Paleo Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert made with sweet apples and a nutty, crunchy topping. It’s a delicious way to enjoy apples without any grains or refined sugar!
Just the smell of this crisp baking in the oven makes my kitchen feel cozy. I love how easy it is to whip up, and it’s perfect with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work nicely too. If you can’t find these, any firm apple will do!
Lemon Juice: This helps to brighten the flavors and prevent browning. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice is a good substitute.
Almond Flour: This gives a nice texture to the topping. If you’re nut-free, consider using oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Coconut Oil: Use melted coconut oil for the topping. If you’re not a fan of coconut, ghee or unsalted butter works well too.
Coconut Sugar: This adds sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor. You can switch to regular sugar or a stevia blend if you prefer a lower-calorie option.
How Do I Get the Topping Just Right?
The key to a perfect crumble topping is the texture. You want it to be crumbly yet hold together when pressed. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Mix dry ingredients first (almond flour, nuts, coconut, sugar, and salt).
- Add melted coconut oil gradually, combining until you have clumps. Don’t over-mix!
- Remember to taste test; adjust sweetness if needed!
Baking at the right temperature is essential too. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
With these tips, your Paleo Apple Crisp will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy making this warm dessert!
How to Make Paleo Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or raw honey)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or coconut palm sugar
- Pinch of sea salt
For Serving:
- Dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake, making a total of around 50 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dessert that will have your kitchen smelling delicious in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with some coconut oil to prevent sticking.
2. Toss the Apples:
In a large bowl, take your sliced apples and add the lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and maple syrup. Toss everything together until all the apple slices are coated well. Once mixed, spread the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the almond flour, chopped nuts, shredded coconut (if you’re using it), coconut sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Pour in the melted coconut oil and mix well. You want the mixture to be crumbly and hold together a bit when you press it.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Now sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your Paleo Apple Crisp cool slightly. Then serve it warm, topped with your choice of dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream if you like. Enjoy every delicious bite!
This cozy, grain-free, and naturally sweet Paleo Apple Crisp is not only easy to make, but it’s also a delightful treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any firm apple you like, such as Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Just aim for a mix of sweet and tart for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup! Just ensure all other ingredients, like coconut oil and nuts, are vegan-friendly as well. If you’re using honey and want a completely plant-based option, swap it out for more maple syrup.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the apple filling and crumble topping ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. Just bake them together when you’re ready to serve for a fresh, warm dessert!