Healthy Apple Crisp Dessert Recipe

By Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC | Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician | Updated December 02, 2018
apple crisp
Dana Angelo White

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

Calories 197
Fat 10g
Carbs 28g
Protein 2g
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving  
Calories 197
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 197mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 17g  
Includes 7g Added Sugars 14%
Protein 2g  
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 158mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Total Time 55 min
Prep 25 min, Cook 30 min
Servings 6

This lightened up apple crisp recipe offers a healthy dose of fruit and much less fat and calories compared to the traditional. While traditional recipes use more butter and add up to at least 500 calories per serving, this version comes in at less than 200. The lightness of it is perfect if you experience heartburn and still want to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium apples (peeled, seeded, and diced)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, diced into small pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1.2 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 6 tablespoons 100% apple juice

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Spray 6 (5-ounce) ramekins with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine apples, cornstarch, cinnamon, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar.
  4. Toss well and set aside for 10 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and walnuts; mix well to combine.
  6. Spoon apple mixture evenly in to prepared ramekins, then sprinkle with topping.
  1. Top each serving with a tablespoon of apple juice.
  2. Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

Try this recipe method with berries or peeled peaches instead of apples. You'll take in an impressive amount of inflammation-busting antioxidants and still get plenty of sweetness.

Instead of walnuts, add crunch with chopped pecans, slivered almonds, or shelled pistachios. For a hint of extra spice, add a 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom to the topping.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Instead of ramekins,​ you can make a large batch of this apple crisp in an 8x8 square baking dish.

It may seem like a silly ingredient, but don't skip the apple juice. It adds flavor and prevents the topping from drying out.

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