If you’re craving a warm, cozy dessert, this grain-free apple crisp gives you that classic flavor—without the excess sugar or refined flour. It’s naturally sweetened, full of spiced apples, and topped with a buttery, nutty crumble that turns crisp as it cools.
Why You’ll Love It
This apple crisp skips traditional oats and flour for almond flour and coconut flour, giving it a rich, toasty crunch. It’s lightly sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, so you get all the fall flavor without it being overly sweet. Toasted pecans (or walnuts) bring a buttery, caramel-like flavor that completes the dish.
Ingredients:
For the apples:
– 7 medium sweet-tart apples (like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady).
– ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice.
– 1 tbsp maple syrup (add more if your apples are very tart).
– 1½ tbsp lemon juice.
– 1½ tsp apple pie spice.
– â…› tsp salt.
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter, diced.
For the crumble topping:
– ¾ cup almond flour
– ¼ cup coconut flour
– ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
– â…“ cup coconut sugar (or maple sugar)
– 1½ tsp apple pie spice
– ¼ tsp salt
– â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted
How to Toast Pecans
For extra depth of flavor, toast the pecans before using them.
– Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
– Add the pecans and stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
– Remove immediately to prevent burning.
Instructions:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
– Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin pieces (about ¼ inch thick).
– In a large bowl, combine apples with cider, maple syrup, lemon juice, apple pie spice, and salt. Stir to coat evenly.
– Layer the apples: Spread the mixture in an 8×8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round pan. Dot the top with cubed butter.
– Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the apples begin to bubble and soften slightly.
– Make the topping: While the apples bake, mix almond flour, coconut flour, nuts, coconut sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Stir in melted butter until it forms coarse crumbs.
– Add the crumble: Spread the topping evenly over the apples.
– Bake again for 40–50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Check after 25 minutes to avoid over-browning.
– Cool and serve: Let the crisp rest for at least 10 minutes. The topping will firm up as it cools.
Serving Tips
Serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 455
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 9g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 5g