Healthy Apple Crisp
Cozy up with this healthy apple crisp made with fresh apples, oats, nuts, and maple syrup. Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened—it’s the ultimate fall dessert!
Apple picking season is finally here! My sister and I recently discovered a new orchard near our home and we left with an overflowing basket of freshly picked apples. Naturally, the first thing I did was bake this healthy apple crisp. And the next thing I made? My air fryer apples, because when life gives you a bucket of apples, you might as well make all the apple desserts!
Featured Comment
This was the best apple crisp recipe I ever tried! The crisp topping was perfectly crunchy and sweet and the apples were cooked to perfection with warming spices. My husband and I almost ate the whole thing in one go! This will definitely be a regular dessert in our family now 🥰
— Olivia
I’ve been making versions of healthy crisps for years. My healthy berry crisp always goes viral on Instagram, but this apple version has quickly become my favorite. As a New England girl, I can’t think of a more perfect fall dessert.
If you’ve been searching for the best apple crisp recipe to make this fall, this is it! It’s warm, wholesome, easy to make, and packed with all the cozy fall flavors you love. This is the recipe that I (and so many of you!) come back to every single year. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Healthy Apple Crisp
So what makes this the best apple crisp recipe? A few things:
- Full of fall flavors: Juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a nutty oat topping. Don’t forget to top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
- Better-for-you twist: Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
- Easy to make: Much easier than apple pie! Simply slice the apples, toss with spices, stir together the topping, sprinkle, and bake—no complicated steps.
- Tried and true: This recipe is a fan favorite on the blog (and viral on social media)! It’s the recipe I, and so many of you, come back to every fall.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of ingredients come together to make this easy apple crisp. Bonus: as it bakes, your whole house will smell like autumn!
- Apples: I use honeycrisp apples—they’re the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
- Rolled Oats: To make the crisp topping. For serious gluten allergies, use certified gluten-free oats.
- Almond Flour: Adds a moist and tender texture.
- Walnuts & Pecans: My favorite combo for crunch. Feel free to swap for other nuts based on what you have.
- Maple Syrup: For natural sweetness and a warm maple flavor.
- Vegan Butter: Helps bind the crisp topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a small splash for flavor.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
What Are the Best Apples for Apple Crisp?
I love using Honeycrisp, but there are plenty of other varieties, and you can even do a mix of sweet + tart apples.
- Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and hold their shape.
- Fuji: Naturally sweet with a juicy bite.
- Pink Lady: Firm and slightly sweet.
- Granny Smith: Tart and firm, they balance out the sweetness of the topping. Granny Smith are a very popular apple for baking.
- Jonathan: Crisp and slightly tart.
How to Make Healthy Apple Crisp
Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements!
- Preheat & prep the apples: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Peel (optional) and thinly slice the apples. Add to a 9″ pie dish (or similar size baking dish) and toss with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Make the topping: In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, maple syrup, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Assemble & bake: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples. Cover with tinfoil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the topping is golden and the fruit juices are bubbling around the edges. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, just cover it with foil and keep baking until the apples are tender.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then scoop into bowls, add desired toppings (you know vanilla ice cream is my favorite). Finally, serve!
Megan’s Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
- Sweet vs tart apples: I love baking with sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Fuji. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Jonathan add a nice balance too. Just avoid soft apples since they’ll turn mushy in the oven.
- Evenly slice your apples: This helps get an even bake.
- Bake until bubbly: The filling should be juicy and bubbling around the edges—that’s how you know it’s ready. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, just cover it with foil and keep baking until the apples are tender.
How to Serve Apple Crisp
My favorite way to enjoy apple crisp? Fresh from the oven (still warm) with a big scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on top. You know when the ice cream starts to melt into the crisp? That’s the perfect bite!
Some other serving ideas:
- Add a big scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or a dollop coconut whipped cream
- Serve with vegan yogurt for a fall breakfast (yes, I believe in apple crisp for breakfast)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute almond flour?
A few readers have successfully substituted the almond flour for all purpose flour (both regular and gluten-free). Let me know if you try it!
Can I use regular dairy butter?
Sure! So long as you’re not vegan or dairy-free, feel free to swap the vegan butter for regular butter.
