Are you craving a warm, comforting apple crisp but hesitant about the sugar overload? Then you've come to the right place! This lower sugar apple crisp recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a classic dessert without the guilt. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy night in, and a fantastic example of how healthy and delicious can go hand in hand. Get ready to enjoy a homemade treat that's both satisfying and good for you!
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or to taste, adjust to your sweetness preference)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with applesauce, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and maple syrup. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.
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Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined and crumbly.
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Assemble the crisp: Pour the apple mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
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Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil.
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Cool and serve: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream (use sparingly to keep it lower in sugar).
Cooking Tips for the Best Lower Sugar Apple Crisp:
- Apple selection: Using a mix of apple varieties adds complexity to the flavor. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness.
- Don't overmix: Gently toss the apples to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the apple filling before adding the maple syrup. You might need less or more depending on the sweetness of your apples.
- Customize the topping: Feel free to add other nuts, seeds, or spices to the topping to personalize it to your liking.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Crisp: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Berry Apple Crisp: Incorporate 1 cup of your favorite berries (blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries) into the apple filling for added flavor and color.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 15-20g (significantly lower than traditional recipes)
- Protein: 4-5g
This lower sugar apple crisp is a perfect example of a delicious and healthy dessert. It’s a fantastic quick dinner idea for a satisfying and guilt-free treat. Enjoy the easy recipes and homemade cooking experience! This recipe is perfect for both experienced cooks and those new to baking. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that's sure to become a family favorite.