Name: Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups apples (about 6 medium apples, peeled or unpeeled, thinly sliced); ¼ cup pure maple syrup; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; 1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup coconut sugar; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed); ½ cup almond flour; ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts; ½ cup coconut oil, not melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 49 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a delightful dessert that feels indulgent but doesn’t derail your healthy eating goals, this Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe is an absolute must-try. It offers tender, cinnamon-kissed apples layered under a perfectly crumbly topping made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond flour, and coconut oil. The natural sweetness from pure maple syrup, combined with the warm spices, creates a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy gatherings or an everyday treat that satisfies your sweet tooth the smart way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white ceramic bowl filled with a single layer of crumbly, brown oat topping. The topping has a mix of coarse and small pieces, with visible oats and a rough texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with faint beige details. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple yet thoughtful the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and nutritional goodness, making this apple crisp both delicious and nourishing.

6 cups apples: Choose your favorite variety, peeled or unpeeled, thinly sliced for the perfect tender bite.
¼ cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gently enhances the apples without overpowering them.
1 Tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch): Helps thicken the apple juices for a luscious filling.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings cozy warmth and depth to the flavor.
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of spice that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
⅛ teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 cup coconut sugar: A less refined sweetener that works wonders in the crumbly topping.
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed): Adds hearty texture and a nutty taste to the topping.
½ cup almond flour: Boosts the topping’s richness and helps create that perfect crumbly finish.
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts: For crunch and a toastier flavor dimension.
½ cup coconut oil, not melted: Binds the topping ingredients together and adds a subtle tropical richness.

How to Make Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step warms things up so that once your beautiful layers are ready, the apple crisp can bake evenly to golden perfection.

Step 2: Mix the Topping

Combine coconut sugar, rolled oats, almond flour, and the chopped nuts in a bowl. Then add the coconut oil and gently mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping is what transforms a simple baked fruit dish into a slice of pure comfort.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with maple syrup, lemon juice, arrowroot powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Make sure every slice is evenly coated so the flavors meld beautifully while baking. The arrowroot helps keep all that natural juiciness thick and luscious.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch pie pan. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, creating an inviting layer that will bake into a crunchy, golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, checking around 30 minutes to make sure the topping isn’t browning too fast. If it is, tent the dish with foil to prevent over-browning. You’ll know it’s ready when the apple filling bubbles invitingly and the topping turns a beautiful golden color.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the crisp cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This pause lets the flavors settle and ensures every spoonful holds its shape perfectly.

How to Serve Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of apple crisp with a textured layer of cooked apple slices in golden brown syrup at the bottom, topped with a crumbly oat and nut mixture in a darker brown color, and finished with a single scoop of creamy white vanilla ice cream on top. A silver fork rests to the left side of the dessert on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with two whole red apples and two cinnamon sticks placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top elevates the warm apple crisp into an irresistible dessert. For a lighter touch, a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a drizzle of extra maple syrup adds layers of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This apple crisp pairs beautifully with simple sides like a cup of hot herbal tea or a glass of chilled almond milk. For an extra festive occasion, serve alongside spiced chai or hot cider to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the crisp.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Or transform it into a layered parfait by alternating warm apple filling and crisp topping with Greek yogurt for a breakfast twist that delights any time of day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to keep fresh for 5 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the apple crisp before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. This restores the crisp topping’s delightful crunch and the filling’s warm softness.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or berries can be wonderful alternatives or additions to the apples, offering different flavors and textures while keeping the essence of the Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free rolled oats and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, this recipe fits perfectly into a gluten-sensitive diet.

Can I substitute coconut oil with butter?

Yes, butter works well and will give a slightly richer flavor, but coconut oil keeps the crisp dairy-free and adds a subtle tropical note that complements the apples wonderfully.

How do I make the topping extra crunchy?

Chilling the topping mixture before sprinkling it over the apples helps firm up the coconut oil, leading to crunchier results after baking. Also, using coarsely chopped nuts adds pleasant texture.

Is the maple syrup necessary?

Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and depth, but you can substitute it with honey or a mild agave nectar if you prefer. Just keep the amount consistent to maintain the right balance of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to enjoy dessert the healthy way without sacrificing any of the cozy, homey flavors we all love. The Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that brings joy with every bite, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in. Bake it soon and discover your new favorite apple crisp!