Spiced Apple Crisp

There’s something so cozy about pulling a warm apple crisp out of the oven on a cool fall day. This dessert has all the comfort of a classic apple crisp, but with a lighter, more wholesome twist, made with natural sweeteners and nourishing whole food ingredients instead of refined sugar.

By leaning on fruit and unrefined sweeteners like maple syrup, you get a naturally sweet flavor that feels indulgent while staying closer to nature. Whole foods not only taste fresher, but they also provide more depth of flavor and can make a dessert feel more grounding and satisfying.

Homemade Flavor With Simple Pantry Staples

One of the best parts about an apple crisp is how seamlessly it combines everyday pantry staples into something both nourishing and nostalgic. Using oats, cinnamon, and fresh apples creates a dessert that’s hearty yet simple, offering fiber, texture, and a touch of natural sweetness without the heaviness of processed ingredients. 

Swapping refined sugar for whole-food alternatives allows the flavors of the apples and spices to shine through, highlighting the natural richness of baked fruit.

Warm Fall Spices To Nourish The Body

Of course, no fall dessert would be complete without the warming touch of spices. Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice not only create that unmistakable autumn aroma but also have long been treasured for their comforting and balancing qualities. These spices add depth and warmth, turning simple baked apples into something layered and complex. 

Beyond their flavor, many of these spices have been used for centuries in traditional wellness practices, where they’re valued for their soothing properties. Altogether, they transform a rustic crisp into a fall treat that’s nourishing for the body.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start this off by preheating the oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare the Apples: After that, cut thin slices of apple and add them to a baking dish. I chose to leave the peels on, but you can remove them if you prefer. 

I tossed the apples with a little bit of apple cider vinegar, as well as cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. 

Make the Crumble Topping: Then start on the crisp topping, which consists of oats, flour, and more cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir that with a fork to combine. Add in maple syrup and coconut oil to make all the ingredients form a sticky, sweet batter. 

Assemble and Bake: Spread the crumble evenly over the spiced apples and place the baking dish in the oven. Allow that to bake for about 45 minutes until the top is crispy and the apples are soft. 

Serve: Enjoy this warm straight out of the baking dish or save for a wholesome fall afternoon sweet treat! 

Recipe: Spiced Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 4-5 Apples thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ Tsp salt 

For the crumble: 

• 1 Cup rolled oats
• ⅓ Cup flour
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• ⅓ Cup coconut oil
• ¼ Cup maple syrup
• ½ Tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ Tsp salt 

Instructions: 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Thinly slice the apples and add them to a baking dish. Add apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt to the apples and toss until spices are evenly distributed.

To make the crumble, start by mixing together dry ingredients, oats, flour, spices and salt. Add in liquids, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix until completely combined. Evenly spread the crumble over the apples and place in the oven. Allow this to cook for about 45 minutes until the topping is crispy and the apples are soft. Take this out of the oven and enjoy it warm!

*This article is intended for informational purposes. The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.