This Healthy Apple Crisp is the perfect easy and wholesome dessert, breakfast or snack for fall. It takes less than 10 minutes to make with sliced apples, cozy cinnamon and a gluten-free crisp topping. Vegan, paleo, refined sugar-free and includes a low carb keto option.
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Updated September 2023
A Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe
Are you ready to welcome the cozy vibes of fall with a warm and scrumptious dessert? This Healthy Apple Crisp is the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a crunchy topping that will leave your taste buds singing.
Apple crisps are one of the easiest things to make and a delicious way to enjoy seasonal fruit when apple season arrive during the months of September and October. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a comforting treat, this apple crisp is a delightful choice. Nothing is more comforting than a warm apple crisp, fresh out of the oven on a cool autumn afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic apple crisp recipes typically use a combination of all purpose flour, old fashioned oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar and butter. To keep this apple crisp vegan and paleo-friendly, we are going to be using:
Ingredients for Healthy Apple Crisp
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to make this apple crisp both delicious and health-conscious. Here’s why we use them:
For the filling:
- Apples: The star of the show, apples provide natural sweetness and a pleasant tartness to the dish. We recommend a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith for a balanced flavor. If you’re watching your carbs or following a keto diet, feel free to substitute chayote.
- Coconut Sugar: This natural sweetener adds a caramel-like flavor without the refined sugar. You can also use regular brown sugar and for a keto-friendly option, swap it out for golden monk fruit sweetener or any brown sugar substitute of choice.
- Arrowroot Starch: It helps thicken the apple filling, creating that perfect gooey texture. If you don’t have arrowroot starch, tapioca starch or corn starch can be used as alternatives. Alternatively, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum for a low-carb option.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a hint of warmth and depth.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and earthiness to the dish, complementing the sweet and tart apples beautifully.
For the Topping:
- Superfine Blanched Almond Flour: A nutrient-packed alternative to traditional flour, almond flour creates a rich, nutty topping. If you don’t have almond flour, finely ground gluten-free oat flour or gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour works as well. All purpose flour works too if you’re not gluten-free.
- Coconut Flakes, Pecans, and Sliced Almonds: These ingredients add a delightful crunch and a hint of coconut flavor to the topping. The combination of these nuts is simply heavenly. You can also swap this combination with gluten-free rolled oats for a nut-free option.
- Coconut Oil: Use softened coconut oil to achieve a texture similar to softened butter. If you prefer a milder coconut flavor, opt for vegan butter, refined coconut oil or substitute with ghee or butter if you’re not following a vegan diet.
- Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. Honey works as a great alternative if you’re not vegan. Low-carb or keto enthusiasts can use Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup.
- Coconut Sugar: More of this natural sweetener for added caramel-like goodness. It can be replaced with brown sugar or golden monk fruit sweetener.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a touch more of this spice in the topping enhances the overall flavor harmony.
Serve with:
Dairy-free coconut ice cream, or your favorite ice cream if not vegan or paleo
What apples to use for the best Apple Crisp
We prefer to use a variety of two or three different apples. Our favorite trio of apples for apple crisps is Honey Crisp, Gala and Granny Smith when making our Gluten Free Apple Crisp with almond flour but you can really use any apples you like or have in your kitchen.
How to slice Apples
If you plan on making lots of apple recipes this summer and wondering how to cut perfectly sliced apples, this tutorial also teaches you how to peel apples perfectly in order to slice them.
You can slice peeled or unpeeled apples. To easily peel an apple, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
- To slice : Grab a sharp knife and start by cutting the peeled apple in half. Turn the halves flat side down and cut them in half again to make quarters and then cut into chunks if desired.
- Remove the core: Use a paring knife and remove the core by cutting in a “v” shape.
How to make Apple Crisp
- Prep the pan and preheat the oven: to 350F. Lightly coat a 9 x 9″ baking pan or a 9″ pie pan with coconut oil or avocado oil spray.
- Make the filling:
- Wash, dry and cut apples into chunks or slices.
