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Yuzu Apple Crisp

Yuzu Apple Crisp combines the comforting warmth of classic apple crumble with the exotic, complex citrus notes of yuzu – a treasured Japanese fruit that chefs worldwide consider a secret weapon in their culinary arsenal. This isn't just another apple crisp recipe; it's a revelation in flavor that balances sweet, tart, and aromatic elements in perfect harmony.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Fusion, Japanese-Inspired
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x9 inch baking dish or 10-inch cast iron skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Pastry cutter (optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Apple Filling

  • 6 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples about 2.5 lbs, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh yuzu juice substitute: 1 tablespoon lemon juice + 1 tablespoon lime juice + ¼ teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon yuzu zest substitute: mix of lemon and orange zest
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt

For the Crisp Topping

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter 1 stick, cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish or 10-inch cast iron skillet with butter.
  • Peel, core, and slice the apples to about ¼-inch thickness. Pro tip: For a more vibrant flavor profile, use a mix of tart and sweet apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp create magic together!).
  • In a large bowl, gently toss the apple slices with yuzu juice and zest. The acids in the yuzu will begin brightening the apple flavor immediately.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss until evenly coated.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
  • Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish, making sure to scrape all the flavorful juices from the bowl. Evenly distribute the crisp topping over the apples, gently pressing down.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  • Allow your Yuzu Apple Crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set and flavors to meld perfectly.

Notes

Can't find fresh yuzu? Use the substitute blend of lemon juice, lime juice and orange zest to capture the essence remarkably well.
For a healthier version, try these swaps: replace half the butter with coconut oil, substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option, or reduce the overall sugar by 25% and add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or coconut milk ice cream for a dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 85mgFiber: 4gSugar: 32g
Keyword Yuzu, Apple Crisp, Fruit Dessert, Japanese Citrus, Baked Dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!