This Paleo Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert made with juicy apples and a crunchy topping. It skips the grains and refined sugars, making it a healthier option!
There’s nothing like the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. I love serving it with a scoop of coconut ice cream—pure happiness! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are fantastic for this crisp because their tartness balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp also works lovely! If you’re looking for a less tart flavor, any apple variety you enjoy will do.
Almond Flour: This flour gives the crisp its grain-free texture. If you’re nut-free, you could try using coconut flour, but remember to reduce the amount since it’s more absorbent!
Coconut Oil: This oil provides richness to the topping. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with ghee or unsalted butter. Just know that it won’t be strictly Paleo with butter.
Coconut Sugar: This alternative to regular sugar is a great choice for a healthier sweetener. If you don’t have it, brown sugar or even a little extra maple syrup can be used, but do adjust for sweetness!
How Do I Ensure My Apples are Perfectly Tender?
Getting your apples just right is key to the success of this dish. Start by slicing them evenly so they cook consistently. Add the lemon juice right away to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
- Choose varieties that hold up well during baking.
- Mix apples with spices, sweeteners, and vanilla to give them an even better flavor.
Bake until they are bubbly and fork-tender. Enjoy that perfect warm texture!
Paleo Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey for paleo)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Optional:
- Coconut milk or coconut cream ice cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Paleo Apple Crisp takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying it in just about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it nice and warm while you prepare your apple filling and topping.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Make sure the apples are well-coated! This mixture adds great flavor and keeps the apples from browning.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that all the apples cook nicely.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix the almond flour, chopped nuts, coconut sugar, and salt together. Then, pour the melted coconut oil over this dry mixture and stir until it looks nice and crumbly. This will be your crunchy topping!
5. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the almond flour topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the apples so they get that yummy crunch!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, and for a special treat, add a scoop of coconut milk or coconut cream ice cream on top!
This Paleo Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for cozy evenings and gatherings. Enjoy the warm, sweet apple filling with that crunchy topping—all while sticking to your Paleo diet. Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with your favorites like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just remember that sweeter apples will add more natural sugar to the dish.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make the Paleo Apple Crisp vegan, simply swap the honey for vegan-friendly pure maple syrup. The recipe is already dairy-free since it uses coconut oil, making it a great vegan dessert option!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Almond Flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, you can substitute it with coconut flour, but remember to use less; about 1/4 cup should be sufficient, as coconut flour is more absorbent. You could also try using a pre-made gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.
Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just assemble everything and bake when you’re ready for a cozy dessert!
