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This Healthy Apple Crisp is so easy to make and only takes 15 minutes of prep time. The crisp topping is made from oats and almond flour making it a great gluten-free option for a healthy dessert!

Apple crisp in a round baking dish topped with three scoops of ice cream.

I love making crisps. They’re one of the easiest desserts to make and you can really use any fruit you have on hand. Whether it’s healthy strawberry rhubarb crisp, gluten-free peach crisp or apple crisp, it’s a simple dessert that is light, fruity and a crowd pleaser!

I’ve tested and tweaked this recipe to be the just right balance of sweet, tart, juicy, and crisp. It also happens to be gluten-free, lower in sugar than a typical crisp and easy to prep ahead, so it’s a win all around!

This crisp is made with healthy ingredients like apples, oats and almond flour, making it not only a great option for a dessert, but also a great option for a snack or even breakfast. (I love enjoying it in the morning with some yogurt or Vanilla Chia Pudding!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: This healthy apple crisp comes together quickly with simple ingredients and is healthy enough to enjoy for breakfast. Also try these Apple Pie Overnight Oats for breakfast!
  • Great for Fall apples: A perfect way to use up apples from apple picking.
  • Lighter and healthier: With just 230 calories per serving, it’s a lighter option compared to traditional apple crisp.
  • Nourishing and satisfying: packed with apples, oats and almond flour.
  • Stores well: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week…if it lasts that long!;)

Key Ingredients

A flat lay of ingredients for healthy apple crisp
  • Oats: Use rolled oats or quick oats in this recipe. If needed also use gluten-free certified rolled oats to avoid any cross-contamination with wheat products.
  • Almond flour: This gives the crisp some more protein and adds helps the topping come together. You can substitute any type of flour you like.
  • Apples: McIntosh, Cortland, Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are all great options, but this crisp will work with any type of apples you have on hand. Use any extra apples to make a Cinnamon Apple Bread.

*This is a recipe overview. The full recipe with measurements is below in the recipe card.

How To Make Healthy Apple Crisp

Sliced apples with cinnamon in a clear mixing bowl.

Step 1: Peel and cut the apples then toss them in a bowl with cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice.

apple crisp topping in a clear bowl.

Step 2: Mix the crisp topping ingredients together in a bowl.

Unbaked apple crisp in a white round baking crisp.

Step 3: Layer the apple slices and crisp topping into a baking dish.

Baked apple crisp in a white round baking crisp.

Step 4: Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes.

How To Store

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, and enjoy cold or reheated. To freeze, let the crisp cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature then reheat in the oven until warm.

Jess’s Tips

  • Choose the right apples: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, McIntosh, or Cortland apples hold their shape the best in a crisp and are also great for making Skillet Cinnamon Apples. Though this recipe will still be delicious with any type of apples!
  • Peel your apples: Don’t skip this step. Peeling the apples will give the crisp a better texture.
  • Use rolled oats: I recommend using rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats work too if needed. Try making some Apple Pie Oatmeal with leftover oats and apples!
  • Don’t overmix the topping: Mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to a dense or greasy texture instead of a light and crisp result.
  • Bake uncovered on the middle rack: No need to cover your crisp. Baking it in the centre of the oven helps it cook through and brown nicely on top.
  • Let it rest before serving: Give the crisp at least 10 minutes to cool slightly so the juices can thicken and the topping stays crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is apple cobbler the same as apple crisp?

No. An apple cobbler is made with a pie dough or biscuit topping like I use for this Gluten-Fee Peach Cobbler. Apple crisp is made with an oat-based streusel topping that is more similar to granola like this Maple Pecan Granola.

Can I freeze Healthy Apple Crisp?

Yes. Let the crisp cool then transfer to a freeze-safe container and freeze up to 2 months. Let thaw on the counter then warm in the microwave or oven.

a silver spoon scooping up apple crisp.

Try These Apple Recipes Next!

If you tried this Healthy Apple Crisp or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on PinterestInstagram and Facebook for even more deliciousness!

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a silver spoon scooping up apple crisp.

Healthy Apple Crisp

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Healthy Apple Crisp is easy to make and healthy enough that you can even eat it for breakfast!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 apples, peeled and cut into slices
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter, room temperature.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a bowl mix the apples, lemon juice and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon together.
  3. In a bowl, mix together the oats, almond flour, coconut sugar and remaining cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until everything is incorporated. (Use a fork or your hands, mash the coconut oil or butter into the dry mixture until it’s well incorporated and forms small clumps.)
  4. Layer the apples in an 8×8 inch baking dish then sprinkle the crisp topping on top of the apples.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top. 

Notes

  • Try using firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Cortland.
  • Always peel your apples for the best texture.
  • Rolled oats give the best crisp topping texture.
  • Mix the topping just until crumbly. Don’t overmix.
  • Bake uncovered on the middle rack for even browning.
  • Let the crisp rest 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 3g

Hi, I'm Jess!

Choosing Chia is a blog all about healthy vegetarian recipes that are easy to follow, taste delicious and focus on wholesome ingredients. I started the blog after a spontaneous trip to India where I studied the practice of yoga and wellness.

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36 Comments

  1. Samantha says:

    Made it tonight and it was amazing and delish. I added some pecans and unsweetened shredded coconut to the topping. Will definitely be making it again.

    1. Jessica Hoffman says:

      So happy you enjoyed the recipe Samantha 🙂

  2. Skc says:

    This was fast and delicious!

    1. Jessica Hoffman says:

      Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed!

  3. Andrew says:

    Easy five stars from me! Easy to make and delicious!

    1. Jessica Hoffman says:

      Thanks Andrew!

  4. Andrew Stec says:

    I have Quarantine supply issues but I really want to make this tonight…I do not have coconut sugar or Almond flour…what can I substitute? can I use cane sugar and oat flour?…

    1. Jessica Hoffman says:

      Hi Andrew! You can use any sugar you have on hand in place of coconut sugar. For the almond flour, you can substitute regular flour or whole grain flour, or a gluten-free flour, any of them will work just fine!

      1. Andrew says:

        Thank you!

        1. Jessica Hoffman says:

          Enjoy Andrew!

  5. Trinity says:

    Make it almost every week for my toddler! Loves it and has all the flavors of an apple pie. Thanks!

    1. Anna Oppermann says:

      Aww, I’m so glad he loves it! Thanks for sharing, Trinity!

  6. Ana says:

    I’m looking forward to baking this tonight for thanksgiving! do you think it would be okay to sub almond flour for regular flour and coconut sugar for regular brown sugar? thanks a lot!

    1. Jessica Hoffman says:

      Hi Ana, I think those substitutions are fine! 🙂

  7. Ana says:

    Everyone love them here !!

    1. Jessica Hoffman says:

      Thank you for the review Ana! Happy it was a hit 🙂

  8. Allison says:

    That recipe looks amazing and I LOVE the baking dish you used. Could you tell me where I can find it?

    1. Jess says:

      Hi Allison, thank you! it’s from a store in Canada called the Bay!

  9. Arielle says:

    This was amazing and everyone loved it

    1. Jess says:

      Thanks so much Arielle! Glad you enjoyed!

  10. Cheryl S says:

    This sounds fabulous. I’ll be making it for a party next week. Do you mind sharing where your beautiful baker is from?

    1. Jess says:

      Hi Cheryl, hope you enjoy it! The baker is from a store called The Bay (a Canadian store)