This Paleo Apple Crisp is a simple and sweet dessert that brings out the best in tender apples. Topped with crunchy nuts and spices, it’s a treat you can feel good about!
When I make this crisp, my kitchen smells amazing, and it’s hard to resist sneaking bites of the topping! Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a fun twist. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith is my top choice for its tartness, balancing the sweetness in the crisp. Honeycrisp is great too! If you prefer, you can use any apples you have on hand, just remember that sweeter apples will make a sweeter dish.
Coconut Sugar: This sweetener adds a caramel-like flavor. If you can’t find it, maple sugar works well too. For a lower-calorie option, try using stevia or monk fruit, adjusting to taste since they are much sweeter.
Almond Flour: Almond flour is a must for a Paleo-friendly topping, but you could substitute with coconut flour. Just keep in mind that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you might need to adjust the wet ingredients.
Nuts: Pecans and walnuts add crunch, but you can use any nuts you like or even seeds for a nut-free version. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent alternatives!
How Do I Get the Perfect Apple Crisp Topping?
The topping is what makes the apple crisp shine! It should be crumbly yet hold together. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Combine the almond flour, nuts, shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt in a mixing bowl.
- Use your fingers to mix gently, pressing it slightly to create clumps. This will help it form a lovely crispy layer on top.
- Avoid over-mixing; it should resemble coarse crumbs rather than a dough.
When you bake it, keep an eye on the topping. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil for the remaining time.
How to Make Paleo Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or maple sugar)
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch (for thickening)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional for extra texture)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional for Serving:
- Coconut or almond milk ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Paleo Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Just enough time to enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a baking dish with some coconut oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), coconut sugar, and arrowroot starch. Make sure all the apple slices are well-coated with this sweet mixture to enhance their flavor.
3. Place the Apples in the Baking Dish:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly, spreading it out to create a nice base layer for your crisp.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, chopped nuts, shredded coconut (if using), melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix gently until you obtain a crumbly texture that sticks together when pressed lightly.
5. Add the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling, making sure that it covers the apples well for a delightful crunch.
6. Bake the Crisp:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You want the apples to be bubbly and tender, while the topping turns a lovely golden brown and crisp.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove your apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle. Serve warm and you can top it with a scoop of coconut or almond milk ice cream if you’d like!
Enjoy your comforting, naturally sweetened Paleo Apple Crisp with its crunchy nut topping!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith offers a nice tartness, you can mix and match with other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a unique flavor. Pick apples that you enjoy eating raw!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping separately in advance. Store them covered in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble and pop it in the oven!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave, but for the best texture, the oven works wonders!
Is There a Nut-Free Option?
Definitely! You can replace the almond flour and nuts with sunflower seed butter and sunflower seeds, or use a seed-based flour instead. Just keep an eye on the texture so that the topping still holds up well.