- Add to a large mixing bowl then add coconut sugar, lemon juice and arrowroot starch and toss it all together.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the filling into your baking dish, spreading evenly then chill in the fridge while you make the crisp topping.
- Make the crumble topping: Rinse and dry your bowl then combine all the ingredients for the crisp topping using a fork or clean hands until the mixture is combined and sticks together like cookie dough. Alternatively, you can add the crisp topping ingredients to a food processor and pulse a few times until crumbly.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the filling.
- Bake and cool: Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the fruit begins to bubble and the topping is light and golden brown. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Thin slices:Be sure to peel and slice or chop your apples evenly for uniform cooking.
- Apple varieties: Use a variation of apples for the best flavor. We like using this trio: Honey Crisp, Gala and Granny Smith
- Skin: For a more rustic look, leave the skin on the apples.
- Sweetener: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup or coconut sugar according to your taste.
Variations and Substitutions
Get creative with your gluten-free apple crisp by experimenting with these variations:
- Fruit: Use any combination of fruit you have on hand such as peaches, cranberries, cherries or any type of berry! Whether you are craving an Peach Crisp, Strawberry Crisp or Mixed Berry Crisp, you simply can’t go wrong!
- Use mini baking pans: Bake them in individual ramekins to make gluten free apple crisp for two
- Use oats: For a classic oat crisp if not paleo, grain-free or keto, substitute the pecans, almonds and coconut flakes with rolled oats
- Spices: Mix in your favorite spices, like nutmeg or allspice, for a different flavor profile.
- Nuts: For a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with oat flour and rolled oats for the nuts.
Serving Suggestions
While this easy apple crisp is a delightful dessert on its own, consider these serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Whipped cream or yogurt: Add a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for a decadent touch.
- Coffee and tea: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat with a cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew or a Matcha Latte.
Storage, freezer and make ahead tips:
You can prepare the fruit filling and the crumble topping ahead of time and store them separately in an airtight container in the fridge. On the day you plan to serve it, simply spread the filling in to the pie pan and add the crisp topping then bake.
How to store leftovers
To store leftovers, cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container with the lid in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to freeze
We recommend freezing the apple crisp unbaked. This will ensure that your fruit crisp won’t get soggy.
To Freeze: Prepare the crisp, but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or an air-tight lid. Freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw in the fridge and bake as instructed.
What is the difference between an Apple Crisp and Apple Crumble?
Apple crisp and apple crumble are both delightful desserts made with baked fruit and a crumbly topping, but they have some subtle differences in terms of their ingredients and textures:
1. Topping Texture:
- Apple Crisp: The topping of an apple crisp typically includes oats, flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes nuts. It tends to have a more substantial, crispy texture after baking, often resembling a streusel topping.
- Apple Crumble: A crumble topping is simpler and usually consists of a mixture of flour, butter, and sugar, without oats. The texture is more sandy and crumbly, hence the name “crumble.”
2. Regional Differences:
- Apple Crisp: This dessert is more commonly associated with North America, particularly in the United States. It’s often made with a combination of rolled oats and flour in the topping.
- Apple Crumble: Apple crumble has British origins and is popular in the UK. The topping typically omits oats and is made with flour, butter, and sugar.
3. Ingredient Variations:
- Apple Crisp: It’s common to find recipes for apple crisps that incorporate oats, making the topping heartier and slightly chewy. The oats also add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Apple Crumble: A traditional apple crumble keeps the topping simpler, with just flour, butter, and sugar. This results in a finer, crumbly texture.
4. Regional Variations:
- Apple Crisp: Depending on the region in the United States, there can be variations in the ingredients used for apple crisps. Some recipes might include nuts, like pecans or almonds, for added crunch and flavor.
- Apple Crumble: In the UK, apple crumble is often served with a custard or cream topping, which is less common with apple crisps.
