Sometimes we crave dessert but don’t want the sugar rush that comes with it. This healthier apple crisp is the perfect solution — and a delicious way to make use of all the apples this fall.
Made with just 10 ingredients and in 1 bowl, this recipe is a lower sugar, whole grain, gluten-free version of our Best Vegan Apple Crisp. Let me show you how easy it is!
We like to use one sweet and one tart apple to give the filling the perfect flavor balance. The apples are peeled and thinly sliced then tossed with lemon juice for a bit of acidity, coconut sugar and cinnamon for a little extra sweetness, and arrowroot starch to help with thickening.
Next, we use the same bowl to prepare the crumbly oat topping.
Oats, almond flour, and pecans provide the perfect crunchy texture, and coconut sugar adds a lovely, subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spice of cinnamon and touch of salt. Coconut oil pulls everything together, helps things crisp up, and gives it a gorgeous golden-brown crisp.
Into the oven it goes, and soon your kitchen will be infused with the sweet smell of caramelized apples and cinnamon. Swoon!
We hope you LOVE this crisp as much as we do. It’s:
Crunchy
Healthier
Subtly sweet
Perfectly spiced
Tangy
& Incredibly delicious!
Our favorite way to enjoy this crisp is with scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream (duh!). But for a more breakfast-friendly option, Coconut Yogurt would be lovely.
Into fruit crisps? Be sure to check out our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars, Gluten-Free Raspberry Rhubarb Crisp, Grain-Free Berry Crisp, Creamy Pumpkin Pie Bars, Apple Pie Crumble Bars, and PB&J Snack Bars.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Healthified Apple Crisp (1 Bowl!)
1-bowl, gluten-free, lower-sugar apple crisp made with oats, pecans, and caramelized apples. A healthier vegan dessert that’s perfect for fall! Print SAVE SAVED
from votes Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 45 minutes Total Time 1 hour Servings 6 (slices)Course DessertCuisine Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, VeganFreezer Friendly 1 monthDoes it keep? 3 Days
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Ingredients
US Customary – Metric
APPLES
2 ripe, crisp apples* (1 tart, 1 sweet), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced lengthwise2 Tbsp lemon juice2 tsp water2-3 Tbsp coconut sugar (depending on sweetness of apples)1/2 tsp cinnamon2 tsp arrowroot or cornstarch
TOPPING
2/3 cup rolled oats1/3 cup almond flour (or almond meal)3 Tbsp coconut sugar1/3 cup chopped raw pecans1 dash sea salt1/2 tsp ground cinnamon1/3 cup coconut oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and set out an 8” x 8” baking pan (or something similar).To a medium mixing bowl, add sliced apples and top with remaining filling ingredients. Toss to combine. Transfer apple mixture to the baking pan and pour any remaining liquid over the apples.Wipe out your mixing bowl and add all topping ingredients. Stir to combine, then use fingers to break down any clumps of sugar. Sprinkle over apples in an even layer.Bake for 45-55 minutes (uncovered) or until the filling is bubbly, the apples are very fork tender (especially in the center of the dish), and the topping is a deep golden brown.Let rest 5 minutes before serving. This crisp is delicious as is, but is elevated with coconut whipped cream or a big scoop of almond or peanut butter for added protein!Leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350 degree F (176C) oven until warmed through.
Video
Notes
*For apples, we prefer one organic Granny Smith and one organic Honeycrisp.
*Recipe adapted from my Best Vegan Apple Crisp.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with the lesser amount of coconut sugar and without optional ingredients.
Nutrition (1 of 6 servings)
Serving: 1 slices Calories: 298 Carbohydrates: 28.5 g Protein: 3.3 g Fat: 20 g Saturated Fat: 10.6 g Sodium: 26 mg Potassium: 181 mg Fiber: 3.9 g Sugar: 17.2 g