Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert but watching your weight? Look no further! This Weight Watchers-friendly apple crisp recipe is the perfect solution. It’s surprisingly easy to make, bursting with the flavors of autumn, and won't derail your healthy eating goals. This recipe offers a delicious and guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Get ready to enjoy a homemade masterpiece!
Ingredients:
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Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute (e.g., Splenda Brown Sugar Blend)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
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Topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
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Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, applesauce, lemon juice, brown sugar substitute, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to coat.
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Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, nuts (if using), brown sugar substitute, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble & Bake: Pour the apple filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
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Cool & Serve: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream (adjust your WW points accordingly).
Tips for the Best 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 Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry crisp. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the crisp ahead of time and bake it later. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Add about 5 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Berrylicious: Incorporate some frozen blueberries or cranberries into the apple filling for added flavor and color.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolled oats and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- WW Points: Will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and your chosen plan. Check your WW app for accurate points.
This WW apple crisp recipe offers a delightful balance of taste and health. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare and won't compromise your healthy lifestyle. Enjoy this easy recipe as a satisfying dessert or a comforting treat on a chilly evening!