This Healthy Apple Crisp with Oats is a simple and easy apple dessert made with fresh sliced apples, coconut sugar, rolled oats, and lots of cinnamon. Made from start to finish in just under an hour, this dessert can be easily made gluten-free and dairy-free too.
Love healthy apple recipes? Also try my No Bake Apple Pie Bites, Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal, Maple, Pecan & Date Stuffed Apples.
Healthy Apple Crisp with Oats
I adore this Healthy Apple Crisp with oats. It's made with freshly sliced apples, old-fashioned rolled oats, and lots of fresh cinnamon. It's the perfect way to celebrate apple season, which is a huge deal where I live in Western North Carolina. It's bursting with cozy fall flavor.
The base of this crisp uses your favorite type of apples and thinly slices them. You season them with brown coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The topping could not be simpler, leaving out flour, and just has a healthy portion of rolled oats and either butter or coconut oil.
If you are looking for a lighter dessert that lets the fresh apples shine and is made with minimal ingredients, this is it! I love using fresh Honeycrisp apples for this, but you can use whatever you have handy or picked from the apple farm. The recipe is amazing because it is streamlined, with minimal ingredients, and customizable to your diet and how healthy or unhealthy you want to make it.
The best part about it is the entire house is filled with cozy smells of fall. Both my boys kept asking me what I was making and when it was going to be ready.
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Why You'll Love this Healthy Apple Crisp with Oats Recipe...
- This Healthy Apple Crisp with oats is super simple with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.
- There is no flour in this recipe and if you pick gluten-free oats, it can easily be gluten-free.
- It's an easy, fuss-free recipe that you can't mess up!
- It's only 150 calories per serving.
- It tastes great plain or with a scoop of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream. Without the ice cream, it's a super healthy dessert.
- It's a great way to use those apples you picked with the family at the farm.
Ingredients:
Here's an overview of what you'll need to make this Healthy Apple Crisp with Oats recipe, but keep scrolling for the full recipe amounts.
- Apples: You'll need 6 cups of thinly sliced apples. Make sure to slice them thin so they will be able to cook through during the baking time. You can use your favorite type of apples but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji, Cortland, Jonagold, and Pink Lady are all great choices. I would not recommend using tart apples like a Granny Smith apples for this recipe.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is the other key ingredient used to make the crisp on top. I use old-fashioned rolled oats. To make this gluten-free, use these oats.
- Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is a great healthier substitute that's less refined than traditional sugar. For this recipe, I made it with Brown Coconut Sugar and it came out great. You can also use regular sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup if you have that.
- Butter or Coconut Oil: Depending on how healthy you want to make this and whether you want it to be dairy-free, you can use butter to make this or coconut oil. You will need to melt both in the microwave before mixing the crumble toppings. You will need some sort of oil like this to hold the crisp together. You can also use vegan butter.
- Spices: I use a hearty portion of cinnamon in this and a touch of nutmeg to balance it out. I also used a touch a vanilla extract.
Instructions:
This is an overview of the instructions to make this Healthy Apple Crisp with Oats recipe, but the full detailed printable recipe is below in the recipe card.
- Preheat oven to 350 and spray a 9x9 baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl mix together the sliced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coconut sugar.
- In a separate bowl mix together the topping including the oatmeal, coconut sugar, melted butter or coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Put the apples in the pan and lay them down evenly.
- Carefully sprinkle the oatmeal topping on top as evenly as possible, covering the apples completely.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and finish baking for another 20-25 minutes or until the crisp is golden brown.
- Serve warm or with your favorite vanilla bean ice cream.
How to Serve Apple Crisp:
An apple crisp is best served warm and it can easily stand on its own, but here are some fun toppings for it.
- Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- Vanilla Yogurt
- Whipped Cream
- Coconut Whip
- Caramel Sauce
Variations
I love this Healthy Apple Crisp with Oats recipe as written, but here are some fun variations.
- Make it Gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Make it with coconut oil and leave off the ice cream or pick a dairy-free ice cream.
- Make it No Sugar: You can swap out the sugar for maple syrup.
- Make it Fancier: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oatmeal mixture.
FAQ
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftovers of this Healthy Apple Crisp with oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave oven.
Make Ahead
You can assemble this healthy apple crisp ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it as instructed when you are ready.
Freezing
I don't think this apple crisp would freeze and thaw well. It's best enjoyed fresh.
What's the difference between an apple crumble and an apple crisp?
A crisp is generally made with oatmeal in the topping, while crumbles are made with a blend of flour.
Do I peel the apples?
I did not peel my apples and it's a personal choice whether you can t or not.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make it in a standard 9x13 baking dish.
Healthy Apple Crisp
This Healthy Apple Crisp with oats is something special! It's a non-fussy and simple recipe you will find yourself making again and again. This is the best homemade apple crisp. My family loves this and I know you well too.
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More Apple Recipes to Try:
- No Bake Apple Pie Bites
- Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
- Maple, Pecan & Date Stuffed Apple
- Apple Donut Snacks
- Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
If you make this Healthy Apple Crisp with Oats recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Healthy Apple Crisp with Oats
Ingredients
For the apple mixture
- 6 cups apples , sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon, juiced
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
For the topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 and spray a 9x9 baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl mix together the sliced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut sugar.
