Fall is the season of cozy flavors, warm spices, and comforting desserts. If your husband’s all-time favorite treat shines this time of year, why not make it an unforgettable homemade experience? Below, I’ve put together a delicious recipe that captures the essence of fall—sure to be a hit with your family!
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
For the Filling
- 4 cups of diced apples (any tart variety, like Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until it forms a crumbly texture. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan, add the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the water, then add it to the apple mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Layer the Filling Over the Base
Once the base has cooled slightly, pour the apple filling evenly over it, spreading it out with a spatula.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cubed butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Add the chopped pecans, if using, and sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake the assembled dessert in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Note
For a richer taste, you can swap out some of the diced apples with diced pears or use a combination of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling if you like a bit of extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Pair it with a hot cup of cinnamon or chai tea for a perfect autumn evening.
- For a brunch twist, serve with a side of creamy Greek yogurt.
Tips
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Crunchy Topping: For extra crunch, toast the chopped pecans before adding them to the crumble mixture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free oats for a gluten-friendly version.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s great cold or warmed up in the microwave.
- Seasonal Add-ins: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for extra texture and a pop of tartness.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving: Serves 10-12)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen on a cool autumn day. This delicious treat is guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite, especially for those who appreciate the comforting tastes of fall. Your husband’s favorite dessert will quickly become a beloved tradition for the whole family to enjoy!
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Autumn Delight: The Ultimate Recipe for Your Husband’s Favorite Fall Treat
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
For the Filling
- 4 cups of diced apples (any tart variety, like Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until it forms a crumbly texture. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan, add the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the water, then add it to the apple mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Layer the Filling Over the Base
Once the base has cooled slightly, pour the apple filling evenly over it, spreading it out with a spatula.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cubed butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Add the chopped pecans, if using, and sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake the assembled dessert in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 200mg
- Protein: 3g