This sugar free apple crisp recipe is the perfect dessert for fall and winter! There's so much to love about the warm and cozy combination of sweet apples, hearty oats and spicy cinnamon.
By making some simple substitutions, we're stepping away from the refined sugar while still satisfying our sweet tooth!
Fall is in the air and that means cooler weather, oversized sweaters, and of course, apple season. Is there anything better than strolling through an orchard this time of year? I didn't think so.
Apples are a perfect autumnal fruit because they can be enjoyed in so many different ways...You can eat them fresh, cook them in a dish like this pork tenderloin with apple or turn them into something sweet like this sugar-free apple crisp. Even better, this recipe is gluten free. Double win!
I happen to think fruit crisps are the perfect fall dessert. They're warm and cozy, and there are so many ways you can make them! So of course, this healthy apple crisp recipe is on our seasonal rotation!
Ingredients
- apples - If the peeling seems like a chore, check out my favorite apple peeler and give it a try.
- lemon juice
- real maple syrup - we're using this instead of the usual brown sugar
- no added sugar apple juice
- cinnamon and allspice
- salt
For the crisp topping
- old-fashioned oats - if you want to make this a gluten-free apple crisp, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
- almond flour
- almonds - for a little crunch and texture
- honey
- unsalted butter
How to make apple crisp
Grab an oven safe 8×8 baking dish and grease it with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set your oven to 350°F.
Step 1: Prep the apples.
Place sliced apples in a large glass bowl and toss with lemon juice. Use the real stuff if you can. Like, actually cut the lemon in half and squeeze it. Be sure to take a whiff, I love the scent of fresh lemon!
Step 2: Add the good stuff.
Add real maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice and salt. Use a large spoon to gently toss the ingredients to combine and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the crumble topping.
Combine topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the crisp.
Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Spread the oat topping evenly across the top of the apples evenly.
Step 5: Bake it!
Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes. If the top layer is golden brown, 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 before serving.
The best way to take this to the next level is to serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
FAQS
Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, Jonagold and Braeburn apples all work well.
I actually don't recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith apples in this recipe as they're - well - too tart! This means we'd usually add more sugar to balance the tartness. And since we're trying to keep this low sugar...well, you get the idea!
The main difference is the ingredients in the topping. An apple crumble doesn't have oats in the topping.
You don't have to peel them if you don't want to! The texture will be slightly different but truthfully, the peels contain nutrition and fiber!
How to store leftovers
Store leftovers, covered or in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep, you sure can! You can pop it in the fridge to hold, or you can bake in the oven, cool and freeze for later.
When you're ready to serve it, you can thaw and then reheat it a bit in the oven.
Other healthy dessert recipes:
Other apple dessert recipes you’ll love:
Sugar Free Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large apples cored, peeled, and sliced* see below for variety recommendations
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed if you can swing it!
- ⅓ cup real maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons 100% apple juice sugar free
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup almond flour
- ⅓ cup almonds sliced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 Tablespoon unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8” x 8” baking dish and set aside.
- Place apples in a large bowl and toss the apple slices with lemon juice. Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Toss to combine and set aside.
- Combine oats, flour, almonds, honey and melted butter 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 ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Erin
Thanks for sharing at the Fabulous Friday Linky Party! Can’t wait to see what you share this week
Erin
Thanks for sharing at the Fabulous Friday Linky Party! Can’t wait to see what you share this week>>https://abiggreenhouse.com/the-super-fabulous-friday-linky-party-6/