Description
This Healthy Apple Crisp is a naturally sweetened dessert featuring thinly sliced Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples tossed in maple syrup and warming spices, baked beneath a crunchy oat and pecan topping made with whole wheat pastry flour and brown sugar. Perfectly balanced with a hint of bourbon or vanilla, this wholesome fall treat is ideal served warm alongside vanilla ice cream, offering a nutritious and comforting way to enjoy seasonal apples.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup (38g) whole wheat pastry flour (or regular flour or gluten free oat flour or almond flour)
- ½ cup (48g) old fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired
- ⅓ cup (71g) dark brown sugar (can also sub coconut sugar but brown sugar is best)
- ½ cup (56g) raw chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (57g) cold butter or vegan buttery stick, cut into very small cubes (can also use coconut oil)
For the Crisp:
- 5-6 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and very thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup (104g) pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (or pure vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Make the Topping: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans until evenly mixed. Add the cold butter cubes and use your hands to squeeze and mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles wet sand. Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or pulse the ingredients in a food processor just until blended. Once done, refrigerate the topping mixture to keep it cold while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In another large bowl, toss together the thinly sliced apples, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon or vanilla extract until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the apples to soften slightly.
- Combine and Assemble: Take about one-third of the topping mixture and stir it into the apple filling to distribute some topping throughout. Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking pan, then evenly sprinkle the remaining topping over the surface.
- Bake the Apple Crisp: Place the baking pan on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm, optionally with your favorite vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- This apple crisp is naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup rather than refined sugar, making it a healthier dessert choice.
- The oat and pecan topping provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the tender, spiced apples perfectly.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with a vegan buttery stick or coconut oil.
- Using a baking sheet beneath the baking pan is essential to catch any overflow during baking and keep your oven clean.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
- Perfect for using up fall apples and a great seasonal dessert for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 204 kcal
- Sugar: 23.2 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 7.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34.7 g
- Fiber: 4.2 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