Looking for more? More Healthy Crisp Recipes
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
Healthy Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apples
- 3 apples, I use honeycrisp
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
Crisp
- 1 cup oats, rolled or quick; use certified gf oats if needed
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat & prep the apples: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Peel (optional) and thinly slice the apples. Add to a 9" pie dish (or similar size baking dish) and toss with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Make the topping: In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, maple syrup, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Assemble & bake: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples. Cover with tinfoil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the topping is golden and the fruit juices are bubbling around the edges. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, just cover it with foil and keep baking until the apples are tender.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then scoop into bowls, add desired toppings (vanilla ice cream is classic!). Enjoy!
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Sweet vs tart apples: I love baking with sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Fuji. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Jonathan add a nice balance too. Just avoid soft apples since they’ll turn mushy in the oven.
- Evenly slice your apples: This helps get an even bake.
- Bake until bubbly: The filling should be juicy and bubbling around the edges—that’s how you know it’s ready. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, just cover it with foil and keep baking until the apples are tender.
Just now realized I could rate these recipes, but I have made so many booboosbakery recipes(this weekend 4 lol) and they have not missed. This one was so good and the flavors worked together so well. I love eating good food with nothing refined or processed, and these recipes do that so well.
Awe thanks for sharing this Kaylee, I’m so happy to hear your enjoy my recipes! Your review and star rating means a lot!
Next time I would use more apples , at least 5 …, definitely needs more and too many nuts for me… my son said it would be better with sugar lol. Love that it’s healthy apple crisp!
Glad you enjoyed it, Tracy! You can definitely add more apples next time and reduce the amount of nuts – I would just add a bit more oats to make up for it. 🙂
Probably the best apple crisp I have ever had. I’m not vegan so I used regular salted butter. I also usually like more crisp than apple. I saw that 3 honey crisp apples were a lot. I think It would be perfect with 2 medium or 3 small honey crisp apples. My only regret is that apples are pricey right now especially honey crisp so it is a more budget friendly as a fall recipe. I also like it with a dollop of plain yogurt. Thank you for the recipe!
So happy you loved this apple crisp recipe, Ashley! You can definitely tweak the amount of apples to suit your taste (I agree, the crisp is one of the best parts). Thanks for sharing your review 🙂
My go to favorite healthy fall dessert recipe. Foolproof and perfect every time!! So impressed!!!
Aww, love to hear this! Thank you for sharing your kind review 💛
This truly is the best apple crisp recipe! We make it all the time. Love that it’s made with healthy ingredients too!
So happy to hear this 🙂
Another Megan chiming in to say this is my new favourite apple crisp recipe!
So so happy to hear this! Thanks for sharing, Megan 🙂
Is there a way to make this nut free? 🩷
Hi Kara, you can substitute the chopped nuts for more oats, or even seeds. And you can likely substitute the almond flour for an all-purpose flour. Let me know if you try it ❤️
Hello , so I made this and I saw it’s about 241 calories but what’s the measurement of the serving ???
Hi Maria, that’s an estimate based on the full batch being divided into 10 servings, so 1 serving = 1 piece (1/10 of the batch). Enjoy!
Apple crisp/crumble is a repeat recipe I like to make for many reasons. I wanted to use the pears I have in this apple crisp in addition. I only subbed the vegan butter with coconut oil and added more nuts and oats because of the addition of pears. Crisps like these couldn’t be easier to throw together and bake. Plus all the ing. are ones that I already have. As always, the oats, spices, and fruit comes together perfectly. I will be enjoying it this week for sure. #happyholidays
The top was not crumbly with all purpose flour. I’ve never made apple crisp with melted butter. It’s usually room temp soft and that might have been the problem. It was very wet and sticky 😔
Hi Bri, I’m assuming you substituted the almond flour with all-purpose flour? This recipe was specifically developed to use almond flour, so AP flour won’t give the same texture or results unfortunately. Sorry it didn’t turn out how you hoped! Did you happen to make any other swaps? Happy to help troubleshoot if so 💛
Can I use abit of coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, coconut oil will work, just be sure to melt it before adding it to the mixture. Enjoy!
10/10 recommend! This was so delicious and so satisfying. It tasted just like a Dutch apple pie without the crust. Every bite was sweet. I couldn’t help but eat the whole pan lbvs
You ever used “Envy” apples in your crisp before? They are my favorite apple of all times. I used them in baking desserts, apple, pie, crisps, and other other things as well. I don’t know if you get those type of apples in New England or not. I am from Washington state. I can’t wait to try your recipe.❤️
I’m not sure I’ve ever tried that variety! I usually stick with Honeycrisp and Gala apples that I pick from our local orchard, but now I’ll have to keep an eye out for those — or maybe one day when I visit Washington state. I’m sure they’d be delicious in this apple crisp. Hope you love the recipe, Alicia!
