Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious twist on a classic dessert, this Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a warm, comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness and slight tartness of apples with the creamy, rich goodness of peanut butter, all topped with a perfectly crumbly whole wheat oat topping. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family night or impressing guests, the balance of flavors and textures will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, using whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners makes this crisp feel a little more wholesome without sacrificing any of the indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe just right is all about having simple but quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, comfort, and heartiness you want in a dessert that feels homemade.
- Apples, 5 medium: A mix of tart and sweet varieties gives your crisp a balanced flavor and lovely texture.
- Lemon juice, 2 tbsp: Brightens the apple filling and prevents the slices from browning.
- Maple syrup or honey, ⅓ cup: Adds natural sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp: Infuses warmth and classic spice notes into the apple mixture.
- Ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp: A subtle hint of earthiness that elevates the flavor profile.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
- Rolled oats, ¾ cup: Give the crisp topping its hearty, chewy texture.
- Whole wheat flour, ½ cup: Adds a nutty depth and nutritious element to the crumble.
- Creamy peanut butter, ⅓ cup: The star ingredient in the topping, providing rich creaminess and a unique twist.
- Coconut sugar or brown sugar, ⅓ cup: Adds caramel undertones and helps create that golden crust.
- Unsalted butter, ¼ cup (melted): Binds the topping and brings a luscious buttery flavor.
- Salt, ¼ tsp: Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
How to Make Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish so that the crisp doesn’t stick and cooks evenly. This step sets the stage for everything to come together beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss your peeled, cored, and sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. The lemon juice keeps the apples looking fresh, while the spices and sweetener create a cozy, inviting scent and flavor that’s irresistible once baked. Once everything is evenly coated, spread this mixture into your prepared baking dish in an even layer.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Topping
In another bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, coconut or brown sugar, and salt. Then add the creamy peanut butter and melted unsalted butter. Mix everything together until you get a crumbly texture. This topping is where the magic happens—the peanut butter adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the apples while the oats add that signature crispiness. It’s the perfect balance of soft and crunchy.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumbly peanut butter topping evenly over the apple mixture. Make sure it’s well distributed so every bite has that delicious crumble. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The kitchen will smell incredible by this point, and it’s worth every second of the wait!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
When the crisp is done, let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes—just enough so it’s warm but not too hot to enjoy. Serving it warm enhances the flavors and textures, making it incredibly cozy and comforting. If you want to get fancy, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of creamy yogurt on top for a delightful contrast.
How to Serve Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe to the next level. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds texture and an extra pop of flavor. Fresh mint leaves can also bring a fresh note, making it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This crisp pairs wonderfully with rich, creamy sides like vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt. If you’re serving it at breakfast or brunch, a dollop of whipped cream or even a side of warm tea or coffee complements the dish perfectly, rounding out the experience and making it feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of baking in one dish, try individual ramekins for a more personalized dessert experience. They also make serving easier for guests. For a rustic touch, serve the crisp in mason jars, layering the apples and topping. This presentation not only looks charming but allows everyone to appreciate the layers of texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and honestly, you probably will), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crisp will keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually meld nicely over time, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe freezes beautifully too! Wrap the cooled crisp tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the thawed or refrigerated crisp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, until warmed through and the topping regains its crisp texture. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep that delightful crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter will work nicely as alternatives, though the flavor will change slightly. Keep the creamy texture for the topping to maintain that perfect crumble.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture in the apple filling, but if you prefer extra fiber and a bit of tartness, you can leave the skins on, especially if you choose thinner-skinned varieties.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your sweetener is vegan-friendly (pure maple syrup is a great vegan option). The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
What type of apples are best for this crisp?
A combination of tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp works best. This blend creates a delightful balance of flavors and keeps the filling vibrant and flavorful.
Is it okay to use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats in a pinch, rolled oats provide a better texture for the topping, delivering that chewy, hearty crispness that makes this recipe so satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Making the Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, comforting hug in dessert form. It’s simple enough for any home cook, yet impressive and full of flavor, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and savor every bite!
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Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Peanut Butter Crisp is a wholesome twist on a classic dessert, featuring a mix of tart and sweet apples baked under a crunchy topping made from whole wheat flour, oats, and creamy peanut butter. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it offers a warm, comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (mix of tart and sweet varieties)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Spread this apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), and salt. Add the creamy peanut butter and melted unsalted butter, mixing with your fingers or a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined.
- Assemble: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apple filling in the baking dish, ensuring good coverage for a crisp texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping has turned a lovely golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This dessert is delicious warm on its own or paired with ice cream or yogurt for added indulgence.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji for balanced flavor and texture.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey for natural sweetness.
- Ensure the baking dish is well greased to prevent the crisp from sticking.
- Allow the crisp to cool slightly so the topping firms up and it’s easier to serve.
- Optionally serve with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt to enhance the dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
