Homemade desserts are always a healthier alternative to processed foods or store-bought sweets.
This apple crisp recipe contains all the flavours of fall without the burden of artificial sweeteners, flavorings or preservatives. It’s also a great option for anyone following gluten free or grain free diets.
Apples are a good source of fiber and micronutrients. They’re also rich in phytonutrients, including polyphenols and flavonoids (like quercetin) that can help to prevent blood sugar spikes. Different types of apples vary in phytonutrients based on the color and richness of their skin.
The downside to apples is that they’re heavily sprayed with pesticides. Apples are regularly listed as one of the crops on the “dirty dozen” list, which tells which types of produce you should always buy organic. Buying organic ensures you that the plants have not been sprayed, and protects you from ingesting high levels of pesticides.
Some apples are better for baking than others, though you can choose any type of apple you prefer for this recipe. For the most apple health benefits, try to choose organic whenever possible.
Suitable for:
vegan, gluten-free, low-sodium, reduced-sugar diets
Not for:
migraine diets
Below is a recipe shared by Stephanie Weaver from Recipe Renovator.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples baking, heirloom or organic varieties
- 1 lemons juiced
- 1/4 cup granulated organic sugar raw turbinado sugar(40 g)
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup organic coconut sugar (80 g)
- 1/2 cup almond flour (60 g)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp dried nutmeg
Instructions
- Grease a large casserole dish with coconut oil and set aside.
- Core and peel the apples. Once peeled, slice very thin and drop into a large mixing bowl. Pour a little lemon juice over the apple slices, tossing to coat. Keep adding juice as you add apples, to keep them from browning.
- Preheat the oven to 375F/190C/gas mark 5.
- Measure the turbinado sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle some of each onto the apples, tossing to coat. Pour the apples into the prepared pan.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the large mixing bowl and mix completely with a fork, breaking up the margarine, until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Sprinkle the mixture over the apples, covering them in a thin layer. If you make the layer too thick, it will not turn into streusel, as it needs to mix with the apples as they bake. Refrigerate any leftover mixture for another crisp.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly at the edges.
