This Rose Water Apple Crisp is a sweet treat that combines warm spiced apples with a crunchy top. The hint of rose water adds a lovely floral touch that makes it special!
It’s super easy to make, just slice the apples, mix in some sugar and spices, then sprinkle that yummy topping on top. I can’t resist having it with vanilla ice cream—such a cozy dessert! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can mix any apples you have, like Fuji or Braeburn, for a more complex taste.
Rose Water: This adds a lovely floral aroma. If you can’t find it, try almond extract or vanilla extract for a different twist—just use less, as they are stronger flavors.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats work best for a chewy texture. If you have gluten-free oats, they can be a great substitute, keeping the dish gluten-friendly.
Butter: For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter can replace regular butter. Just ensure it remains cold for the topping to stay crispy.
How Do I Get That Crunchy Topping Just Right?
Your topping should be crunchy and crumbly, and this comes down to mixing. It’s important to keep the butter cold to help create that texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix dry ingredients first, then add the cold butter.
- Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Avoid overworking it; you want little pieces of butter to remain for that crispiness.
Bake until golden brown and bubbly—this ensures the flavors meld beautifully while keeping that crunchy layer intact! Enjoy!

Rose Water Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for baking, making the total time around 1 hour. It’s quite simple, perfect for a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or a medium-sized baking pan to keep the crisp from sticking.
2. Mix the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, rose water, and vanilla extract. Make sure every slice is nicely coated! Once that’s done, pour the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
Now for the yummy topping! In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and ground nutmeg. Add the cold butter pieces and, using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture is coarse and crumbly. It’s okay to have some small bits of butter—this will help create that crunchy texture!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Once that’s done, pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up!
5. Cool and Serve:
After removing it from the oven, let it cool slightly. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra treat!
Enjoy your fragrant and delicious Rose Water Apple Crisp, a perfect dessert for any occasion! 😊

Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any apples you have on hand. Mixing sweet and tart varieties, like Fuji or Braeburn, will give depth of flavor to your crisp.
What If I Don’t Have Rose Water?
If you can’t find rose water, you can substitute it with almond extract or more vanilla extract—just use half the amount as these are stronger flavors. This will still give you a lovely aromatic touch!
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple mixture and topping separately. Combine them and bake just before serving to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste. If multiple days ahead, store the prepared apple mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days and the topping in an airtight container at room temperature.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm slightly in the oven or microwave until heated through. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!