- In a separate bowl mix together the topping including the oatmeal, coconut sugar, melted butter or coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Put the apples in the pan and lay then down evenly.
- Carefully put the oatmeal topping on top as evenly as a possible, covering the apples completely.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and finish baking for another 20-25 minutes or until the crisp is golden.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for later:
Angela Campos says
This was a fabulous recipe! It was easy to prepare and loaded with flavors. I can't wait to make this again!!
Ana says
This healthy apple crisp is the perfect guilt-free treat—warm, sweet, and comforting without weighing you down! It’s like autumn in a bowl, and I can't get enough of that crunchy topping!
Marie-Pierre Breton says
Just like you've said, it's healthy but still bursting with flavour! The kids devoured it in seconds! Thanks!
Catalina says
This healthy apple crisp is so delicious! It’s perfectly sweet and cozy without being too heavy, and it made my kitchen smell wonderful.
veenaazmanov says
This sounds so healthy. The Cinnamon flavor is my favorite. This yummy dessert with the combination of Apples and oats is going to be my all time favorite for sure.
Matt says
This was a great way to make good use of all the apples I had on hand! The flavors come together perfectly, and it makes for such a warm and comforting treat.
Rachel says
Yum! I love apples Thanks for linking up with me and Annmarie!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Rachel! Great to see you today!
Tina muir says
YUMMMMM! I love everything apple, so this is perfect. I made an apple crumble last week, and it was sooooo good. I love that you used coconut oil, very clever 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Tina! So tasty!
Trisha @ Home Sweet Homemade says
Looks good! I use coconut oil in practically everything; I've never seen coconut sugar though! I'll have to check it out! Pinned and shared to Facebook!
Found you on Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Trisha! I really appreciate the social love!
Ivanna says
This looks really good, perfect for Fall. I love apple crisps 🙂
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Ivanna!
Andrea says
Healthy apple crisp or not, I love it! Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples are my fav.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Andrea! Those are great choices.
andrea says
Chica, seriously, all I've been making for the past 3 weeks have been crisps! Apple crisp, raspberry crisp, blueberry crisp... Great minds! Can't wait to try yours! (I must be blind... is the coconut oil/butter missing from the ingredients list?).
JulieWunder says
We're still totally connected 🙂 Yes, thanks for catching that! DOH! 🙂 Thanks for telling me!!!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I heart anything apple. This recipe looks especially tasty!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Wendy! I feel so healthy when I get the apples!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
must go apple picking so I can make this!
JulieWunder says
Yes! You need to!
Jaime says
I love Honeycrisp and Fuji apples. 🙂 We picked apples two weeks ago (and still have a lot!) I'll have to give this recipe a try so i can get rid of a few more apples.
JulieWunder says
I think we are going this weekend 🙂
Gingi says
I am SO ready for fall!! This recipe looks delicious, thanks for sharing!! <3 - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
JulieWunder says
Thank you Gingi!
Jess @hellotofit says
I love a good crisp and/or crumble 🙂 and pie. And cake. I need to do more exploring of different types of apples! We have many varieties at the orchards here, too 🙂 thanks, Julie!
JulieWunder says
There is so much more than what is in the store! It's fun!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
I love apple anything! This looks really good and the fact it's healthy makes it a winner in my book!
JulieWunder says
It's a great combo of delish and healthy!
Jamie says
Love this - apple crisp is my go to for Thanksgiving, so I'm glad you came up with a healthier version! Can't wait to try it out... must go apple picking first though 🙂
JulieWunder says
I'm hoping to go this weekend. I hope you get to go too.
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Apple crisp is one of my favorite fall desserts! I love that you made it a little healthier, but still delicious! Pinning!
JulieWunder says
Thank you!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
This is absolutely perfect for fall! I'd probably add a little scoop of some vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel....And that's how it instantly turns from a healthy apple crisp into an unhealthy one. Haha!
JulieWunder says
The hubs and I were both upset when I figured out I had no vanilla ice cream that night so no worries 🙂
Dan Steadman says
Mine--golden delicious or granny smith...my 6 year old Jonathan...Jonagolds
JulieWunder says
Your 6 year old had good taste! So do you!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
ooh that does look yummy! I've not used coconut sugar yet.
JulieWunder says
It's really good! You could totally sub regular sugar if you didn't want to go to the store!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I miss NYC apple season--the farmers markets get all of the experimental varieties--many don't even have names! I think one of my favorites was actually NY 125. I'm really excited because Alex and I are going to Michigan this fall and I am determined to go to a cider farm and go apple picking!
JulieWunder says
Oh that's cool! I bet they were good. I hope you make it to a farm.
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
Great recipe Julie. Nothing beats NC apples! My favorites there are Pink Lady and Mutsu.
JulieWunder says
I haven't had Mutsu yet this year. I need to change that 🙂
Blane Sherer says
Apples do ring in the fall especially in this area. I agree that the smell
of apple pie or apple crisps etc cooking is a great smell ! Who says
a Florida / Georgia girl can't truly appreciate the NC mountains ( smile ).
You certainly do Julie and it is much appreciated ( smile ).
JulieWunder says
Love it here!