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Low Sugar Apple Crisp Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

This Low Sugar Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert perfect for those seeking a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Made with fresh apples, lightly sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar alternatives, and topped with a crunchy oat and nut crumble, it offers a delightful balance of natural sweetness and cozy spices. Serve it on its own or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent but mindful treat.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

  • 6 medium apples (about 3 lbs, peeled, cored, and diced or sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Topping

  • ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ¼ cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar, or golden monk fruit)
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small cubes or coconut oil)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8×8-inch or round baking dish (2-3 quarts) with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
  2. Mix the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. This mixture ensures the apples are flavorful and the juices thicken during baking. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, almond flour, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar substitute. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
  4. Assemble the Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apples in the baking dish, covering the fruit completely to create a crisp crust.
  5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are soft and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set. Serve warm on its own or with your favorite accompaniment like whipped topping, a small scoop of Greek yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert experience.

Notes

  • Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the topping.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the oats and flour are certified gluten-free.
  • Maple syrup or honey can be substituted depending on your preferred natural sweetener.
  • Butter can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Letting the crisp rest slightly after baking allows the juices to thicken and the texture to set perfectly.
  • You can add a pinch of salt to the topping to enhance flavors if desired.