This Paleo Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert made with fresh apples and a crunchy topping. It’s totally gluten-free and uses natural sweeteners, making it a healthy treat!
I love how the sweet smell of apples and cinnamon fills the kitchen when baking this. It’s perfect for cozy nights—just toss in some nuts for extra crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Fuji apples work great for this recipe due to their sweetness and crispness. If you can get your hands on Granny Smith, they add a nice tart flavor. You can mix different apple types for extra depth in taste!
Coconut Sugar/Maple Syrup: Both of these sweeteners are excellent options for a Paleo diet. If you want a lower-calorie choice, try using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust to taste, but remember that stevia is much sweeter!
Almond Flour: This is a staple for grain-free baking. If you don’t have it, you can use coconut flour, but only half the amount since it absorbs more moisture. Just keep an eye on the texture of the topping!
Walnuts/Pecans: These nuts add healthy fats and crunch. Feel free to swap them for other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seeds work well in place of nuts!
How Do You Get the Topping Right for Your Apple Crisp?
A perfect topping makes this apple crisp shine! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use melted coconut oil to help bind the topping. This gives it a great texture and flavor.
- Mix the topping ingredients until crumbly. Don’t overmix; you want some chunks for crunch.
- If you like it sweeter, consider adding an extra tablespoon of coconut sugar or maple syrup to the topping!
- Don’t skip the baking time; it’s crucial for getting that golden, crispy topping and tender apples below!
Let it cool slightly after baking to help set up a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy!
How to Make Paleo Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup (for a naturally paleo-friendly sweetness)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake, totaling around 55-60 minutes from start to finish. It’s a fairly quick recipe that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas while it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with some coconut oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prep the Apples:
Now, in a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice, coconut sugar (or maple syrup), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Make sure the apples are well coated in this delicious mixture!
3. Assemble the Apple Filling:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This is where all that lovely flavor will come together.
4. Make the Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, chopped nuts, shredded coconut (if you’re using it), coconut sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Pour in the melted coconut oil and mix until the topping becomes crumbly and looks inviting!
5. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. This will create that crunchy, delightful topping we all love!
6. Bake Your Crisp:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling. The smell will be amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm—it’s especially delicious with a scoop of coconut milk ice cream or whipped coconut cream on top!
Enjoy your cozy Paleo Apple Crisp! It’s a delightful dessert that feels indulgent while still being healthy.
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are great choices, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or a mix of different apples for a more complex taste. Just make sure they’re firm to hold up during baking!
Can I Make This Recipe Nut-Free?
Yes! To make it nut-free, you can substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour or use more shredded coconut in the topping. Just keep in mind that the flavors and textures may vary slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Enjoy it warm for the best experience!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and assemble just before baking. This saves time and effort while still delivering a fresh dessert!
