This Paleo Apple Crisp is a warm, cozy dessert made with sweet, juicy apples and a crunchy nut topping. It’s perfect for those who want a treat without the grains or refined sugars!
Trust me, it’s hard to resist that crunchy topping. I sometimes end up eating it straight from the baking dish—whoops! 😄 Serve it warm with a scoop of coconut whip for extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp is also a great choice for sweetness. If you can’t find these, any firm apple will do! You can even mix apples for added flavor.
Coconut Sugar: This gives a nice caramel taste, but maple syrup works well too if you prefer a liquid sweetener. If you need a lower-calorie option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener in moderation.
Almond Flour: Almond flour is great for making this recipe Paleo-friendly. If you can’t have nuts, you could try using coconut flour, but be cautious as it’s very absorbent—use less.
Coconut Oil: It helps in creating a crispy topping. If you prefer, you can substitute it with grass-fed butter for a different flavor while still keeping it gluten-free.
How Do You Make Sure the Apples Cook Just Right?
Getting the apples perfectly tender without turning mushy is key to a great crisp. Here’s how:
- Choose apples that are firm and good for baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate. Thin slices cook faster, while thicker slices might stay firmer.
- Toss them with lemon juice and spices right before adding to the baking dish. This brings out their natural flavor!
Don’t rush the baking time—let them bake until bubbly. You’ll know they’re ready when the topping is golden brown and smells delightful!
Paleo Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or maple syrup (for the apple filling)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely Paleo Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35 to 40 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need around 55 minutes to enjoy this delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to ensure nothing sticks!
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and coconut sugar or maple syrup. Keep mixing until all the apples are coated, then transfer this lovely mixture to your baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the almond flour, sliced almonds or chopped nuts, shredded coconut (if you’re using it), coconut sugar or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything well to combine.
4. Combine with Coconut Oil:
Pour the melted coconut oil over the topping mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to mix it all together until it becomes crumbly and consistent. This step gives you that irresistible crunchy topping!
5. Assemble and Bake:
Now sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the apple layer in your baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma!
6. Cool and Serve:
Let your Paleo Apple Crisp cool for a few minutes before diving in. For an extra special treat, add a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream on top right before serving. Yum!
Enjoy your warm, crunchy, and naturally sweet Paleo Apple Crisp! It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options, feel free to experiment with other firm apples like Fuji or Braeburn. Mixing different types can also add a nice depth of flavor!
Is There a Substitute for Almond Flour?
If you need a nut-free option, you can use oat flour or coconut flour, but remember to adjust the amount since coconut flour is highly absorbent. You might need about 1/4 cup less of coconut flour compared to almond flour.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately a day before, then assemble and bake just before serving. This makes it super convenient for gatherings!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, to keep that crispy topping intact!