Another week into fall and today I’m sharing a healthy apple recipe. Now, I need to let you know this was not my plan for today. I had planned on sharing my favorite pumpkin cookie recipe with you. My pumpkin loving friends are most likely wondering why we are talking about Apple Crisp today.
Well my friends, I went to eight stores. Yes, EIGHT stores looking for that wonder Libby’s Canned Pumpkin. Out of eight stores I did not come across a single can of canned pumpkin. Not one. How is that possible we are in September quickly approaching Thanksgiving.
You know that one holiday where we all eat pumpkin pie? Yeah, no canned pumpkin. After all the frustration of going in and out of stores I came home and google canned pumpkin. I truly thought I was missing the memo of “The Great Canned Pumpkin Shortage of 2020” right along with the shortage of everything else.
Turns out we will be a little short on the canned pumpkin this year. Google told me so! My mind is blown right now. Anyway, turns out there isn’t a shortage on apples just yet. Since I love apple desserts just as much as pumpkin, I thought alright, lets do apple crisp.
You can’t go wrong with that nice, tasty, crisp topping on apple crisp. I also make a little extra of the topping because its my favorite and sometimes I’d rather eat a bowl of just the topping. Since I can’t or shouldn’t eat a bowl of the topping or any desserts right about now (I indulged a little to much this summer) I needed to find a way to make a healthy dessert.
This apple crisp is gluten and refined sugar-free. Healthy? Let’s go with a yes. We won’t feel so bad when we eat the entire pan before the kids get home from school. Now, this isn’t just a regular sweet dessert. I’ve added a little bit of fresh thyme to add a subtle hint of savory to it. Sooooooo good.
When making apple crisp I tend to lean more towards Granny Smith apples. They hold up well without becoming too mushy. Plus they are my favorite kind of apple. Sometimes I do mix both Granny Smith and pink lady or Macintosh together. All the flavors combined turns to happiness in your mouth.
This is a quick to dessert to put together. Your longest part will be peeling and cutting up the apples. Once that’s done its super quick to finish up.
Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp
One taste of this delicious dessert and you’ve won’t believe it’s both gluten and refined sugar-free. The addition of fresh thyme adds a subtle savory note to the otherwise sweet flavor profile of this classic recipe.
Tip: Choose firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Pink Lady, for this recipe. These varieties will hold up well to the heat of baking without turning to mush.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
6 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1/3 c. real maple syrup
2 T. 100% apple juice (sugar free)
1 t. ground cinnamon
½ t. ground allspice
1½ t. fresh thyme leaves
¼ t. salt
Topping Ingredients:
1 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 c. almond flour
1/3 c. almonds, sliced
1/3 c. honey, preferably local
3 T. unsalted butter, melted
To Serve: (Optional or Not hehe)
Vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream
Directions:
- Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8” x 8” baking dish and set aside.
- Place apples in a large non-reactive bowl and toss with fresh lemon juice. Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Toss to combine and set aside.
- Combine topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
- Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Spread the topping evenly across the top in a uniform layer, as well.
- Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes. If the top layer is nicely browned, cover dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the apple crisp is nice and bubbling. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm with some vanilla bean iced cream or freshly whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!
I’d love to know the types of recipes you are looking for. Do you have a sweet tooth and love desserts? Are you looking for healthy alternatives to those comfort desserts we all love? Do you need easy, quick, healthy dinner ideas? Drop a comment and let me know what you want to see. I’ve spent just about a year trying to turn my favorite comfort foods, restaurant meals, and desserts into a more healthy recipe.
Don’t forget to pin this for later or share with your friends on facebook! 🙂
