I’m on a mission to make healthier desserts! When I was young, my mom used to bake all the time. We almost always had cake in the house. But as time went on and she got more into eating healthy and the strong belief that carbs are the enemy (not entirely false but sort of harsh), she baked way less. As a result of this, I have not really ever learned how to bake. I can do some very basic cookie recipes and that’s about it. That is all about to change though, I am on a journey to learn how to bake and you are coming with me.
Since apple crisp is one of my favorite foods, I figured it was fitting that it also be one of my first tries at a healthy dessert! In college, my roommate used to make a fantastic apple crisp, she knew it was my favorite and would make it for every special occasion. I set out to try and make one that had less sugar and none of the flour and I think this one hit the mark!
This recipe is Gluten Free AND Vegan (minus the ice cream at the end) and it is super easy to make! It’s also fairly quick for a dessert recipe and only takes about 35 minutes to make! I called it Healthy(ish), because I still had to use sugar, but I did cut at least 1/2 of the amount of sugar that would normally go into a dish like this so it’s on its way! You can cut out even more sugar by using only coconut sugar. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m sure it would still be great!
I truly hope you try this dish because it is amazing and just as good as any other apple crisp I’ve had! It is sweet with a hint of savory from the cardomom and its also crispy and delicious. You’re going to love it!
Until Next Time,
Jackie
Healthy(ish) Gluten Free Apple Crisp
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This recipe is a healthier take on my favorite dessert Apple Crisp! It is made with Almond Meal and Oats so it is gluten free and I cut back on the sugar. This recipe is sweet, delicious easy to make and healthy! The perfect dessert to take to a party or keep all for yourself.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 6 apples of your choice chopped into chunks (I use green for baking)
- zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Campari
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup almond flour
Topping
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1 cup oats rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (and more for pan)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is preheating, grease a 9×13 pan with coconut oil and chop the apples into bite sized pieces. Add the apples to the pan and spread out evenly.
- Whisk the orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, Campari, cinnamon, ground ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and almond flour in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the apples and toss to combine.
- Place the walnuts, pecans and oats into a food processor and pulse 5-7 times, you want there to still be some chunks of the nuts. Empty the nut mix into a large bowl and add the almond flour, maple syrup, cinnamon and melted coconut oil. Stir until all ingredients are combined and the mixture turns almost into a paste. You should be able to pinch it between your fingers.
- Take the topping paste and spread it out across the apples. The best way to do this is by taking chunks of it and flattening it in your hand and laying it across the apples. Almost the whole pan should be covered but it doesn’t have to be perfect
- Bake for 1 hour or until the top is browned. If the top isn’t browned after 1 hour, place it under the broiler for 1 minute but keep a very close eye on it, you do not want it to burn.
- Serve with Ice Cream! The crisp itself is vegan and gluten free so if you wish to keep it vegan just get vegan ice cream.
Notes
- If you cannot find almond flour, you can substitute for brown rice flour and keep it gluten free!
- If you don’t have Campari or can’t find it, you can cut it out or substitute for a good bourbon if you have that. It will have a slightly different flavor profile but the substitute is very good.
Keywords: apples, crisp, walnut, pecan, oats, health, gluten free, vegan
