Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Apple Crisp is a comforting dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping. Using wholesome ingredients like oat flour and coconut sugar, it’s a naturally sweet treat perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup oat flour
• ¼ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter or vegan butter/coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 5 small Honeycrisp apples peeled and sliced (about 2 lbs or 5 rounded cups)
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the rolled oats, oat flour, ¼ cup coconut sugar, melted butter, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Mix well until there are no dry patches. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Peel and slice the apples into ¼-inch slices, arranging them in an 8×8 baking dish. Sprinkle the apples evenly with 2 tablespoons coconut sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger. Toss gently to coat.
3. Step 3: Once the oat mixture has slightly cooled and firmed enough to crumble, crumble it evenly over the spiced apples in the baking dish.
4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp and the apples are tender.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let cool for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to thicken and absorb back into the fruit before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping before baking.
• Try using different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji to vary the tartness and sweetness.
• Replace coconut sugar with brown sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• To make it completely vegan, use coconut oil or your preferred plant-based butter.

Storage

Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 325-degree F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crisp topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, frozen apples can be used but may release more liquid during baking. Be sure to drain any excess moisture before adding the oat topping to help keep it crisp.

Is there a gluten-free version of this apple crisp?

Absolutely. Using oat flour made from certified gluten-free oats and ensuring your rolled oats are gluten-free will make this recipe safe for those avoiding gluten.

Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 136 reviews

This Healthy Apple Crisp recipe is a delightful and wholesome dessert featuring tender Honeycrisp apples seasoned with warm spices and topped with a crunchy oat crumble. Made with nutrient-rich oats, coconut sugar, and a touch of cinnamon, this comforting treat balances sweetness and texture perfectly. Ideal for a cozy dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising on nutrition.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Oat Topping

• ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup oat flour
• ¼ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter or vegan butter/coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Apple Filling

• 5 small Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced (about 2 lbs or 5 rounded cups)
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the apple crisp.
2. Make Oat Topping: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine rolled oats, oat flour, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sea salt, and melted butter or alternative fat. Mix thoroughly until no dry pockets remain. Set aside to cool and solidify slightly.
3. Prepare Apples: Peel the apples and slice the flesh away from the cores in large chunks. Lay each chunk flat and cut into ¼-inch slices. Place these apple slices into an 8×8 inch baking dish evenly.
4. Season Apples: Sprinkle coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger over the sliced apples. Stir gently to evenly coat all the apple slices with the spices and sugar mixture.
5. Assemble Crisp: Once the oat topping has solidified enough to crumble, break it into small handfuls and evenly distribute the crumble over the spiced apples in the baking dish.
6. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, approximately 40 minutes being ideal. Bake until the topping is slightly crispy and apples have softened.
7. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 15 minutes to allow the released apple juices to reabsorb and thicken, enhancing the texture of the filling.

Notes

• You can substitute regular butter with vegan butter or coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Adjust the sugar quantity according to the sweetness of your apples or personal preference.
• To ensure even cooking, slice apples uniformly about ¼ inch thick.
• This crisp is best served warm but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt on top makes a perfect serving suggestion.

Keywords: apple crisp, healthy dessert, oat topping, baked apple dessert, gluten-free flour, vegan butter alternative, cinnamon apple crisp, easy fall dessert