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–+ servings

Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe

This healthy apple crisp is a comforting dessert packed with cinnamon-scented apples, golden oat topping, and sweetened with maple syrup. A naturally gluten-free and dairy-free treat, it features a touch of citrus and dried cranberries, perfect for anyone looking for wholesome fall recipes.
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Active Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 9x9-inch pan

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

For the Filling:

  • 2 pounds about 4–5 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix)
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup oat flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Serving:

  • Optional: Vanilla frozen yogurt, vanilla ice cream, or plain/vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt (dairy-free versions if needed)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the apples: Set the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Core and slice apples into ¼-inch pieces (you’ll get around 6 cups). Put them in a large bowl.
  • Mix the filling: Add cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, vanilla, cornstarch, and cinnamon to the apples. Stir thoroughly, then pour the mixture into an ungreased 9×9-inch baking dish. Don’t forget to include any juices at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Make the topping: Warm the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds, or melt it over low heat on the stove. Mix in the oats, oat flour, shredded coconut, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until everything is evenly coated and sticky. Sprinkle this mixture across the apples in the baking dish.
  • Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the filling bubbles. If it browns too fast, loosely cover with foil at the 30-minute mark. Once baked, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving with your favorite topping.

Notes

Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the filling and topping ahead (through Step 3), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight or freeze. Let thaw before baking as directed.
Pro Tips:
  • Ensure oats and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
  • Make oat flour at home by blending oats into a fine powder—measure after blending.
Swaps & Variations:
  • Try this topping with other fruits like pears, blueberries, or strawberries.
  • Use ½ cup chopped pecans instead of shredded coconut for a nutty version.
  • Adjust spices based on seasonal fruits—use ginger with pears or reduce cinnamon with berries.
Keyword allergen free crisp recipe, dairy free apple dessert, gluten free apple crisp recipe, healthy apple crisp, healthy fall desserts, healthy recipes, maple syrup apple crisp, oat topping apple crisp
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