Apple–walnut crisps with tequila

There are few things as comforting as the smell of baking apples… except perhaps digging your spoon into a warm apple dessert.

Here’s a crisp that will fill your kitchen with those irresistible baked-apple aromas for sure. But once you’ve taken the first bite, your taste buds will be smitten not just by the delicious warm-apple flavors, but by the zestful orange and the zingy tequila too.

An apple dessert that satisfies both the child in you and your adult self.

Time to dig in!

Apple–Walnut Crisps with Tequila

serves 6
active time: 30 min

For the apples

8 medium Gala, Fuji, Braeburn or other firm–fleshed apples – peeled, cored and cut in 1/2” slices
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
zest of 1 orange – finely grated with a microplane grater (1 1/2 teaspoons)
1/4 cup turbinado sugar

For the topping

1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch sea salt
4 oz (113gr) (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter – cold, cut in 1” chunks
1/2 cup walnut pieces

vanilla ice cream
6 tablespoons Reposado or Añejo Tequila
6 one-cup capacity ramequins – lightly buttered

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Step 1: Place the apple slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with the lemon juice, cinnamon, orange zest and sugar. Toss well and set aside.
Step 2: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Process at high speed for 15 seconds until well blended. Add the chunks of butter and process until crumbly. Add the walnuts and pulse a few more times until large, moist crumbs form. Do not over-process or the crumbs will form a dough.
Step 3: Place the apple slices into the prepared molds. Sprinkle with the crisp topping. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until topping is golden-brown and apples are bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool until warm.
Step 4: Place each ramequin on a dessert plate. Top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon tequila and serve immediately.
Cook’s note: The crisps can be baked up to 12 hours ahead. To re-heat, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until warm, and serve as above. The crisps are best consumed the day they’re made. To make a large crisp, bake in a medium baking dish instead of individual ramequins. Follow the same directions. (Might require an extra 5 minutes of baking time.)

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How about poaching firm-flesh apples in maple syrup and Calvados? The resulting concoction makes the most sinfully delicious topping for these ricotta pancakes.

dessert, crisp, apple

Disclaimer: As always, my point of view is my own. I do not accept samples, and have no commercial relationship with any product, food or wine company.

Tagged as: Apple crisp, Apples, Cinnamon, Crisp, Dessert, Desserts, Eat, Orange zest, Oranges, Tequila, Walnuts

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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }

Ann February 22, 2012 at 12:00 am

This looks terrific! I would have never thought to drizzle it with tequila! Your video is GREAT! Nicely done!

Viviane February 23, 2012 at 10:25 am: Thank you Ann!

Evelyne@cheapethniceatz February 22, 2012 at 1:02 pm

What an enticing dessert and you had me at tequila lol

Liz February 22, 2012 at 6:25 pm

Mmmmm….I love warm apple desserts….especially topped with vanilla ice cream. I’ll have to break out the tequila next time…that sounds wonderful! Beautiful crisps!

Angie@Angie's Recipes February 23, 2012 at 4:30 am

With tequila…wow … talk about the creativity! These baked apple crisps look HEAVENLY!

Steve @ the black peppercorn February 23, 2012 at 8:56 am

Looks so delicious. But there is one problem Viviane…. I would need at least two! Maybe three. :)

Viviane February 23, 2012 at 10:28 am: Steve! You make me smile…

Kiri W. February 23, 2012 at 9:05 am

Mmm, sounds delicious, and tequila, too? That should lend a kick to these beauties!

Viviane February 23, 2012 at 10:28 am: It does Kiri, it does!

Nancy/SpicieFoodie February 23, 2012 at 9:21 am

Wow, tequila and apples? Now that is a combination I haven’t seen, but would love to try. It sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing :)

Suzi February 23, 2012 at 10:20 am

I can smell these now, I bet they were just delicious. Congrats on the Top 9 today also.

Viviane February 23, 2012 at 10:29 am: Thank you Suzi!

mjskit February 23, 2012 at 10:56 am

aahh – the smell of baking apples! You’ve certainly got that right – not much better. You’re crispy sounds wonderful and I love the “M” rating at the end with the tequilla! :)

Soni February 23, 2012 at 1:45 pm