Maple Cinnamon Apple Crisp: Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipe
Healthy Maple Cinnamon Apple Crisp: Vegan, No-Refined Sugar, Gluten-Free Recipe
As soon as late summer hits, apples flood the grocery stores, and I’m always looking for my favorite—Honeycrisps! There’s nothing like that perfect sweet, tangy, and crunchy apple when they’re in season! Plus, they’re the perfect kickstart to all those cozy fall recipes just around the corner.
I’m currently visiting my family in Iowa, and this morning’s 65-degree weather was perfect for a long walk. With fall vibes in the air, I had to rush to get this apple crisp recipe up on the blog before I headed back to the hot South Carolina temps.
This recipe was such a hit! My mother-in-law and parents were over when I made it, and we all devoured it! My husband, who loves anything with apples, even chose it for his birthday dessert. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and made without refined sugars, but you’d never guess—it’s that good! This recipe was inspired by the honey peach crumble I made last month, and they are both equally delicious.
Better For You: Apple Crisp Sweetened with Maple Syrup
It’s been about a month and a half since I started focusing on cutting out processed sugar. I’m not strict about checking every label, but I try to avoid it when I can. My husband’s been off added sugar for over a year now, and he’s definitely inspired me to make better choices. Since I’m a dessert lover, I’m gearing up to make many healthier, lower-sugar treats for the fall season. It’s a bit of a challenge with my bakery business full of sugary goodies, but I’m good to go as long as I have my healthier versions!
I decided to cut out a lot of sugary treats because I found myself reaching for them as meals instead of eating wholesome foods. My brain always felt foggy, my energy was low, and I wasn’t focusing on getting the nutrients my body really needed. Since making the switch, I’ve been feeling so much better, and I’ve realized that natural sugars taste just as good without giving me that instant rush and crash.
A recipe like this can easily double as a dessert or breakfast with a couple of eggs. I love making recipes like this and imagining them being served at a cozy bed and breakfast one day. I’m always telling my husband that I’d love to run a B&B, mostly so I can serve delicious coffee, whip up breakfast, and plant flowers all around. But no matter what time of day you’re enjoying this dessert, coffee is always a perfect pairing. I know my father-in-law would have this apple crisp eaten with a big side of ice cream.
Comforting Fall Dessert
This maple cinnamon apple crisp recipe is so warm and comforting. The apples cooking in the maple syrup give them a rich, caramel-like sweetness. The cinnamon adds that perfect cozy spice that instantly transports you into Fall mode. The crispy oat topping has a buttery taste that you’ll never guess; it’s made with coconut oil and is completely gluten-free. This fall dessert is indulgent and wholesome, curing that sweet tooth without the rush of added sugar. This dessert is perfect as a breakfast or dessert straight out of the oven! Be ready to get the big taste of Fall in every bite.
This Fall recipe is:
- Vegan
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Refined Sugar-Free
Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Another reason to make this recipe—if you’re not convinced already—is how easy it is! I love a recipe that doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Just chop up the apples, mix them in a bowl, mix the topping in another bowl, toss it all together in a baking dish, and pop it in the oven. Simple, quick, and absolutely delicious! I have no doubt that you are going to LOVE this recipe!
Watch how easy this recipe is to make with the video below!
Delicious and Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe with Hidden Health Benefits
Looking for a dessert that’s both delicious and good for you? This apple crisp recipe satisfies your sweet tooth and has hidden health benefits that make you feel great about indulging!
Apples: The star of this recipe, apples are loaded with vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients help boost your immune system, support healthy skin, and aid in digestion, making apples a fantastic choice for a nutritious dessert!
Oats: Oats are a great source of whole grains and provide additional fiber. They help regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health, making them a wholesome addition to your dessert.
Pure Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup can be a healthier choice than highly processed sweeteners. It’s less processed, contains beneficial nutrients like manganese, zinc, and potassium, and offers antioxidants that help fight inflammation. It also has a lower glycemic index than refined sugars, which may lead to a gentler impact on blood sugar levels.
Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavors of the crumble and provides essential minerals often stripped away in processed salt.
