Gluten-free, vegan and healthy dessert recipes that actually taste good are difficult to find. I tend to be a little cautious when the words healthy and dessert are used together. Know what I mean? All that being said, this gluten-free and vegan apple crisp dessert contains real food ingredients like gluten-free oats, almond flour, cinnamon, coconut oil, organic apples, and pure maple syrup. With healthy ingredients like these, this healthy dessert recipe ranks high on my list of “best healthy desserts” I’ve ever eaten. Vegan apple crisp dessert is also free of refined sugar, with the “sweetness” coming from healthy maple syrup and the natural sweetness of organic apples.
Speaking of organic apples, it’s important to note that according to the Environmental Working Group conventionally grown apples rank among the top fruits and vegetables on which pesticide residues are frequently found. Therefore, if you want to avoid health risks associated with pesticides, it’s best to eat organically grown apples.
DID YOU KNOW? Apples are actually one of the healthiest fruits provided to us by our Creator. In fact, some anti-cancer studies show that one of the health benefits of apples is, when eaten on daily basis, they provide better anti-cancer benefits than lesser amounts meaning that the old-saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” is actually great advice.
Gluten-Free & Vegan Apple Crisp Dessert Recipe
Ingredients
(Always use organic ingredients when available.)
- 3 Large Organic Apples, sliced (wash thoroughly)
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Heaping tsp Organic Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 4 Tablespoons Maple Syrup (Grade B)
- 1/3 Cup Almond Flour
- 1/2 Cup Gluten Free Rolled Oats
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Pinch Himalayan Salt
- 2 T Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin or Cold-Pressed Olive Oil
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
In a bowl toss sliced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and 1 tbsp of maple syrup.
Lightly oil an 8 x 8 glass baking dish.
Add apple mixture and bake for 10 minutes.
While apples are baking mix the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.
If you are using the coconut oil just break it up and mix it in as well as you can.
After baking the apples for 10 minutes remove them from the oven. Sprinkle and spread the topping mixture over the apples. Place back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Note: If you love nuts, you can also add 1/2 Cup of chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the topping mixture.
Final thoughts…
Consuming a healthy diet, including desserts, is important if you want to feel your best and curb disease. Even though considered a vegan apple crisp dessert, this healthy dessert recipe tastes just as scrumptious as those apple crisp recipes found in the finest of restaurants and will likely have your family and friends asking for more. In fact, I have found that making two baking dishes of vegan apple crisp dessert is always a good idea since most will ask for seconds. As your vegan apple crisp dessert is baking, notice how absolutely delicious your entire home smells! Enjoy!
One last thought. Apple crisp is not just a summer or warm weather dessert. Warm apple crisp is delightful during the fall and winter months as well. You can also top this apple crisp with your favorite non-dairy ice cream.
Researchers at the University of Oxford found that eating an apple a day can keep the cardiologist away just about as dependably as taking a statin. And apples have fewer (if any) side effects.
RESOURCES
Consumers Union of United States, Inc. Do you know what you’re eating? An analysis of US government data on pesticide residues in foods. Consumers Union of United States, Inc. Edward Groth III, PhD, Project Director, Charles M. Benbrook, PhD, Consultant, Public Service Projects Department, Technical Division. Feb 1999. 1999.
A statin a day keeps the doctor away: comparative proverb assessment modelling study. BMJ 2013; 347 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f7267 (Published 17 December 2013) Cite this as: BMJ 013;347:f7267.
