This Paleo Apple Crisp is a delightful way to enjoy sweet, baked apples topped with a crunchy, nutty mixture. Made without grains or refined sugar, it’s a healthy twist on a classic dessert!
The best part? The smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply amazing! I love to serve it warm with a scoop of coconut ice cream on top—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples bring a tart contrast that works perfectly in this crisp. Fuji apples are another excellent choice for their sweetness. If you want a different flavor, try Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples for a delightful twist!
Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners add a nice caramel flavor. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index. If you’re avoiding sugar, you can use a stevia or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting the quantity to taste since they’re often sweeter.
Almond Flour: This is crucial for a Paleo-friendly crust. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed flour is a good substitute, or you can try cassava flour for a different texture. Just note that wheat flour won’t work here!
Coconut Oil: This gives the crispy topping a rich flavor. If you prefer a neutral oil, avocado oil works surprisingly well. Ghee is also a nice alternative if you’re not strictly dairy-free.
How Do I Get the Topping Extra Crispy?
The key to a perfect crispy topping lies in the right preparation. Here’s how to ensure your topping is wonderful and crunchy:
- Use plenty of almond flour or chopped nuts to create a texture contrast with the tender apples.
- Mix in the melted coconut oil thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly coated, which helps in achieving that crispy finish.
- Press the topping lightly over the apple filling—it will rise during baking and create a nice crumbly crust.
- Don’t skip the baking time! Allowing the crisp to bake until it’s golden brown will enhance the flavors and crunchiness.
Let your apple crisp cool slightly before serving; this will help the topping firm up a bit more. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
How to Make Paleo Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 cups peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith or Fuji apples (about 5 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour or finely chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Coconut ice cream or paleo-friendly vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Paleo Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, totaling around 55-60 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dessert any time of the year!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice, coconut sugar (or maple syrup), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Mix everything well so the apples are nicely coated. Once coated, spread the apple mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
3. Create the Topping:
In another bowl, combine your almond flour (or chopped almonds), shredded coconut (if you’re using it), chopped walnuts or pecans, and melted coconut oil. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract! Mix it until it forms a crumbly texture.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the apples in your baking dish. You can gently press it down slightly to form a nice, crumbly crust.
5. Bake Your Apple Crisp:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown and the apples to be tender and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the crisp out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious warm! For an extra treat, top each serving with a scoop of coconut ice cream or your favorite paleo-friendly ice cream.
Enjoy this comforting and hearty Paleo Apple Crisp, bursting with flavors and a satisfying crunch that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji apples are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a unique flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Crisp?
To store leftovers, let the apple crisp cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble them in the baking dish and follow the cooking instructions. It might need a minute or two longer to bake if it’s cold from the fridge!
Can I Use Different Sweeteners?
Definitely! If you prefer to avoid coconut sugar or maple syrup, you can substitute with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Just be sure to adjust the amounts according to the sweetness level you prefer since these sweeteners can vary widely in potency.