This Healthy Apple Crisp is an easy and warming dessert that’s naturally vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free. It’s a delicious and texture-filled sweet treat to enjoy any time of the year!

an apple crisp in a round baking dish with three scoops of vanilla ince cream on top

Looking for a go-to dessert that is both healthy and easy to make? Look no further, this is it!

I love making crisps. They’re one of the easiest desserts to make and you can really use any fruit you have on hand. Whether it’s strawberry rhubarb crisp, pear crisp or apple crisp, it’s a simple dessert that is light, fruity and a crowd pleaser!

Apple crisp is not only delicious but is one of the simplest desserts out there you can make. It’s a perfect go-to recipe if your hosting guests for dinner, a date night or if you’re just looking for a tasty dessert to use up your apples!

This recipe for healthy apple crisp is made with less sugar and less oil/or butter than a regular crisp and uses a combination of oats and almond flour for a gluten-free crisp topping.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • This is the perfect easy apple dessert recipe that doesn’t require any fuss with making pie dough.
  • It’s the perfect recipe to use up any of those Fall apples from apple picking.
  • The crisp topping is like a crunchy oatmeal cookie that is high in fibre and protein.
  • This crisp stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days so it can be enjoyed again and again! (If it lasts that long.)

What is the difference between apple crisp and crumble?

The main difference between an apple crisp and an apple crumble is all in the topping.

A crisp topping is generally made with a base of oats. Whereas a crumble topping is more of a streusel like topping made from a mix of flour, butter and sugar. Though some people use the name interchangeably now for these two desserts.

How do you slice apples for apple crisp?

There are two main ways you can slice your apples for a crisp. Either in slices or in cubes.

For both of these options, you’ll want to start by removing the skin from your apples using a peeler. Simply peel away all the skin and discard. The cut the apples in quarters. cut along the center to remove the seeds and stem. Then slice into thinner slices, or chop up into cubes.

Slices will give a crisp more texture as pieces hold together more, whereas cubes will give you a bit more of a softer texture. Both ways are delicious!

How to make a healthy apple crisp

Peel the apples and cut them into slices. Then toss them in a bowl with some spices, maple syrup and lemon juice.

Sliced apples in a bowl

Next, mix the crisp topping ingredients together in a bowl.

crisp topping in a white mixing bowl

Layer the apples on the bottom of a baking dish then top with the crisp topping.

unbaked apple crisp in a baking dish

Place in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top.

a baked apple crisp in a round white baking dish

Tips for making this recipe perfectly

  • Use honeycrisp, granny smith, Macintosh or Cortland apples for best results.
  • Don’t forget to peel the apples! Apple peel will be tough in the crisp and will make it less enjoyable.
  • Use quick oats if you prefer a smaller crumble in your topping, or rolled oats if you prefer a chewier/nuttier texture in your topping.
  • Use room temperature coconut oil or butter. This will give you a more crumbly dough and will result is a delicious crisp topping.
  • You do not need to cover this crisp while baking. Make sure to bake it in the middle rack of your oven.
a serving spoon scooping some apple crisp out of a baking dish

More apple recipes to try

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Healthy Apple Crisp

★★★★★ 4.9 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Jess
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

A healthy apple crisp that is super simple to make. Say hello to your new favourite dessert!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 apples, peeled and cut into slices
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil,room temperature (can sub butter or vegan butter)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F 
  2. Mix the apples, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a bowl. 
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, almond flour, coconut sugar and salt. Using fork or your hands, mash the coconut oil or butter into the dry mixture until its well incorpoated and forms small clumps. 
  4. Layer the apples in an 8×8 inch baking dish then sprinke the crisp topping on top of the apples.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. 

Notes

Use Honeycrisp, granny smith, Macintosh or Cortland apples for best results.

You can use quick oats or rolled oats for the crisp topping. Do not use steel cut oats! 

Use room temeprature oil or butter rather than melted. This will result is the best texture for the crisp topping. 

You do not need to cover the crisp while baking. 

Store any leftovers covered in the fridge. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 3g

Keywords: healthy apple crisp, vegan apple crisp, gluten-free apple crisp

If you tried this Healthy Apple Crisp or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more deliciousness!