Cinnamon: This spice adds a warm, comforting flavor, has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Let’s talk about ingredient swaps!
Ingredient Swaps for Apple Crisp Recipe
Flour: all-purpose flour, gluten-free flour, almond flour, or whole wheat flour
Honey: Substitute maple syrup with date, honey, or agave for a different natural sweetener.
Apples: You can substitute apples for almost any fruit you like! Try peaches, blueberries, pears, blackberries, strawberries, or raspberries for a new twist.
Coconut Oil: Use butter or vegan butter as an alternative to coconut oil
Cinnamon: Don’t have cinnamon? Try using apple pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg to give your dessert a unique flavor.
Ingredients for Maple Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe:
This recipe keeps it simple with minimal ingredients, just how it should be!
- Apples
- Flour
- Cinnamon
- Maple Syrup
- Oats
- Coconut Oil
- Sea Salt
How to Make Healthy Maple Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Prepare the Apples: Peel & chop up the apples. Toss them with flour, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Set aside.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, cinnamon, and sea salt with melted coconut oil and maple syrup until the mixture is nice and crumbly.
Assemble: Add the apple mixture to a 9×5 baking dish and top with the oat mixture.
Bake: Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
Cool: Let the dessert cool for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Feel free to double-check this recipe! I used about five large apples in a 9×5 baking dish, but making a bigger batch is easy. Just use a larger baking dish, and you can keep the exact cooking times and temperatures.
How to Enjoy Apple Crisp!
- Warm with Ice Cream: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
- With Yogurt: Top a bowl of apple crisp with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt for a creamy, tangy twist.
- As a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a serving of apple crisp in the morning with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s a sweet way to start your day.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for a light and airy complement to the warm apple crisp.
- Topped with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
- In a Parfait: Layer it with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit in a parfait glass for a tasty, dessert-like treat.
- Chilled: Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing change from the warm version.
Toddler-Approved Dessert!
It was so cute—my son loved eating this apple crisp and had a blast helping me make it! I’d say it’s 100% toddler-approved. I love finding recipes my picky eater enjoys while sneaking in healthier ingredients.
We’ve got a map of all the fun apple orchards to visit this year for apple picking. He was too young to enjoy them last year, so get ready for plenty of apple orchard recipes and content coming up on the blog this year!
Maple Cinnamon Apple Crisp: Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipe
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 5 Large Honeycrisp Apples
- 2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
- 3 Tablespoons Flour Gluten-Free or Regular
- 1/2 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
Oat Crisp Topping
- 2 Cups Whole Oats
- 1 Cup Flour Gluten-Free or Regular
- 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
- 1/3 Cup Maple Syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Make the Filling: Peel & chop up the apples and toss them with flour, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Set aside.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, cinnamon, and sea salt with melted coconut oil and maple syrup until the mixture is nice and crumbly.
- Add the apple mixture to a 9×5 baking dish and top with the oat mixture
- Bake for 40 minutes.Let the dessert cool for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Here are some of my favorite healthy desserts you need to try!
Healthy Chocolate Protein Pudding
Butternut Squash Brownies
Healthier Peach Crumble
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Chickpea Blondies
Healthy Double Chocolate Cookies with Almond Flour Recipe
Healthy Apple Pie: Gluten & Dairy-Free + No Refined Sugars!
Pumpkin Pie Spice Cottage Cheese Protein Pudding Parfaits
The Best Low Carb Cheesecake Bars | Gluten-Free & No Sugar
I can’t wait to hear what you think of this healthier apple crisp recipe! As always, I’d love your ideas on what recipes you’d like to see next on the blog.
Questions for you!
- What is your favorite kind of apple?
- What is your favorite fall dessert?
- Have you noticed a weather change where you live yet?
Very good recipe!
Thank you!! 🙂
I loved this recipe, and so did my father-in-law, who is on a low sugar diet.
Aww so happy 🙂
A great healthy dessert my family loved
I made this recipe five times now! Would love more healthy banana recipes!
Tried it and loved it.
Thanks, Terry!
Amazing I loved it! I used sugar free maple syrup and it was great.