This was really tasty and not overly sweet, which was a delight. But for me, the ratio of topping to apples was way off. I used 3 medium gala apples and I would, in the future, use at least 2 more apples or cut the topping in half. Still very much enjoyed it and will definitely make it again.
You can definitely add more apples if you prefer 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the flavor. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
yumyumyum!! just made this baby! made my whole house smell delicious! i’ll be making this all fall/winter season for sure!
Aw I’m so happy you loved it Tina – tis the season! Thanks for sharing your review 🙂
I made this for the first time and it came out just as I expected, perfect!
Can I freeze a bowl of this after it’s been cooked?
I’m so happy you loved it, Mary! I haven’t frozen it, but you should be able to freeze it after it’s been cooked. Just let it cool completely before freezing, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, pop it straight into the oven to reheat. Let me know how it goes!
This Apple Crisp is my Husband and I’s favorite dessert during the holidays i’ve made it 3 times already and it’s the perfect way to enjoy a delicious fall dessert. the flavors are unmatched!
Aww I’m so happy you and your husband enjoy this recipe, Alaina! Always love seeing your messages – thank you!
I admittedly don’t post ratings for recipes as often as I should. But I could not not rate this one. 11/10 so stinking good. That crumble!? Literal life. It is so good and it came out perfectly with the directions. I omitted the nutmeg because I just know I personally don’t like it. I love when a recipe turns out like as a whole as it should and when it tastes good. And I love that it has no refined sugars. I’m not vegan so I used reg butter. Literal perfection this recipe. Thank you!
Omg this made me so so happy to read. I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you so much for sharing your kind review. I hope you’ll continue making it (and try some more recipes!)
This was the best apple crisp recipe I ever tried! The crisp topping was perfectly crunchy and sweet and the apples were cooked to perfection with warming spices. My husband and I almost ate the whole thing in one go! This will definitely be a regular dessert in our family now 🥰
Aww, this absolutely thrills me to hear! So happy you both loved it! Thanks so much for sharing, Olivia 🙂
This was absolutely Delicious! I can’t wait to try more recipes! Thanks so much for your quick response. ☺️
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Deann! I can’t wait to hear what you make next 🙂
As promised by Megan this recipe was absolute bliss! A well deserved 5 star rating xxx
Aww, I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Teresa! Thank you for sharing your star rating and review! xo
Delicious and my house smelled like fall while it was baking! Thank you.
So happy you enjoyed it, Kelly! It really is the best alternative to a fall candle, haha. Thank you for the review and star rating – I appreciate it bunches!
Any chance you might know the carb content of one serving? And also what that serving size would be?
Hi Carmel, the recipe makes about 10 servings. Nutritional information is in the recipe card, but note that it’s automatically calculated so it should only be used as an approximation. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you try it!
This was super yummy! Very simple and turned out great. I ate it with greek yogurt and it was just the right amount of sweetness.
So happy to hear that Priya – thank you for sharing!
Hi I’m not Vegan so can I use other flour? Whole wheat? Thanks
I have not tried it with whole wheat flour so unfortunately I’m not sure how well it would work. Let me know if you try it!
Delicious! How many calories per serving?
Thanks Jenn! I don’t typically do nutrition facts but I did plug the recipe into the VeryWellFit online calculator and it estimates it to be around 240 calories per serving. 🥰
Can’t wait to make this, looks delicious!!!! Can I use regular butter?
Hi Andrea, yes, if you are not vegan you can use regular butter. Enjoy!
Leftovers keep in fridge and ok to reheat?
Yes, leftovers can be kept in the fridge and reheat in the oven (covered) at 350F until warm or in the microwave. Enjoy!
Hello, this looks delish! I can’t wait to try. Wondering if I can replace vegan butter with coconut oil.
Thank you!
Hi Erin – yes, melted coconut oil will work instead of vegan butter. I hope you love it!
I have made it twice in three days. We love it! My daughter didn’t even realize it was healthy! You gotta make this!
That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for sharing Melissa 🥰
So good !!!
Yay I’m so glad you loved it!
I am looking forward to making this. I am new to gluten/dairy free. What brand of vegan butter do you use? TIA
I typically use Earth Balance vegan butter sticks, but any vegan butter brand will work. Enjoy!