Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with this Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp with Crunchy Topping! As the bold culinary rebel behind Maxivore.com, I’m thrilled to share this epic, rule-breaking recipe that’s going to have your taste buds dancing with delight. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp with Crunchy Topping
This isn’t your average apple crisp, folks! This dish is a true flavor explosion, combining the comforting sweetness of baked apples with a spicy maple glaze that will send your senses into overdrive. The crunchy, irresistible topping adds the perfect textural contrast, making each bite a thrilling culinary experience. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert or a showstopping treat to share, this Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on some epic ingredients! You’ll need tart apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cayenne pepper to create the insane spicy maple glaze. For the crunchy topping, gather up oats, flour, butter, and more brown sugar. These flavors are about to come together in a way that will blow your mind!
- 6 cups – Tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup – Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon – Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon – Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon – Cayenne pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Apples: Try using a mix of different apple varieties or swap them out for pears (it’s a game-changer!)
- Cayenne Pepper: Feel free to use chili powder or smoked paprika for a different spicy kick
How to Make Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp with Crunchy Topping
Time to work some magic! Let’s transform these ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, peel, core, and slice those tart apples. Toss them with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely INSANE!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Spread the spiced apple mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Now for the showstopping spicy maple glaze – in a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of maple syrup with a dash of cayenne until it’s warm and bubbly. Drizzle that sensational glaze all over the apples. Next, let’s make the crunchy topping. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers to work the mixture until it’s perfectly crumbly, then sprinkle it evenly over the apples. Pop this masterpiece in the oven and get ready for your taste buds to be blown away! Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp has baked to perfection, let it cool for about 15 minutes. Trust me, this is the hardest part – the temptation to dive in face-first is real! But the wait will be worth it, I promise. Serve this legendary dish warm, with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream on top. Brace yourself for the oohs, aahs, and serious food jealousy that’s about to ensue.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Get Creative: Feel free to get creative with this recipe, my fellow flavor adventurers! Try swapping the apples for pears or a mix of different fruits. You can also experiment with the spices, like adding a pinch of ginger or a dash of cardamom.
- Crunchy Topping: If you really want to take this dish to the next level, try topping it with a crunchy candied pecan or almond topping. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp an absolute LEGEND.
- Fruit Swap: Swap the apples for pears or a mix of different fruits like peaches or berries. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
- Healthier Twist: To lighten things up, use whole wheat flour or oats in the crumb topping, and reduce the amount of butter and sugar. You can also try using a sugar substitute like maple syrup or honey in the filling.

Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish is seriously addictive, so I doubt they’ll last that long!
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling and the crumb topping separately a day in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to keep the components refrigerated until you’re ready to go.
Nutrition Information
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room – this Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp is not exactly a health food. But hey, sometimes you just gotta live a little and indulge in something truly epic. With a mix of tart apples, warm spices, and a decadent crumbly topping, this dish is a sensational treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Just enjoy it in moderation, and don’t forget to balance it out with some healthy eats the rest of the day.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 57 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling and the crumb topping separately a day in advance, then simply assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to keep the components refrigerated until you’re ready to go.
Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try swapping the apples for pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries. Just adjust the baking time as needed to account for the different fruit.
How can I make this dish a little healthier?
To lighten things up, you can use whole wheat flour or oats in the crumb topping, and reduce the amount of butter and sugar. You can also try using a sugar substitute like maple syrup or honey in the filling.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and oats in the crumb topping.
How do I know when the crisp is done baking?
The crisp is ready when the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Use a fork to test the apples – they should be easily pierced. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.
Try These Next
- Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites
- Crispy Maple Bacon Bombs With Spicy Honey Drizzle
- Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites With Sweet Mustard Dip

Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp with Crunchy Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🍰 SWEET HEAT FUSION
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Maple Glazed Apple Crisp is a delightful fusion of sweet and heat, featuring caramelized apples topped with a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert!
Ingredients
4 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Spread the spiced apples in an even layer in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
6. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts over the topping.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
For a less spicy version, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon.
You can substitute the apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor.
This dessert pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: apple crisp, dessert, spicy, maple