Paleo Apple Crisp
A comforting paleo dessert that transforms fresh, seasonal apples into a naturally sweetened treat topped with a crunchy, grain-free nutty topping. Perfect for those following paleo, gluten-free, or simply looking for a healthier twist on a classic fall favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Cooling Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Paleo
Servings 8 servings
Calories 305 kcal
For the Apple Filling
- 6 apples preferably a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or tapioca starch
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour or sunflower seed flour for nut allergies
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/3 cup coconut oil solid but scoopable
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with coconut oil.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately ¼-inch thick pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice. Add the arrowroot powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution. Press down gently to eliminate large air pockets.
In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, and chopped pecans. Add the solid coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Use your fingertips to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger chunks.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture, covering the entire surface. Don't press it down.
Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remaining baking time.
Allow the crisp to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- For an even lower sugar option, reduce the maple syrup by half and add 1/4 teaspoon of pure stevia extract.
- Using a mix of apple varieties offers better flavor complexity and texture after baking.
- For AIP diet, substitute tiger nut flour for almond flour and omit the pecans.
- This crisp can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To restore crispness after refrigeration, reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Calories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 5gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 160mgFiber: 7gSugar: 19g
Keyword Apple Crisp, Paleo Dessert, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free