5. Name Preference:
The choice between calling a dessert an “apple crisp” or an “apple crumble” often comes down to regional and personal preferences. In some areas, the terms are used interchangeably.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q1: Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple crisp in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Q2: Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, you can use regular flour as a substitute for almond flour. However, almond flour adds a nutty flavor and is a gluten-free option, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
Q3: Is there a way to reduce the sugar content in this recipe?
Certainly. You can adjust the sweetness by using less maple syrup and coconut sugar. You can also explore alternative sweeteners like erythritol or stevia for a lower sugar or keto-friendly version.
Q4: Can I freeze this apple crisp?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it should stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, reheat it in the oven until warm.
Q5: Are there any nut-free alternatives for the almond flour and nuts in the topping?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free option, consider using oat flour instead of almond flour and omitting the nuts in the topping. This will give you a different texture but still delicious results.
Q6: Can I leave the apple skins on for added nutrition?
Absolutely! You can leave the apple skins on for added nutrients and a rustic look. Just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly before slicing or chopping.
More apple recipes you will love:
Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cookies
This Healthy Apple Crisp is the perfect easy and wholesome dessert, breakfast or snack for fall. It takes less than 10 minutes to make with sliced apples, cozy cinnamon and a gluten-free crisp topping. Vegan, paleo, refined sugar-free and includes a low carb keto option.
- 6 medium apples (we like to use a combination of Honeycrisp, Gala and Granny Smith) , peeled and sliced or chopped. You can sub with chayote for low carb and keto option.
- 5 tablespoons coconut sugar , can sub with golden monk fruit sweetener or any brown sugar substitute of choice. Regular brown sugar works as well.
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch , you can also sub with tapioca starch, corn starch or use 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- FOR THE TOPPING:
- 1 1/4 cups superfine blanched almond flour , you can also sub with gluten-free fine oat flour or gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. All purpose flour works too if you're not gluten-free.
- 1/3 cup coconut flakes , chopped (you also can sub with gluten-free rolled oats if you prefer a traditional coconut / nut-free version)
- 1/3 cup pecans , finely chopped (you also can sub with gluten-free rolled oats if you prefer a traditional coconut / nut-free version)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds , roughly chopped (you also can sub with gluten-free rolled oats if you prefer a traditional coconut / nut-free version)
- 1/2 cup softened coconut oil or softened vegan butter , you want the texture to be like softened butter – use refined if you prefer it without the coconut flavor or use ghee or butter if not vegan
- 1/4-1/3 cup maple syrup , you can sub with honey if not vegan or use Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup for a low carb or keto crisp (add more according to sweetness preferred)
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar , can sub with brown sugar or golden monk fruit sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly coat a 9 x 9″ baking pan or a 9″ pie pan with coconut oil or avocado oil spray.
- PREP THE FILLING:
Add apples to a large mixing bowl then add coconut sugar, lemon juice and arrowroot starch and toss it all together.
- Pour the filling into your baking dish, spreading evenly then chill in the fridge while you make the crisp topping.
- MAKE THE CRUMBLE TOPPING:
- Rinse and dry your bowl then combine all the ingredients for the crisp topping using a fork or clean hands until the mixture is combined and sticks together like cookie dough.
- Alternatively, you can add the crisp topping ingredients to a food processor and pulse a few times until crumbly.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the filling.
BAKE in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the fruit begins to bubble and the topping is light and golden brown. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Best served warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream
How to store leftovers
To store leftovers, cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container with the lid in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to freeze apple crisp
We would recommend freezing the apple crisp unbaked. This will ensure that your fruit crisp won't get soggy.
To Freeze: Prepare the crisp, but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or an air-tight lid. Freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw in the fridge and bake as instructed.
Kyla -
I LOVE a good fruit crisp 🙂
Jenny -
Apple crisp is one of my favourite desserts, especially in the fall. This looks fantastic!
http://kitchentuts.com/ -
wow, apple crisp, I loved it. I cant wait for this.yummyyyyyy………..
Emily -
Yummy, I’m totally team apple:)
Angie -
Definitely my kind of breakfast!