Apple-Pecan Crisp (Crock Pot)

🍏🌰 Apple-Pecan Crisp (Crock Pot) 🍏🌰

Apple-Pecan Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the crunchy goodness of pecans. It’s a comforting and warm dish that’s perfect for the fall season. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to prepare it:

📜 History:
The exact origins of Apple-Pecan Crisp are unclear, but similar fruit crisps and cobblers have been enjoyed for centuries, especially in North America. These desserts likely evolved from traditional European recipes that were adapted with local ingredients. The combination of apples and pecans is a classic American pairing, celebrated in many regional dishes.

🍎 Components:

• Apples: You’ll need tart or sweet apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans add a rich, nutty flavor and a delightful crunch.
• Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar are used to sweeten the filling and the crisp topping.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are commonly used to season the apple mixture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the filling and create the crisp topping.
• Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is cut into the crisp topping for a buttery texture.
• Oats: Rolled oats add an extra layer of crunch to the topping.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides acidity and brightens the apple filling.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

2. Mix with Sugar and Spices: In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the apples are well coated.

3. Make the Topping: In another bowl, mix flour, rolled oats, chopped pecans, and more brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Layer in the Crock Pot: Grease the inside of your crock pot. Layer the seasoned apple slices in the bottom.

5. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the oat-pecan topping evenly over the apples.

6. Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until the apples are tender.

7. Serve: Scoop the warm Apple-Pecan Crisp into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

⏰ Time Needed:

• Preparation time: 20-30 minutes
• Cooking time in a crock pot: 3-4 hours on low heat

Apple-Pecan Crisp is a wonderful dessert that captures the essence of fall and is perfect for gatherings with friends and family. Enjoy the delightful blend of apple and pecan flavors in this comforting treat! 🍏🌰😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple-Pecan Crisp:

📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate):

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 300-350 calories
• Total Fat: 10-15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4-6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15-20mg
• Sodium: 50-100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50-60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4-6g
  • Sugars: 30-40g
• Protein: 2-4g

🍏 Health Information:

1. Fiber: Apple-Pecan Crisp contains a decent amount of dietary fiber, primarily from the apples and oats. Fiber aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports a feeling of fullness.

2. Vitamins and Minerals: Apples are a good source of vitamin C, while pecans provide essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. These nutrients contribute to overall health.

3. Calories: The calorie content in this dessert can vary based on portion size and ingredients used. Moderation is key to enjoying it as an occasional treat without excessive calorie intake.

4. Added Sugar: The sugar content in Apple-Pecan Crisp primarily comes from added sugars in the form of granulated sugar and brown sugar. Be mindful of your sugar intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions or health concerns.

5. Saturated Fat: The recipe includes butter, which contributes to the saturated fat content. While some saturated fat is okay in moderation, it’s advisable to balance your overall diet with healthier fats like those from nuts, seeds, and avocados.

6. Portion Control: Enjoying this dessert in appropriate portion sizes can help manage calorie and sugar intake. Pairing it with a scoop of low-fat vanilla yogurt or frozen yogurt can be a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream.

Remember that while Apple-Pecan Crisp can be a delicious treat, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Adjusting the recipe by reducing sugar or using healthier fats can make it a slightly healthier option.