Why You’ll Love This Healthy Apple Crisp
- It’s genuinely nourishing. We’re swapping refined flour for oats and almond flour, and using maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar. You get all the cozy dessert vibes with ingredients that love you back.
- The texture is absolutely perfect. The topping is the real star here—it’s crispy, clustery, and has a delightful nuttiness. It contrasts beautifully with the soft, bubbling apple filling beneath it. No soggy tops here!
- It’s incredibly versatile. This recipe is a fantastic base. Don’t have pecans? Use walnuts. Want to add a twist? A handful of fresh cranberries or a pinch of cardamom works wonders. It’s your crisp, make it your own.
- It makes your house smell like heaven. Seriously, the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your home is a form of therapy. It’s an experience as much as it is a dessert.
Ingredients & Tools
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is ideal)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup almond flour
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Tools: A 9×9 inch or similar sized baking dish, a large mixing bowl, a medium mixing bowl, a peeler/corer (optional but helpful!), and a spatula.
The quality of your apples really makes a difference here—using a mix of tart and sweet varieties gives you a much more complex flavor. And don’t skip the lemon juice! It’s not just for flavor; it keeps the apples from turning brown while you prep everything else.
Serves: 6-8 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40-45 minutes | Total Time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Apple Variety is Key. I really recommend a mix. Granny Smith holds its shape and provides a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji break down a bit more and add natural sweetness. Using only one type can lead to a filling that’s either too mushy or too firm.
- Why Arrowroot Powder? This is our thickener, and it works beautifully without making the filling cloudy or gloppy. Cornstarch is a fine substitute, but arrowroot gives a wonderfully clear, glossy finish to the juices.
- Don’t Skimp on the Salt. That little pinch in both the filling and the topping is a game-changer. It balances the sweetness and makes all the other flavors pop. Trust me on this one.
- Melted Coconut Oil vs. Butter. Both work wonderfully! Butter gives a classic, rich flavor. Coconut oil (use refined for no coconut taste) keeps it dairy-free and adds a lovely crispness. You really can’t go wrong.
How to Make Healthy Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Apples. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your apples—peel them if you prefer (I often leave the skins on for extra fiber and texture!), then core and slice them into fairly thin slices, about ¼-inch thick. You’ll notice that thinner slices will create a more jam-like filling, while thicker slices will have more distinct bites of apple. Toss them immediately into your large mixing bowl and drizzle with the lemon juice. This stops the browning process in its tracks.
Step 2: Create the Luscious Filling. To the bowl of apples, add the 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon, nutmeg, and that all-important pinch of salt. Now, get your hands in there (or use a spatula) and toss everything together until every single apple slice is evenly coated. You should see a light, dusty coating on them. Let this mixture sit while you make the topping—this allows the apples to start releasing their natural juices, which will combine with the thickener.
Step 3: Make the Clustery Topping. In your medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together. Now, pour in the ⅓ cup of maple syrup and the ¼ cup of melted coconut oil or butter. Mix everything with a fork or your fingers until it’s well combined and clumps start to form. The mixture should feel a bit like wet sand that holds together when you pinch it. This is exactly what you want for those perfect crispy clusters!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake. Pour your apple filling mixture into your baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Now, take handfuls of the oat topping and sprinkle it evenly over the apples. Don’t press it down—you want it to be loose and craggy for maximum crispiness. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges.
Step 5: The Hardest Part—Let it Rest! I know, the aroma is intoxicating and you just want to dive in. But honestly, this step is crucial. Take the crisp out of the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the juicy filling to thicken up properly. If you cut into it too soon, it’ll be a soupy mess. The wait is absolutely worth it for the perfect slice.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette — The crisp, acidic greens provide a fantastic contrast to the warm, sweet dessert and make the whole meal feel balanced.
- Slow-cooker pulled chicken or pork — This crisp is a dream after a savory, hearty main course. The flavors complement each other without competing.
- A cozy bowl of butternut squash soup — For a perfect autumn-themed meal, start with soup and end with this crisp. It’s a match made in fall heaven.
Drinks
- Hot chai tea or spiced cider — The warm spices in the drink will echo the cinnamon in the crisp, creating a wonderfully harmonious experience.
- A cold glass of vanilla almond milk — It’s a classic, simple pairing that feels both nostalgic and refreshing against the warm dessert.
- A light-bodied red wine, like a Pinot Noir — The berry notes and mild tannins can actually work beautifully with the baked apples and spices if you’re going for a more sophisticated dessert.
Something Sweet
- A small scoop of vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream — The creaminess melting into the warm crisp is the ultimate textural delight, and the dairy-free option keeps it light.
- A dollop of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt — This adds a tangy protein boost that cuts through the sweetness perfectly for a more breakfast-like feel.
