Guilt-Free Apple Crisp

This guilt-free apple crisp is absolutely delicious! I very well might be making it again for Christmas dinner dessert and I highly suggest you do the same! Made with wholesome plant-based ingredients that offer fiber and nutrients, you can actually feel good about the treat you’re eating. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and equally suitable for vegans, making this a great party-friendly dessert to share with everyone. It’s the perfect sweet, holiday treat for those watching their weight, or for those that aren’t! You won’t feel as though you are being “jipped” when you eat this healthy alternative – I swear it doesn’t taste “healthy” in the way you might be expecting. With tender baked apples and a perfectly crisp topping, this dessert brings all the comfort of a classic apple crisp, just with a lighter, feel-good twist that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients Needed for This Apple Crisp:

Apples- These bring natural sweetness to this holiday dessert, meaning we can use less sugar in this recipe and get something just as sweet. Not to mention, apples provide gut-supporting fiber, and antioxidants, helping balance indulgence with nourishment during the festive season. You can use any type of apple you may have at home although my favorite are the fuji’s for their natural sweetness.

Maple Syrup- While slightly less processed and more nutrient-rich than white sugar, this is a great swap to make this holiday treat more balanced and guilt-free.

Coconut Flour- This is a great alternative to unbleached flour as it is much higher in fiber, with a lower glycemic index as well as naturally gluten free. It will give the crisp a slight coconut-y flavor, but it actually blends really well in this dessert.

Unsweetened Applesauce- This helps with the apple mixture texture of the dessert making it easier to blend the coconut flour and maple syrup all together. Make sure it’s “unsweetened” as to not add extra and unnecessary sugar.

Oat Flour- Another great alternative to unbleached white flour, providing more fiber and nutrients along with some protective heart benefits. This also allows the recipe to be gluten-free friendly.

Oats- One of the most affordable, nutrient-dense whole grain you can eat. Oats are great for managing your blood sugar and cholesterol, along with acting as a prebiotic which is great for your gut health. These also add a bit of texture for our crumble on the top of this dessert.

Baking Powder- This is used in our crumble and crust to help fluff them up just a bit.

Coconut Oil- This is not a health food by any means, but it does allow this dessert to be vegan. Because we use the coconut flour, the coconut oil naturally mixes really well with the flavors. The end result is a bit of a coconut taste, but it’s actually quite delicious.

Coconut Ice Cream- To continue our coconut-y vibes, a scoop of coconut ice cream would pair deliciously with this apple crisp. Vanilla ice cream is also a great option.

Ingredients:

• 2 Apples (cored and sliced)
• 1/3 cup Maple Syrup (divided)
• 1 tbsp Coconut Flour (or 1 tbsp)
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1 cup Oat Flour
• 3/4 cup Oats
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/3 cup Coconut Oil
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup Coconut Ice Cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Place coconut oil in freezer to chill.
2. Add apples, 1/3 of the maple syrup, coconut flour and applesauce to a medium bowl and toss until coated. Set aside while you make the crust.
3. Add the oat flour, oats, the remaining 2/3 of the maple syrup, baking powder and sea salt to a different bowl and stir until combined.
4. Remove coconut oil from the freezer and add to mixture. Use your fingers to work it in until coarse crumbs form and the mixture holds together when pressed.
5. Remove a 1/3 of the crumbs for the topping and pour the remaining crumbs into the bottom of a tart pan or pie dish. Press the dough evenly into the pan.
6. Pour the apples over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble evenly over the apples.
7. Bake for 40 to 45 min or until the crust is lightly brown. Check at 20 to 30 minutes if the tart is getting too brown. If so, tent with foil to prevent burning.
8. Scoop into bowls and serve with coconut ice cream.

Notes:

• Leftovers- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Freeze for up to two months.
• Homemade Oat Flour- Pulse oats in a food processor until oats resemble fine crumbs. 1.5 cups of oats will yield approximately 1 cup of oat flour.
• Cinnamon- An optional spice to add a little more holiday flavor.

Health Insights:

• Dietary Fiber- This recipe is rich in dietary fiber, which comes from ingredients like apples, oats, and oat flour. Dietary fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy weight, and lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
• Healthy Fats- The coconut oil and coconut ice cream in this recipe provide healthy fats. These fats are essential for brain function, nutrient absorption, and energy production. They also help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Antioxidants- Apples and maple syrup contribute to the antioxidant content of this recipe. Antioxidants help to protect your body from damage by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.