Warm, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying, this Healthy Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert to indulge in without the guilt. Made with juicy apples, warm spices, and a crunchy oat topping, this lighter version of the classic apple crisp will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Overhead image of two servings of healthy apple crisp in bowls next to a baking dish

Why You'll Love This Amazing Apple Treat

Nutrient-Dense. Packed with fiber-rich apples and oats, this dessert is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Lower in Sugar. Sweetened naturally with a touch of maple syrup or honey, keeping the sugar content in check.
Simple Ingredients. Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Versatile. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack—this apple crisp fits any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a weeknight treat, this recipe offers all the flavor and comfort you crave, with a healthy twist.

What Makes This Apple Crisp Healthy?

Traditional apple crisp recipes often include a lot of sugar and butter, which can make them quite indulgent. This healthier version uses less sugar, swaps out refined sugar for natural sweeteners like maple syrup, and incorporates heart-healthy oats in the topping.

The result is a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while providing more nutritional benefits.

What Is The Difference Between Apple Crumble And Apple Crisp?

The primary difference between apple crumble and apple crisp lies in the topping. While both desserts feature a base of baked apples, the toppings set them apart:

Apple Crumble
- Topping: Apple crumble, on the other hand, has a simpler topping made from flour, butter, and sugar, without oats. The topping is more similar to a streusel and crumbles over the fruit.
- Texture: The crumble topping is softer and less crunchy than the crisp topping, providing a more delicate texture.
Apple Crisp
- Topping: Apple crisp is typically topped with a mixture of oats, butter, sugar, and sometimes nuts. The oats create a crispy, crunchy texture when baked, hence the name "crisp."
- Texture: The oats and nuts in the topping give it a distinct crunch, adding texture to the soft, baked apples underneath.

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Filling

Apples- Choose your favorite variety, such as Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Apples are the star of this dish, providing natural sweetness and a juicy texture.
Lemon Juice- Helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a slight tang that enhances the flavor.
Maple Syrup or Honey- A natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness without refined sugars.
Cinnamon- Adds warmth and depth to the apple filling.
Nutmeg- A hint of nutmeg complements the cinnamon, adding complexity to the flavor.
Cornstarch- Helps thicken the apple juices, creating a luscious filling.

For The Topping

Old-Fashioned Oats- Provides a hearty, crunchy topping that’s high in fiber.
Almond Flour- Adds a nutty flavor and a light, tender texture to the topping.
Coconut Oil or Butter- Binds the topping ingredients together and adds richness without the need for excessive amounts.
Maple Syrup or Honey- Sweetens the topping naturally, keeping it lower in sugar.
Raisins- Optional for additional sweetness and texture.
Cinnamon- Infuses the topping with warm, comforting flavors.
Salt- Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

How To Make Healthy Apple Crisp

Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
Prepare the Apple Filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them in a large mixing bowl and toss with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
Make the Topping. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil or butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and crumbly.
Assemble the Crisp. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping over the apples, covering them completely.
Bake. Bake the apple crisp in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crispy.
Serve. Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra treat.

Healthy Apple Crisp in a baking dish with a serving spoon in it

Tips And Tricks

Making a healthy apple crisp that’s just as satisfying as the traditional version is all about using the right techniques and ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your apple crisp turns out perfectly every time:

Use a Mix of Apples. For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of sweet and tart apples. This balance creates a more complex and delicious filling.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice. Lemon juice not only prevents the apples from browning but also enhances their natural flavor, adding a touch of brightness to the dish.
Adjust the Sweetness. Depending on the sweetness of your apples, you might want to adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey in the filling and topping. Taste the apples before assembling to ensure the sweetness level is just right for you.
Keep an Eye on the Topping. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the crisp loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent it from burning.
Make It Ahead. You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking. This makes it easy to have a warm, fresh apple crisp ready in no time.

Variations

Healthy Apple Crisp is a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

Add Berries. Mix in fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, with the apples for a burst of color and flavor.
Go Nutty. Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the topping for extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
Spice It Up. Experiment with different spices, such as ginger or cardamom, to add a unique twist to the flavor profile.

What To Eat With Healthy Apple Crisp

This Healthy Apple Crisp is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments:

Greek Yogurt- A dollop of vanilla or plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy contrast and a bit of protein, making it a great option for breakfast or a snack.
Ice Cream- For dessert, serve the warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a classic combination.
Whipped Cream- A swirl of whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option) adds a light and fluffy touch to the crisp.

How Long Does It Last?

Store any leftover Healthy Apple Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked apple crisp. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

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Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe | Easy And Delicious