Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe

Apple crisp is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced treat that’s perfect for any season. This Healthy Apple Crisp recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic dessert, using wholesome ingredients that bring out the natural sweetness of apples while keeping the sugar content in check. The filling is made with fresh apples, lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon, and thickened with cornstarch for the perfect texture. Topped with a crunchy, nutty oat and almond flour topping, this dessert is both satisfying and nutritious.

This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it easy to adjust according to your dietary needs. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free, or refined-sugar-free lifestyle, this healthy apple crisp fits right in. It’s an ideal dessert for family gatherings, fall celebrations, or any time you’re craving a homemade dessert that feels indulgent but is still nourishing. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Light and Healthy

Made with natural sweeteners like maple syrup and fresh apples, this apple crisp is lower in sugar than traditional recipes but still bursting with flavor.

2. Wholesome Ingredients

The recipe uses almond flour, oats, and nuts in the topping, making it not only delicious but also rich in healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients.

3. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and a quick preparation process, this apple crisp comes together in no time, making it a convenient dessert for any occasion.

4. Naturally Gluten-Free

The use of almond flour and oats ensures that this apple crisp is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

5. Perfect for Fall and Beyond

With the warm flavors of cinnamon and apples, this apple crisp is a cozy dessert that can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s especially perfect during the fall months when apples are in season.

this …

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Medium-sized apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
• Apple juice or apple cider
• Pure maple syrup
• Cornstarch
• Ground cinnamon
• Pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Pure maple syrup (room temperature)
• Almond flour
• Old-fashioned oats
• Finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Variations

• Add Fruit: Mix in other fruits like pears, cranberries, or berries for a twist on the classic apple crisp.
• Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or walnuts from the topping and substitute them with additional oats or sunflower seeds.
• Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free, vegan option. You can also substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or coconut sugar for a different flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Add some shredded coconut or chopped almonds to the topping for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish of your choice.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with apple juice or cider, maple syrup, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until the apples are evenly coated and the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 3: Make the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, almond flour, oats, chopped pecans or walnuts, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined, forming a crumbly mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crisp

Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the topping mixture over the apples, covering them evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for apples that are firm and tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
• Customize the Topping: Feel free to adjust the topping by adding extra oats, nuts, or spices to suit your taste.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps thicken the apple mixture, giving the crisp a perfect, jammy consistency.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the filling and topping ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble the crisp and bake as directed.

How to Serve

This healthy apple crisp can be served on its own or with a variety of toppings. For a classic pairing, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or for a healthier option, serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream. You can also enjoy it as a breakfast treat with a drizzle of almond butter or a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to make this apple crisp ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the crisp as directed, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer it to the oven and bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, you can either microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds or place the entire dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without the maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute the maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I use a different type of flour for the topping?

You can use oat flour or coconut flour as a substitute for almond flour if you prefer, though almond flour provides a lovely texture and flavor.

3. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples work best, but if you’re using frozen apples, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

4. Can I make this apple crisp without butter?

Yes, you can use coconut oil or even a dairy-free butter substitute to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan.

5. How can I make the topping more crispy?

To make the topping extra crispy, consider adding a little more oats or almond flour. You can also broil the crisp for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking to get the topping golden and crunchy.

6. Can I add more spices to the filling?

Yes, you can add additional spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this healthy apple crisp is naturally gluten-free because it uses almond flour and oats as the base for the topping.

8. Can I make this recipe in a larger pan?

Yes, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

9. How do I store leftover apple crisp?

Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.

10. Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?

Yes, you can omit the cornstarch, but the filling may be slightly thinner. Alternatively, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute.

Conclusion

This Healthy Apple Crisp is the perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and crunch. Made with wholesome ingredients like apples, oats, and almond flour, it’s a nourishing dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just enjoying a comforting treat at home, this crisp is sure to satisfy your cravings. Customize it with your favorite nuts and spices, and enjoy it warm with your favorite toppings for a truly delicious and healthier dessert experience!

Print