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) Apple Crisp
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
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.
Author: Jackie DeSana
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten Free
Serves: 8
Ingredients
- 6 apples of your choice chopped into chunks (I use green for baking)
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond meal
- ¼ coconut sugar*
- ¼ cup lite brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp cardomom (ground)
- ½ coconut oil (and more for pan)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is preheating, grease a cake pan with coconut oil and chop the apples into bite sized pieces. Add the apples to the pan and spread out evenly.
- Chop the walnuts in a food processor lightly, you want them to still have chunks. Add the oats into the food processor and pulse a few more times. Transfer the walnut and oats mixture to a large bowl and add in the other dry ingredients: almond meal, coconut sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and cardomom. Mix all dry ingredients together.
- When fully mixed, add in melted coconut oil and mix. At this point I used my kitchen aid mixer but you can just whip the mixture with a fork or hand-mixer until the coconut oil is fully incorporated and the ingredients form almost a paste or batter-like texture.
- Take half of the mix and toss the apples in it. Add to the oven and cook for 15 minutes or until the apples start to soften. When the 15 minutes are up, add the rest of the mixture flattened on top as one layer.
Bake for 10 more minutes. Check after 10 and if the top isn't browning slightly you may need to throw it in the broiler for 1-2 minutes. If you use the broiler, keep an eye on it so it does not 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 coconut sugar, just double the amount of brown sugar
**Make entirely Vegan by using Vegan Ice Cream!
**Make entirely Vegan by using Vegan Ice Cream!