- A drizzle of warm, salted caramel sauce — Okay, this is for when you want to indulge a little more. The salt and rich caramel take it to a whole new level of decadence.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using only sweet apples. This can result in a filling that’s cloyingly sweet and lacks depth. The tartness from a Granny Smith or Braeburn apple is essential for balance.
- Mistake: Skipping the rest time. I’ve messed this up before too, because it’s so tempting! But cutting in too soon means the filling won’t have set, and you’ll have a runny crisp instead of a sliceable one.
- Mistake: Over-mixing the topping. You want clumps, not a uniform, sandy texture. Those clumps are what create the delightful crispy clusters. Mix just until combined.
- Mistake: Packing the topping down. When you sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples, let it fall loosely. If you press it into the apples, it can steam instead of bake, leading to a softer, less crispy top.
Expert Tips
- Tip: Grate a little fresh nutmeg. If you have a whole nutmeg and a microplane, use it! The flavor is far superior to pre-ground—it’s brighter, more aromatic, and makes a noticeable difference.
- Tip: Make it ahead for easy entertaining. You can assemble the entire crisp, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s going in cold.
- Tip: For extra crunch, toast your nuts and oats. Spread the oats and chopped nuts on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the topping mixture. This deepens their flavor and adds an incredible extra layer of crunch.
- Tip: Re-crisp leftovers in the oven. If you have leftovers (lucky you!), reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes instead of the microwave. The microwave will make the topping soft, but the oven will bring back that wonderful crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Oats are inherently gluten-free, but they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, so checking the package is important for those with celiac disease or a severe sensitivity. The almond flour is, of course, gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious option.
Can I use frozen apples?
You can, but there are a few things to know. Thaw the apples completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. Frozen apples release much more water, so you might need to increase the arrowroot powder by another half tablespoon to ensure the filling sets properly. The texture will be a bit softer, but it still works in a pinch!
How should I store leftovers?
Let the crisp cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I reduce the sweetener even more?
You can, but the results will change. The apples themselves provide sweetness, so you could likely reduce the maple syrup in the filling by half. The topping, however, needs the sweetener to help it bind and caramelize. If you reduce it there, the topping may be dry and crumbly rather than clustery. I’d recommend trying the recipe as written first, then adjusting next time!
My topping isn’t crispy, what happened?
This usually boils down to two things. First, your ratio of fat to dry ingredients might have been off—be sure to measure accurately. Second, and more commonly, the crisp needed more time in the oven. Ovens vary, so if the filling is bubbling but the top is still pale, don’t be afraid to leave it in for another 5-10 minutes until it’s a beautiful golden brown. That color is the sign of crispiness!
Healthy Apple Crisp
My healthy apple crisp recipe uses oats, almond flour & natural sweeteners for a guilt-free dessert. Easy to make with perfect crispy topping & jammy apple filling!
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
6-7 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is ideal)
-
2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey (for the apple filling)
-
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
-
1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
-
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for the apple filling)
-
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
-
1 pinch fine sea salt (for the apple filling)
-
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
-
½ cup almond flour
-
⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
-
⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey (for the crisp topping)
-
¼ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for the crisp topping)
-
¼ tsp fine sea salt (for the crisp topping)
Instructions
-
Prep Your Apples. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your apples—peel them if you prefer (I often leave the skins on for extra fiber and texture!), then core and slice them into fairly thin slices, about ¼-inch thick. You'll notice that thinner slices will create a more jam-like filling, while thicker slices will have more distinct bites of apple. Toss them immediately into your large mixing bowl and drizzle with the lemon juice. This stops the browning process in its tracks.01
-
Create the Luscious Filling. To the bowl of apples, add the 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon, nutmeg, and that all-important pinch of salt. Now, get your hands in there (or use a spatula) and toss everything together until every single apple slice is evenly coated. You should see a light, dusty coating on them. Let this mixture sit while you make the topping—this allows the apples to start releasing their natural juices, which will combine with the thickener.02
-
Make the Clustery Topping. In your medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together. Now, pour in the ⅓ cup of maple syrup and the ¼ cup of melted coconut oil or butter. Mix everything with a fork or your fingers until it's well combined and clumps start to form. The mixture should feel a bit like wet sand that holds together when you pinch it. This is exactly what you want for those perfect crispy clusters!03
-
Assemble and Bake. Pour your apple filling mixture into your baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Now, take handfuls of the oat topping and sprinkle it evenly over the apples. Don't press it down—you want it to be loose and craggy for maximum crispiness. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the topping is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges.04
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The Hardest Part—Let it Rest! I know, the aroma is intoxicating and you just want to dive in. But honestly, this step is crucial. Take the crisp out of the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the juicy filling to thicken up properly. If you cut into it too soon, it'll be a soupy mess. The wait is absolutely worth it for the perfect slice.05
