Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a golden, nutty oat topping—this Healthy Apple Crisp is everything you want in a cozy dessert without the guilt. Made with wholesome ingredients like maple syrup, oats, almond flour, and coconut oil, this crisp is naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Perfect for weeknight treats, dinner party desserts, or weekend baking therapy, it’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. Best of all? It comes together in just about an hour.
If you’re into my Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, this one will slide into your favorite desserts recipes with ease.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugar—just pure maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Ideal for clean-eating diets.
- Crisp & Juicy Texture: Tender apples and crunchy oat topping.
- Cozy and Comforting: Perfect for fall or any time you crave warmth.
- Simple to Make: Easy ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge or freezer.
What you will need + Smart Substitutions
Here’s a guide to what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to your preferences or pantry:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| 🍎 Granny Smith Apples | 6 medium or large | Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji (sweeter) |
| 🍯 Maple Syrup (apples) | 1 tbsp | Honey, agave, or date syrup |
| 💧 Water | 3 tbsp | Apple juice or lemon juice |
| 🍂 Cinnamon (apples) | 2 tsp | Apple pie spice or nutmeg (½ tsp) |
| 🥣 Old-Fashioned Oats | 1 cup | Quick oats (less texture) |
| 🌰 Almond Flour | ½ cup | Oat flour, coconut flour (use only ¼ cup) |
| 🥜 Chopped Walnuts | ½ cup | Pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds |
| 🍂 Cinnamon (topping) | 1 tsp | Ginger or pumpkin pie spice (½ tsp) |
| 🧂 Salt | ¼ tsp | Sea salt, pink salt |
| 🥥 Melted Coconut Oil | ¼ cup | Olive oil, vegan butter |
| 🍯 Maple Syrup (topping) | ¼ cup | Honey, molasses, or brown rice syrup |
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pro Tips)
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of coconut oil.
Tip: Use parchment paper for easier cleanup if desired.
Mix the Apples
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 6 peeled and sliced apples
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish.
Tip: Slice apples evenly (¼-inch thick) for consistent baking.
Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, mix together:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Tip: Chop walnuts finely for a uniform crumble.
Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in:
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Mix until the topping is crumbly but moist. It should clump together slightly when squeezed.
Tip: For extra crunch, chill the topping in the fridge before baking.
Assemble the Crisp
Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the apples. Press lightly for a more cohesive topping or leave loose for a rustic feel.
Tip: Press the crumble lightly to help it adhere.
Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Tip: Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly. Check at 40 minutes to avoid overbrowning the topping; ovens vary.
Cool and Serve
Allow the crisp to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and intensifies flavor.
Topping Suggestions
- Vanilla Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy for richness.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: Extra sweetness and shine.
- Chopped Pecans: Crunchy and nutty for texture.
- Whipped Cream: Light and indulgent for dessert vibes.
- Fresh Apple Slices: Crisp and decorative for contrast.
- Cinnamon Dusting: Warm and aromatic for flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Based on 6 servings using standard Granny Smith apples and maple syrup.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Enjoy cold or reheat before serving.
Freezer:
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat:
- Microwave: 1 minute per serving.
- Oven: 325°F for 10–12 minutes for a crisp topping.
Tip: Add a splash of almond milk or apple cider when reheating to restore moisture.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Granny Smith Apples → Honeycrisp Apples: Sweeter fruit alternative.
- Maple Syrup → Honey: Natural sweet substitute.
- Almond Flour → Oat Flour: Nut-free crumble option.
- Walnuts → Pecans: Similar crunchy mix-in.
- Coconut Oil → Butter: Rich, traditional fat swap.
What to Serve with Healthy Apple Crisp
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cold for a classic dessert.
- Greek Yogurt: Plain or honey-flavored for a healthy twist.
- Coffee: A bold brew to complement the sweetness.
- Chai Tea: Spiced and warm for cozy vibes.
- Fresh Berries: Blueberries or raspberries for tartness.
FAQs
Can I use different apples for apple crisp?
Yes! Any firm variety works. Granny Smith gives a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji will be sweeter.
Can I make apple crisp nut-free?
Absolutely. Omit the walnuts or substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
Use olive oil, melted butter, or vegan butter for similar results.
Can I prep apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the full crisp, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
- Large mixing bowl (for apples)
- Medium mixing bowl (for crumble)
- Spatula or wooden spoon (for mixing)
- Peeler and knife (for apples)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: Cutting board (for walnuts)
Ingredients
- 6 medium or large Granny Smith apples peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup for apples
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tsp cinnamon for apples
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon for topping
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with 1 tbsp maple syrup, water, and 2 tsp cinnamon; spread evenly in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine oats, almond flour, chopped walnuts, 1 tsp cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in melted coconut oil and ¼ cup maple syrup into the oat mixture until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples in the dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown; let cool slightly before serving.
This Healthy Apple Crisp is proof that indulgent doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. With nourishing ingredients and all the comfort of a classic dessert, it’s perfect for autumn nights, family gatherings, or everyday treats.
Simple, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your recipe box—this crisp delivers all the warm apple-cinnamon goodness you crave, with none of the guilt.
So grab those apples, preheat that oven, and bake up a little wholesome joy today. 🍏✨
