This easy and healthy paleo apple crisp is made with warm cinnamon apples and a grain-free, refined-sugar-free crisp topping that melts in your mouth. The perfect vegan and paleo fall dessert!

Healthy Paleo Apple Crisp (Vegan, Nut-Free, Gluten Free)

Can you believe we’re already at September? This has been the fastest slowest year ever and I don’t quite know how I feel about it all, but I’m excited that we’re headed into apple season because baking with apples makes the New Englander in me SO happy. Apple picking was a huge part of my childhood and I get so excited each year when this time rolls around again and I get a little piece of home while I create apple recipes.

Crisp is the dessert I turn to most often any time of year because it’s easy, healthy, and works with pretty much any dessert. It’s also easy to make vegan, AIP, and Paleo, which is always a goal for me with my recipes because it means I can share them with even more people! Oh, I should also add that I don’t really get into the semantics of crisp vs crumble vs cobbler because if it tastes good I’m not one to care, but I do have a cobbler recipe where I talk a bit about the differences if you want to get technical. Me though? I’m ready for a plate full of apple crisp.

What apples to use for a crisp:

When making an apple crisp it’s best to choose apples that won’t get too mushy in the crisp when baked (they make the topping get soggy which is no fun.)  I use gala apples in pretty much everything, but Granny Smith and Braeburn also work great! I peeled my apples because the peels tend to aggravate my stomach, but the peels are a great source of fiber if you’d like to keep them on! Both versions work great.

Vegan and Paleo Apple Crisp Topping:

The crisp topping is paleo, vegan, and nut-free, so it’s a sure winner no matter what dietary restrictions you’re dealing with! Traditional crisps use oats and a lot of paleo crisp recipes are nut based, but I used a mix of coconut flakes and cassava flour (along with honey, coconut oil, and a touch of coconut flour) to keep this crisp free of allergens and nice and easy to digest! Plus, this ingredient blend cooks up crispy and buttery despite being made of all healthy, dairy-free ingredients. It’s the perfect complement to the cinnamon baked apples.

There is only 1/4 cup of honey in this apple crisp topping, which makes it a refined sugar-free, naturally sweetened treat that won’t give you a sugar crash. The apple crisp filling is primarily apples with just a touch of coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and a bit vanilla, so it’s equally as healthy as the topping! I’m beginning to think this could be a breakfast food…

How to make a Gluten Free Crisp:

The best thing about this paleo apple crisp is how EASY it is. I love a no-fuss recipe that only needs a few ingredients, especially when we get closer to the holiday season when there are a million other things to be thinking about.

To make this grain free crisp you’ll just slice your apples, mix the filling, mix the topping, and then layer it all in a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes. Because the apples take a bit longer to cook up you’ll want to add some tinfoil over the top halfway through baking so they can keep cooking without the topping burning. It’s as simple as that! This crisp is delicious all on it’s own, but you can also top it off with coconut whipped cream or coconut ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.

More gluten-free fall recipes:

• Paleo Apple Crumb Muffins
• Apple Butter French Toast Bake
• Apple Crumb Bars

Without further ado, it’s time to make a delicious apple crisp! I’d love to see your beautiful creations so don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook!

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Healthy Paleo Apple Crisp

This easy and healthy paleo apple crisp is made with warm cinnamon apples and a grain-free, refined-sugar-free crisp topping that melts in your mouth. The perfect vegan and paleo fall dessert!

COURSE Dessert

Cuisine American

PREP TIME 10 minutes

COOK TIME 45 minutes

TOTAL TIME 55 minutes

SERVINGS 4

INGREDIENTS

Apple filling

• 5 apples peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup cassava flour
• 2 tbsp coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 or 9 inch baking dish.
2. Stir together all apple filling ingredients in a large bowl then pour into the prepared dish in an even layer.
3. Add all of the crisp topping ingredients to a bowl. Using a fork, stir until crumbly, then pour in an even layer over the apples.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, then cover with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the apples are soft.
5. Allow to cool for 10-15 mins. Serve warm with coconut ice cream!