A warm, cozy dessert made with lighter ingredients — without losing the comfort.
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of baked apples, cinnamon, and a golden crisp topping coming from the oven. This Lightened-Up Apple Crisp gives you all the classic fall flavors you love, but with friendlier ingredients, fewer calories, and a smarter nutrient profile — without sacrificing taste or warmth.
Whether you’re watching your macros, counting points, or just love healthier dessert swaps, this recipe fits beautifully into any balanced lifestyle. And the best part? It tastes every bit as comforting as the traditional version.
Thank you for being here with me today. Recipes like this — the ones that feel like home — are the heart of cozy baking, and I’m excited to share this one with you.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp
- Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples that soften perfectly in the oven
- A golden, oat-almond topping that adds crunch without heavy flour
- Sweetened with low-calorie alternatives for a lighter dessert
- Easy to make, budget-friendly, and beginner-friendly
- Smells incredible while baking — the whole kitchen feels like fall
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon zero-calorie sweetener (Stevia or Monk Fruit)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (thickens the filling with fewer points than flour)
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats (or half oats, half almond flour for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute (Swerve Brown or Stevia Brown)
- 2 tablespoons light butter or margarine, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How to Make the Apple Crisp
1. Prepare the apple filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with sweetener, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until every slice is lightly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
2. Make the crisp topping
In another bowl, stir together oats, almond flour, brown sugar substitute, cinnamon, salt, and melted light butter.
Mix until it forms a crumbly, sandy texture.
3. Assemble
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples. Do not pack it down — keeping it loose gives a better crunchy finish.
4. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling underneath.
5. Cool and serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
You can enjoy it warm on its own or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
- Slice apples evenly so they bake at the same rate.
- If you like extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt
- With a small scoop of light ice cream
- Topped with fresh berries
- As a breakfast crumble with cottage cheese or yogurt
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked crisp for up to 2 months.
