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A close-up of a freshly baked healthy apple crisp in a rustic ceramic bowl, topped with a melting scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. The golden-brown oat and pecan topping is crisp, revealing tender cinnamon apples beneath, all on a distressed wooden surface.
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Delicious Healthy Apple Crisp for Weight Loss Goals

Craving a healthy, refined sugar-free apple crisp? Enjoy this easy, guilt-free recipe with no soggy bottoms & natural sweetness. Get the easy recipe now!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Healthy Apple Crisp
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 47 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 7 minutes
Servings 9 servings
Calories 204kcal
Author C. Sophie

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup 60g gluten-free oat flour blend (or whole wheat pastry flour for non-GF)
  • 3/4 cup 70g old-fashioned rolled oats, certified gluten-free if desired
  • 1/2 cup 90g coconut sugar (or light brown sugar)
  • 1/2 cup 56g chopped raw pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/3 cup 75g cold vegan butter, cut into small cubes (or unsalted butter)
  • 6 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
  • 1/3 cup 104g pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Instructions

Step 1:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with coconut oil or cooking spray. This ensures your crisp won't stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2:

  • Prepare the topping by combining the oat flour, rolled oats, coconut sugar, chopped pecans, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until all dry ingredients are well distributed.

Step 3:

  • Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the dry topping mixture. Use your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients, squeezing and rubbing until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms, resembling wet sand. Alternatively, use a pastry cutter. Chill the topping in the refrigerator while you prepare the apples; this helps maintain its crisp texture during baking.

Step 4:

  • In another large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. The thin slices allow for even cooking. Toss gently until the apples are thoroughly coated.

Step 5:

  • Crucially, sprinkle the cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the apple mixture and toss again until well combined. This step is vital for preventing a watery or soggy bottom, ensuring your apple filling thickens beautifully as it bakes.

Step 6:

  • Pour the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Distribute the chilled crumb topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 7:

  • Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow from bubbling juices during baking. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. Bubbling indicates the cornstarch has activated.

Step 8:

  • Remove the healthy apple crisp from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the filling to set further. Serve warm with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whip for a truly exquisite dessert.

Notes

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Note: These values are per serving and are approximate.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 204 kcal
Fat 7.7g
Carbohydrates 34.7g
Protein 1.5g
Sugar 23.2g
Fiber 4.2g