Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe (gluten free, vegan)

Try this healthy apple crisp recipe for a guilt-free dessert. It's the perfect fall dessert with fresh apples and a crunchy oat topping. Vegan and gluten-free!

I'm just going to go ahead and say it: apple crisp is a classic comforting fall dessert, but it can often be dry and cloying. A baker's test is to strike the perfect balance between a healthy, gluten-free oat topping and a filling that is just sweet enough, juicy and syrupy while still clearly tasting of apples. This healthy apple crisp recipe manages to do all that while remaining gluten-free and vegan. What more could you ask for out of life?

This recipe for healthy apple crisp bars is a lighter version of apple crisp that’s both gluten-free and vegan and topped with a drizzle of delicious (and optional) caramel sauce. The apple filling is sweetened with maple syrup, and the crisp topping is made with gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour and coconut oil, sweetened with dates and seasoned with cinnamon.

This easy, healthy fall dessert is comforting and easy to put together, tasting of sweet apple cinnamon goodness. The gluten-free and vegan ingredients make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy this special treat during the fall season! 

How to Turn Classic Apple Crisp into Healthy Apple Crisp

There’s nothing quite like an apple dessert in autumn. You guys know by now that I love Quebec apple picking. This province celebrates apple season, from Quebec cider to glorious baked goods! 

And I've got the apple recipes to prove it! From apple pie and apple cake for dessert to apple cranberry muffins and pancakes with caramelized apples for breakfast, it’s hard to beat an apple dish. Even though I love the classic apple crisp as much as the next gal, I sometimes wish the recipes involved a bit less sugar and were easy to fit into a gluten-free or vegan diet. So, after a lot of trial and error, I came up with my favorite formula.

With just a few ingredient swaps and modifications, I created these healthy apple crisp bars that contain all of the joy of apple crisp in a healthier package. 

What is special about this healthy apple crisp?

I am confident you're going to fall for this healthy apple crisp for a few reasons:

• Firstly, it is naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup, which adds a natural and wholesome sweetness to the dish. This makes it a great option for those who want to indulge in a dessert without using refined sugars.
• Perfect filling to topping ratio. The apple mixture is thick and luscious, with just the right sweetness and tartness. I found that the best way to get the perfect filling to topping relation in a crisp is to add a bottom. This makes it easier to lift, eat and cut into apple crisp bars, if desired.
• Apple crisp bars. Have I mentioned this dessert holds together well enough to be cut into bars? Because it does, and these apple bars are glorious!
• The crunchy base and oat topping is made with almond flour and gluten-free oats, giving it a crispy texture and a nutty flavor. It adds a satisfying contrast to the soft and juicy apples.
• To take this dessert to another level, serve this apple crisp with an optional caramel sauce . This adds a creamy and velvety touch, making it a truly indulgent and irresistible dessert. Whether you are looking for a guilt-free treat or simply want to savor the flavors of autumn, this healthy apple crisp is an excellent choice. 

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED to make this Healthy Apple Crisp

• Gluten-free oats - Oats are a hearty whole grain that add texture and nutrition to baked goods. They contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Almond flour - Almond flour is a nutritious alternative to wheat flour, and adds subtle flavor and protein to recipes.
• Apples - Crisp, sweet apples are the perfect base for this dessert. Their natural pectin helps the topping stick together.
• Dates - Dates have a natural sweetness that’s complex and irresistible. They’re also packed with fiber and antioxidants. 
• Cinnamon - Warm, aromatic cinnamon pairs beautifully with apples. It also contains antioxidant compounds that may help control blood sugar levels.
• Oats - I love using oats in baked goods because they deliver a nice texture, as well as an extra dose of fiber and vitamins like Manganese.
• Coconut oil - Not only is coconut a wonderful vegan alternative in cooking and baking, but it also contains tons of antioxidants as well. 
• Vegan caramel sauce (optional) - A luscious, creamy topping that adds further decadence without dairy or refined sugar.

See recipe cards for exact quantities.

Equipment

• A baking pan (Preferably 8x8)
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan

How to Make Healthy Apple Crisp

Preparing the Base

To make the base, preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9x9 inch baking pan with oil. In a food processor, mix ½ cup gluten-free oats, ¼ cup almond flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Pulse until crumbly, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and use your fingers to press it evenly into the bottom.

Adding the Filling

For the filling, slice 5 apples and toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Spread the coated apples evenly over the base.

Topping it Off 

To prepare the topping, add ½ cup oats, ⅛ cup almond flour, ¼ cup dates, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons coconut oil to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the filled apples. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons coconut oil over the topping.

Baking and Serving

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before serving, about 2 hours.

Top with vegan caramel sauce for extra decadence

If desired, serve each piece with a dollop of vegan caramel sauce. Enjoy!

Storage

Once the apple crisp bars have completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s helpful to store the bars in a single layer or to layer parchment paper in between, since they may stick together slightly. 

Freezing Instructions

Once the apple crisp bars have completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s helpful to store the bars in a single layer or to layer parchment paper in between, since they may stick together slightly. The bars can also be frozen for up to one month.

Variations

• Swap the Apples - You can change out the Granny Smith apples for another apple variety if you prefer. Honeycrisp apples, Golden Delicious, or even Braeburn apples would make a nice substitution.
• Glaze - Instead of a caramel sauce drizzle, experiment with other types of sweet toppings. A powdered sugar glaze, for example, made from powdered sugar and the milk of your choice would be an excellent dessert drizzle. My protein chocolate sauce would also work here for a healthy chocolate twist. You can also drizzle a bit of homemade date syrup to bring out the flavors of the dates in the bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Dishes

Celebrate fall flavors with these autumnal recipes:

• Apple and hummus pita bread
• Middle Eastern spiced butternut squash pickles
• Indian-style Okra curry recipe
• Middle Eastern spiced cauliflower soup with caramelized onions and raisins

Recipe