Wholesome Apple Crisp Dessert Recipe

This Nutritious Apple Crisp features succulent apples and fragrant spices, sweetened naturally with maple syrup, all finished off with a crunchy oatmeal pecan topping for an ideal autumn dessert!

I absolutely adore apple season! Nothing embodies fall quite like an abundance of apples filling your kitchen. What’s a better method to utilize those beauties than with a heartwarming apple crisp? This simple apple crisp is not only quick to prepare, but I assure you, your entire kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma! This is the MOST delightful apple crisp recipe made healthier using whole grain old-fashioned oats and maple syrup as a natural sweetener to ensure this apple crisp is free from refined sugar.

Reasons to Love This

• Warm and inviting – is there anything more delightful than sweet apples, fragrant spices, and crunchy oats topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream?!
• Nutritious ingredients – we use authentic ingredients like maple syrup instead of refined sugar to sweeten this apple crisp along with wholesome oats for an ideal healthier dessert!
• Adaptable – this apple crisp serves as an excellent choice for dessert, brunch, or even meal prep for a cozy snack.
• Popular with everyone – always a favorite among guests and makes for the perfect fall dessert to enjoy at your Thanksgiving gathering!

Ingredients You Will Require

• apples – I enjoy using Honeycrisp apples for their sweet/tart balance. They remain intact without becoming mushy, but feel free to select whichever fresh apples you love best! Braeburn, Granny Smith, Cortland, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Golden Delicious are also fantastic options.
• rolled oats – wholesome whole grain old-fashioned oats (I opted for gluten-free) make this apple crisp wonderfully crunchy. Steel cut oats can also be used, although they will yield a chewier texture and nuttier flavor.
• oat flour – flour is essential to bind the crunchy oat topping. You can easily create your own oat flour at home by blending rolled oats in a food processor or blender! Any flour can work here, including almond flour or whole wheat flour.
• maple syrup – sweetens these apples naturally without any additional sugar and pairs beautifully with all the cozy fall spices! Honey, coconut sugar, brown sugar, or another sweetener of your choice can also be used.
• apple cider vinegar – keeps the apples from browning and helps to balance the sweetness. Fresh lemon juice can be used as a substitute as well.
• cornstarch – thickens the sauce and prevents it from becoming too watery. Arrowroot powder can also serve as a substitute for cornstarch.
• pecans – adds extra crunch to the topping and boosts the protein content. Omit if you need a nut-free option.
• coconut sugar – I prefer substituting coconut sugar for brown sugar in recipes. This will add sweetness to the oat topping.
• butter (or coconut oil) – I’ve been making this apple crisp for years, and both butter and coconut oil work wonderfully! Coconut oil offers more nutritional benefits and is a great choice for those who are vegan or dairy-free, but in my opinion, butter just tastes best. Choose whichever suits you best!
• vanilla extract – enhances the flavor of this delectable apple crisp!
• warm spices – a delightful mix of cinnamon, apple pie spice, nutmeg, and sea salt.

Which Apples Should I Choose for Baking?

I personally favor Honeycrisp apples when baking due to their sweet/tart balance. Plus, I always have them on hand in my fridge! They hold up well without turning mushy. However, feel free to use any variety you prefer as many apples are fantastic for baking! Braeburn, Cortland, Pink Lady, and Golden Delicious apples are all great choices. Granny Smith apples are on the tart side, but if you enjoy tart apples, feel free to incorporate them into this recipe.

Avoid using McIntosh, Gala, Fuji, or Red Delicious apples as they may become mushy when baked; reserve those for applesauce or cider!

Instructions for Making Apple Crisp

1. Prepare the apples. Peel and slice the apples, then mix the slices together in a large bowl with maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, cornstarch, spices, and salt. Stir well until all the slices are coated, and then transfer them to a baking dish (8×8 or 9×9) sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Create the crumble topping. In the same bowl where you mixed the apples (to simplify cleanup), combine rolled oats, oat flour, pecans, coconut sugar, and maple syrup. Then, add the butter (or solid coconut oil), and if using butter, cut it into small pieces and use a pastry cutter (or your hands) to fully incorporate it with the other ingredients until it resembles a lovely crumble topping.
3. Assemble and bake. Sprinkle the crumble over the apple mixture until it is evenly covered. Bake in the oven at 350°F for about 40 to 45 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown and the apples should be soft and tender.
4. Serve and enjoy! Serve warm immediately, and I highly recommend adding vanilla ice cream on top!

Storing and Prepping

To Store: This healthier apple crisp will remain good for up to 4 to 5 days if covered in an airtight container in your refrigerator. You can easily reheat the whole dish by placing it back in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes. Leftovers taste even better the following day!

To Freeze: Leftover apple crisp can also be frozen (either cooked or uncooked) for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before baking.

Tips, Tricks, and Alternatives

• Select apples that will maintain their texture when baked, like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Some varieties (like Gala) may become mushy when baked and are better suited for applesauce or cider.
• If you’re short on time (or simply enjoy the taste and texture), feel free to keep the skin on the apples while slicing. This not only saves time but the skin will soften as they cook.
• I prefer cutting the apples into even slices for a more consistent bake.
• For a crunchy topping, ensure you use old-fashioned rolled oats, as quick-cooking oats tend to become mushy while baking.
• If using coconut oil instead of butter, make sure it’s solid at room temperature, not melted, for a crumbly topping that bakes well.
• If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans (or walnuts) and replace them with crunchy sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• This apple crisp does not need to be covered while baking, but if you notice the topping browning too fast, feel free to cover it with foil until the apples are soft and tender.

More Apple-Based Desserts

Additional Fall Baking Recipes

Enjoy the MOST delightful Healthy Apple Crisp recipe! If you love it as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and remember to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I adore seeing all your delicious recreations!

**Healthful Apple Crisp Recipe: A Delightful and Nourishing Treat**

Apple crisp is a timeless dessert that merges the inherent sweetness of apples with a crunchy top. This healthful version of the cherished dish ensures you can indulge without feeling guilty. Abundant in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this apple crisp recipe is both tasty and supportive of your well-being.

**Ingredients:**

*For the Filling:*
– 6 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

*For the Topping:*
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup almond flour or whole wheat flour
– 1/3 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. **Prepare the Filling:** In a large mixing bowl, mix the sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are well-coated.

3. **Assemble the Filling:** Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

4. **Prepare the Topping:** In another bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted coconut oil and stir until you achieve a crumbly mixture.

5. **Add the Topping:** Evenly distribute the topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish.

6. **Bake:** Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm on its own or with yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

**Nutritional Advantages:**

– **Apples:** High in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, apples offer numerous health benefits, including enhanced digestion and a lower risk of chronic conditions.
– **Oats:** A fantastic source of whole grains, oats contribute fiber and essential nutrients that benefit heart health and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
– **Nuts:** Rich in healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, nuts support heart health and provide lasting energy.
– **Coconut Oil:** Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can enhance metabolism and provide quick energy.

This healthful apple crisp dessert is ideal for those wishing to savor a sweet treat without compromising their health. Its blend of wholesome ingredients makes it a delightful choice for any occasion.