This Paleo Apple Crisp is a warm, hearty dessert that brings the sweet taste of apples and a crunchy topping together. It’s made without grains or refined sugar, so it’s healthy and delicious!
Nothing beats the smell of apples baking in the oven! I love serving this crisp with a scoop of coconut ice cream on top—so good, it makes my heart happy! 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp and Fuji are sweeter. If you can’t find these, any firm, sweet variety will work. Just make sure they hold up well when baked!
Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners are great for a Paleo diet. If you’re looking for a lower glycemic option, use monk fruit sweetener or stevia as a substitute in smaller amounts, as they are sweeter.
Almond Flour: This is perfect for grain-free baking. If nut allergies are a concern, you can use sunflower seed flour instead. Just be aware that this might turn your mixture green when baked, which is totally safe!
Coconut Oil: A great choice for health and flavor! If you prefer, you can swap it for melted ghee or grass-fed butter for a richer taste, as long as you are fine with these options in your Paleo diet.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Apples in My Crisp?
Cooking apples to the right texture is vital for a delicious apple crisp. You want them soft but not mushy! Here’s how to achieve that:
- Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate. Thin slices lead to quicker cooking.
- Mix them with lemon juice and sugar, which helps soften them while baking.
- Consider pre-cooking the apples on the stovetop for a few minutes before adding the topping; this guarantees they are tender.
Remember, the crisp topping will also absorb some moisture, so don’t worry if the apples seem a bit firm at first. They’ll soften nicely as they bake!
How to Make Paleo Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 large apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch or tapioca starch
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (or coconut flakes)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Paleo Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake, making the total time around 1 hour. It’s easy and perfect for enjoying that comforting dessert vibe without the grains!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab a 9×9-inch baking dish or something similar and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, throw in your sliced apples along with the lemon juice, coconut sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and arrowroot starch. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated. Once mixed, pour this apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together. Then, pour in the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract, mixing until you get a crumbly topping texture.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Now it’s time to sprinkle that lovely crisp topping evenly over the apples in your baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the apple filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delightful warm, especially when paired with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Enjoy this yummy, grain-free, naturally sweetened treat!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Besides Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can try using honey or agave syrup as alternatives. Just keep in mind that they may change the flavor slightly, and you might want to adjust the amount since they’re often sweeter than coconut sugar.
How Do I Store Leftover Paleo Apple Crisp?
To store leftovers, let the crisp cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make the crisp vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup and ensure that the coconut oil is the only fat used. The recipe is already dairy-free, so you’re all set there!
What Kind of Apples Work Best for This Crisp?
For the best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold up well during baking and give a nice balance of flavors. Feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties!
