This healthy apple crisp is sweet, spiced, warm, and yummy. It’s gluten-free and low-calorie. A healthy dessert with a perfect combination of warm and cold.
A warm dessert for the suddenly cold fall afternoons! Make this sweet apple crisp and cozy up in an instant!
Sweet apples, a crunchy oat and walnut topping, and warming cinnamon notes that runs throughout each bite! This apple crisp is loaded with texture and flavors. And it’s destined to be a family favorite!
If you don’t have the time or patience to make an apple pie, this apple crisp is a great alternative. It is not only hassle-free and simple, but it’s the ultimate indulgence, too.
And how can it not be when it is the perfect combination of buttery and crispy? It is a soft and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. But with a surprising crunch!
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Substitutes
Apples (5-6) – Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith are your best bet.
Lemon juice (1 tsp)
Cinnamon (1 tsp) – If you don’t have any, use apple pie spice, a touch of ginger, or simply omit.
Nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – A bit of nutmeg gives a lot to the dish, and it simply complements the other spices well.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Vanilla makes the apples much more flavorful. If omitting, use just a touch more cinnamon.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Tossing the apples in starch prevents the juice from running out. You can use flour if you don’t have any, though.
Honey (2 tbsp) – Honey is best, but you can substitute it with agave nectar or corn syrup.
Crumble Topping
Rolled oats (2/3 cup) –You can use quick oats if you don’t have any. Just keep in mind that the topping will be finer in texture.
Almond flour (1/3 cup) – You can use another type of flour.
Walnuts (1/4 cup) – Pecans will also be great here. But hazelnuts or almonds will also work.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp) – It’s better to use brown sugar because of the caramel-like flavor that it gives.
Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Apple pie spice will be a decent substitute here.
Nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – If using apple pie spice, you can omit the nutmeg. But it is recommended in combination with cinnamon.
Salt (1/4 tsp) – Fine sea salt is best.
Butter (1/4 cup) – You can use a plant-based alternative to make it vegan.
How to Make Apple Crisp
Step 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. In the meantime, prepare the apples. Wash and core them, then cut them into thin slices.
Step 2. Transfer the apples to a large bowl, along with the lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
Step 3. Gently toss the apples well until they are coated with the spice and cornstarch mixture.
Step 4. Grab another bowl and all of the topping ingredients there. That means butter, walnuts, oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of salt.
Step 5. With a fork, mix the topping ingredients. Make sure that everything is incorporated well. It should look like granola.
Step 6. Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and some butter.
Step 7. Coat the baking dish with the butter, making sure that the entire surface is greased to prevent sticking.
Step 8. Transfer the coated apple slices to the greased baking dish. Coat them with two tablespoons of honey.
Step 9. Finally, spread the crunchy topping over. Pop the dish into the oven for 40-45 minutes.
Once the apple crisp is golden brown around the edges and bubbling up, you know it’s ready. Let it cool down before serving.
How to Store Apple Crisp?
Storing apple crisp is easy. Just let it cool, then wrap it in plastic wrap. Pop it into the fridge, and it will keep well for up to 3 days.
If storing individual portions (or there’s just a bit leftover, duh!), you can store in an airtight container in the fridge.
What to Serve with Apple Crisp?
Vanilla ice cream, obviously! No, seriously. The contrast between warm and cold is super satisfying. Nothing beats having melted vanilla ice cream over a soft apple crisp.
Another decent option is whipped cream. Add a dollop of cream for a light and airy touch to the warm and rich crisp. Yum!
Watch: How to Make It
More Healthy Desserts You’ll Love:
Whole30 Cookies with Bananas and Chocolate
Healthy Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 5-6 apples
- 1 tsp lemon juice fresh
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp honey
Crumble Topping
- 2/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup walnuts chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter up an 8’’x8’’ baking dish.
- Core the apples and thinly slice them.
- Add apples to the large bowl, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and cornstarch.
- In another bowl, add oats, almond flour, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cold butter.
- Mix everything with a fork until you form a lumpy granola-like texture. Feel free to add a little bit more butter if there is still quite a bit of dry mixture around.
- Pour the apples into the 8’’x8’’ baking dish. Cover with 2 tbsp of honey.
- Then, pour the mixture we’ve just made and press it around to make sure all the apples are covered.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes until the apples are bubbling up around the edges from below the crumbs.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a scoop of cream or ice cream.