Sugar-free apple crisp is not only delicious but so much healthier than traditional apple crisp!
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My husband’s absolute favorite dessert is apple crisp! Unfortunately, it’s usually loaded with sugar, which we try hard to limit. Thankfully, this delicious and equally decadent apple crisp recipe is sugar-free making it perfect anytime we have a craving for some comfort food! It’s also a gluten-free apple crisp recipe!
What is Apple Crisp?
Apple crisp is a very traditional dessert usually made with apples, butter, sugar, oats, cinnamon, and sometimes a crunchy topping of walnuts or pecans. It’s baked in the oven until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. We love to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
This recipe is for sugar-free apple crisp so be sure to use either a sugar-free vanilla ice cream or top it with my maple whipped cream, if you want to have an entirely sugar-free dessert! I also use almond flour to make the topping creating a gluten-free apple crisp.
Too busy to make this right now? Pin for later to your favorite Pinterest Board!
Why use Maple Syrup Instead of Sugar?
Maple syrup is a great alternative to sugar for not only its health benefits but the unique, sweet flavor that adds to this sugar-free apple crisp. Maple syrup is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Additionally, maple syrup contains fewer calories and has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
Ingredients for Sugar-Free Apple Crisp
Apples – I like to use firm apples such as Granny Smith or Pink Lady. These types of apples tend to hold up better during baking and not turn to mush.
Fresh Lemon Juice – I always recommend using fresh lemon juice! I like to keep a few lemons and limes on hand as I use them often plus they’re pretty in my fruit basket!
Real Maple Syrup – It is absolutely essential that you use real maple syrup here! Not only is the taste 100% better than artificial stuff but it’s healthier too and not full of sugar!
Seasonings – Cinnamon and allspice add a warm flavor to apple crisp! And of course salt!
Fresh Thyme Leaves – Fresh thyme adds a savory note to the apple crisp and a touch of color as well.
Old Fashioned Rolled Oats – Oats are what make this an apple “crisp.” They create a light brown slightly crisp topping that’s delicious!
Almond Flour – My sugar-free apple crisp is also gluten-free since I used almond flour. However, if you are not gluten-free you can substitute with all-purpose flour.
Sliced Almonds – These provide a little light flavor and additional crunch to our topping!
Honey – Instead of sugar, we’re using honey to sweeten our topping!
Unsalted Butter – Not only for flavor but to create a lovely brown crisp on top!
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How to Make Apple Crisp
Sugar-free apple crisp is fairly simple to make and takes about an hour from start to finish!
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. and putting your oven rack in the center position. Grease an 8×8″ baking dish and set aside.
Place the apples in a large mixing bowl and toss them with the fresh lemon juice. Add the maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Toss to combine it all together and set it aside.
Add the maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Toss to combine it all together and set it aside.
Grab another mixing bowl and mix all the topping ingredients together until the oats are thoroughly coated. Set aside.
Pour the apple mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Top with the topping and spread evenly over the apples.
Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Then cover loosely with tin foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly!
Allow the apple crisp to cool for 5-10 minutes and then serve your sugar-free apple crisp warm topped with sugar-free vanilla ice cream or maple whipped cream!
Sugar Free Apple Crisp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6 large apples cored, peeled and sliced
- â…“ cup real maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons 100% apple juice sugar free
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground all spice
- 1 ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ tsp salt
Topping Ingredients- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- â…“ cup almond flour
- â…“ cup almonds sliced
- â…“ cup honey
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Place top oven rack in center position and pre-heat oven to 350° F. Grease an 8×8" baking dish and set aside.
- Place the apples in a large mixing bowl and toss with fresh lemon juice. Add the maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, all spice, thyme leaves, and salt and toss to combine. Set aside.
- Combine the topping ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Spread the topping evenly across the top of the apple layer.
- Bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes until the top is nicely brown. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly!
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm with sugar-free vanilla ice cream or maple whipped cream, if desired.
FAQs
Can I freeze sugar-free apple crisp?
I often freeze apple crisp in a disposable pan for later! I love making double batches of things and freezing one for later! To freeze make the apple crisp but do not bake it. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and then tinfoil and freeze for up to 4 months.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make your apple crisp ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, covered, until ready to bake. I sometimes make mine in the morning and then put it in the oven while we’re eating our dinner.
Conclusion
This is so delicious and perfect for company or just a regular family dinner! It’s quick and easy to whip up anytime plus sugar-free apple crisp is so much healthier you can treat yourself a little more often!
Delicious sugar free apple crisp. Easy to make whenever we need a quick dessert
These apple crisps are amazing. Perfectly sweet and so easy to make!
I’m so glad you enjoyed my apple crisp!
Love that this apple crisp is sugar free! Still perfectly sweet and hit the spot for dessert!
This is such a delicious and healthy recipe!
This recipe is a healthier alternative to the original but still packed with flavor and tastes every bit as good.