leaves crunching under my feet. Autumn means going on hayrides and picking apples to bring home and bake up warm, delicious desserts that make the entire house smell absolutely divine.

Which is why I'm a huge fan of apple crisp. It's the same idea as apple pie, but so much better. Not only is it a million times easier to make because there's no rolling of dough involved, it's a million times more flavorful -- especially this Autumn Apple Crisp from DashRecipes.com, thanks to the addition of crunchy pecans, tangy dried cranberries, and maple syrup. Mmmm.

Autumn Apple Crisp

Ingredients
3/4 cup plus 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1 stick cold butter, in chunks
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
2 1/2 lbs. apples, peeled
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions
1. For the topping, put 3/4 cup flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon, and butter in a food processor and pulse to form moist clusters. Mix in pecans.

2. Cut the apples into 1/2-inch chunks and put them in a buttered 9 1/2-inch, 2-quart pie pan. Add cranberries, maple syrup, and 1/2 Tbsp flour; mix. Scatter on topping. Place pan on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake at 375ºF for 40 to 50 minutes. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

More from The Stir:
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls With Sugary Sweet Icing
The Apple Pie to End All Other Apple Pies
The Best Cherry Pie You've Ever Had in Your Life
Pumpkin Cupcakes With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting