Paleo Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert made with sweet apples and a crunchy topping. It skips grains and dairy, making it friendly for a Paleo diet!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of baked apples filling my kitchen. I love serving it with a scoop of coconut cream for a yummy treat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great for their balance of sweet and tart. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Gala work well too. For a tangy twist, you could try Braeburn apples.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and keeps the apples from browning. If you’re out of lemon juice, lime juice is a good substitute, or even a splash of vinegar.
Coconut Oil: This is used for a rich flavor and to bind the topping. If you’d rather not use coconut oil, you can substitute it with melted ghee or butter if you’re not strict paleo.
Coconut Sugar: This is optional for extra sweetness. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a different sweetener. Just reduce the amount to avoid making it too sweet!
Almond Flour: This is a fantastic base for the crisp topping. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can try using oat flour or an all-purpose gluten-free blend instead.
How Do I Get the Topping Just Right?
Creating the right texture for your apple crisp topping is key. The goal is a crumbly, golden brown layer that adds crunch. Here’s how to nail it:
- Combine almond flour, shredded coconut, and nuts in a bowl. Stir until it’s evenly mixed.
- Add melted coconut oil and maple syrup to the dry mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to incorporate until it resembles wet sand.
- Ensure you evenly sprinkle this topping over the apples, allowing it to form a nice crust during baking.
- Keep an eye on it in the oven! If it’s browning too fast, cover with foil to prevent burning.
With a little patience, you’ll have a wonderfully crunchy and delicious topping for your apple crisp!
Paleo Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 6 medium apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
For The Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
Optional:
- Coconut or vanilla paleo-friendly ice cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Paleo Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake, giving you a total of about 55 minutes to enjoy this warm, comforting dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when you are ready to bake your crisp.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar (if using). Mix well so each apple slice is coated, and let the mixture sit for a bit to absorb the flavors.
3. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the almond flour, chopped nuts (if using), shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Use a fork or your hands to mix until the topping forms a crumbly texture. This will add a delicious crunch!
4. Assemble in Baking Dish:
Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish (or similar size). Then, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. Make sure to cover the apples well with the topping.
5. Bake the Crisp:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are tender, and the topping is golden brown and crispy!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your Paleo Apple Crisp cool for a few minutes. This will help set the flavors. Serve warm, with a scoop of coconut or vanilla paleo-friendly ice cream if you like for extra indulgence!
Enjoy this naturally sweet, crunchy, and cozy Paleo Apple Crisp! Perfect for a healthy dessert or snack!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices, you can use any apple you love. Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples will also work well, depending on your preference for sweetness or tartness!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this Paleo Apple Crisp vegan, you can replace honey with maple syrup, which is already used in the recipe. The rest of the ingredients are vegan-friendly as is!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy it warm again.
Can I Freeze This Apple Crisp?
Certainly! To freeze, let the crisp cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
