Healthy Apple Crisp

Healthy Apple Crisp is lighter than traditional recipes but still just as tasty! Made with juicy apples and a crunchy oat and almond topping, it’s perfect for dessert or even breakfast.

Healthy Apple Crisp

I love taking recipes from when I was a kid and updating them with more wholesome ingredients. It’s become a little bit of a passion project of mine… so far I’ve made keto cornbread, healthy fruit popsicles, and gluten and dairy-free banana chocolate chip muffins. This healthy apple crisp was next on my list!

I’ve always loved apple crisp, but I don’t always like how it makes me feel after I’ve eaten a few slices. Yes, it’s delicious, but I knew there had to be a better way to enjoy the same textures and flavors. I experimented with a few different ways to do it and settled on completely updating the crispy topping. I’m using almonds and almond meal instead of the traditional ingredients, and I’m thrilled with the results.

Topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of natural, it’s quickly become my new favorite!

Why you will love this recipe

• Full of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
• Easy-to-make option for dessert
• Or, as a fun guilt-free addition to brunch or breakfast
• Much lighter than traditional apple crisp recipes

How to make perfect Healthy Apple Crisp

Create the apple filling. Place a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter then incorporate the apples, water, and spices. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes. As a note, a cast iron or oven-safe skillet is needed to make this recipe.

Make the crispy topping. Place the rolled oats, almond meal, chopped almonds, and butter in a bowl and mix well. Carefully pour it over the cooked apples and mix to combine.

Bake. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the dessert for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown.

Garnish and serve. Allow the healthy apple crisp to cool slightly, then serve warm with Greek yogurt and honey on top!

Pro Tips

• It’s important to put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours of baking to prevent the growth of bacteria. It will keep for 3-4 days — but I enjoy it best fresh! 
• Got leftovers to reheat? I use my oven, and I always cover it loosely in aluminum foil to prevent burning. It only takes about 15-20 minutes to reheat at 350 degrees F. Alternatively, the microwave works for single servings.
• Consider switching up the apples. Juicy red apples are my personal preference, but green apples would be yummy too. A combination of the two would also work!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Healthy Apple Crisp

Juicy Red Apples: Again, I’m using my preference but there are a lot of different apple varieties out there that would work with this healthy apple crisp recipe. The key is to choose ones that hold up when baked. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are popular options.

Healthy Topping: The topping of this healthy apple crisp comes together with rolled oats, almond meal, chopped almonds, and butter. It’s much more wholesome as compared to other toppings that are full of flour and sugar.

Spices: Warm and earthy cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger complement the sweetness of the apples perfectly.

Butter: While this healthy apple crisp recipe is definitely healthier than traditional ones, some butter is necessary. I add it to the apple filling and the topping. 

Greek Yogurt and Raw Honey: For serving!

Frequently Asked Questions about my Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe

What’s the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?

The main difference between apple crumble and apple crisp is the topping. Both feature apples baked in warm spices, but a crumble topping typically features flour, butter, oats, and sugar. Apple crisp boasts a much simpler topping, making it lighter and, well, crispier! 

What are the best apples for making apple crisp?

As mentioned, the best apples for apple crisp hold their shape when baked. I’ve already shared my preferred varieties — Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular, and I love my juicy red apples.

How do you make apple crisp crispy?

The addition of chopped almonds in my healthy apple crisp recipe makes the topping super crispy and crunchy! Another trick to getting crispy results is to not overcrowd the apples in the skillet. Extra room gives the hot air the chance to circulate more freely as the whole thing bakes.