Healthy Apple Crisp
User Reviews
4.9
Healthy Apple Crisp
Description
Healthy Apple Crisp features a comforting filling of thinly sliced apples mixed with pure maple syrup, warming cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and a splash of bourbon or vanilla for depth. This mixture is complemented by a topping made from whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats, dark brown sugar, and raw pecans combined with cold butter until crumbly. The topping bakes into a crisp, golden crust that contrasts the tender, syrupy apples beneath. This dish can be baked in an 8x8 pan and served warm, offering a blend of sweetness and spice with a nutty texture from the pecans and oats.
The method involves tossing the apples with the syrup and spices and then mixing some topping into the filling before placing it in the pan. The remaining topping is sprinkled on top to create a layered texture. Variations include using different flours or sugars and opting for vegan butter or coconut oil to suit dietary needs.
This apple crisp can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking, making it convenient for planning meals or dessert. The recipe also allows for gluten-free and vegan adaptations by selecting the appropriate flour and fat substitutes.
Ingredients
- For the topping:
- ⅓ cup whole wheat pastry flour 38g; or regular flour or gluten free oat flour or almond flour
- ½ cup rolled oats 48g; gluten free if desired
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar 71g; can substitute coconut sugar but brown sugar preferred
- ½ cup pecan 56g; raw chopped
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup butter 57g; cold; cut into very small cubes; or vegan buttery stick; can also use coconut oil
- For the crisp:
- 5-6 apple medium; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith; peeled, cored and very thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup 104 g
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon bourbon or pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease an 8x8 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- To make the topping: Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and pecans in a large bowl until well-combined. Add in the pieces of butter and use your hands to squeeze and combine until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles wet sand. (Alternatively, you can cut in the butter with a pastry cutter, or place all of the topping ingredients in a food processor and pulse until just blended. My favorite method is to use my hands, as I believe you get the best crumbly topping that way.)
- Once finished, place topping in the fridge and begin making the apple filling.
- To make the filling: Place apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and bourbon (or vanilla) in a large bowl and toss to combine. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Take 1/3 cup of the topping mixture and toss with the apple mixture. Place the apple mixture in prepared pan and sprinkle evenly with topping.
- Bake the crisp on a baking sheet (just in case the filling bubbles over!) for 45-55 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes on wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite vanilla ice cream. Makes 9 servings.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten free, substitute the flour with almond or certified gluten-free oat flour and use gluten-free oats.
- For a vegan version, use vegan buttery sticks or coconut oil instead of butter.
- This crisp can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 204 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 204cal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 34.7g | 12% |
| Protein | 1.5g | 3% |
| Fat | 7.7g | 12% |
| Fiber | 4.2g | 17% |
| Sugar | 23.2g | 46% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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