This Simple and Healthy Apple Crisp is the perfect combo of nutritious ingredients and sweetness to make a delicious fall treat.
My absolute favorite fall activity is to visit cider mills and apple orchards. One of my favorite memories growing up was climbing the big ladders to pick the best apples we could possibly reach.
And then, of course, we can’t forget the best part about cider mills…those delicious donuts. Apple cider donuts are amazing!
Now that I have children, I love that I can continue making memories with them.
And like almost any child, mine LOVE cider donuts just as much as I do.
Thankfully they are only available once a year because otherwise, my waistline would be in big trouble!
Ingredients to Make This Simple and Healthy Apple Crisp
- medium tart apples (I used 2 granny smith and 2 golden delicious)
- brown sugar
- white whole wheat flour
- old fashioned oats
- cinnamon
- light butter
Eating in Moderation
Have you heard of the 80/20 rule?
It basically suggests that 80 percent of the time you should be making “healthy” food choices, and the remaining 20 percent can be indulgent choices.
Well, let’s just say this would definitely fall into the 20 percent category.
Moderation, moderation, moderation!
Dietitian’s Dish
Most apple crisp recipes I have come across suggest removing the peel, which is necessary for some recipes. However, I would suggest leaving them on. Here’s why…
- Apples are a great source of fiber. A medium apple (3-inch diameter) has about 4.4 g of fiber. But without the skin, it’s less than half with only 2.1 grams of fiber.
- Fiber is not only good for your digestive system (yes, keeping you regular), but also helps reduce your risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes and diverticular disease.
- In addition to lowering your risk of these diseases, fiber also helps with satiety, meaning higher fiber foods help you feel fuller longer, which may lead to eating less and helping to keep your weight in check.
Now of course there are several variations of apple crisp, but it’s always nice to make recipes that include ingredients that you would already typically have on hand. This is one of them.
Steps to Make This Simple and Healthy Apple Crisp
Begin by slicing 4 apples and placing them in a baking pan.
Use whatever pan you have handy since the size pan doesn’t matter as much since you can layer the apples as much as you’d like.
In a large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients (brown sugar, flour, oats, butter and cinnamon) until the butter is mixed thoroughly with all the ingredients.
I use my hands to mix this part. You’re welcome to use a mixing spoon.
Now just top the apples with the mixture and bake for about 40 minutes or until the apples are tender.
Additional Delicious Fall Apple Treats From Chocolate Slopes
Overnight Apple Streusel French Toast Casserole
Super Easy Apple Cider Donut Mini Muffins (made with whole wheat flour!)
Simple and Healthy Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 4 medium tart apples (I used 2 granny smith and 2 golden delicious)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup light butter (I used Light Olivio)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and coat an 8 x 8 in baking pan (or about 1 1/2 quart dish) with non-stick cooking spray.
- Slice apples into equal size parts and place them into the baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients until well mixed. I use my hands to make sure the butter spreads evenly to all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the mixture over the apples.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Updated: Sept. 2022
© 2014 Kristy Hegner