Low Sugar Apple Crisp Recipe
This Low Sugar Apple Crisp has all the classic flavors you expect, but with the sweetness dialed back so the apples and spices really shine. Tender baked apples are topped with a crisp, buttery crunch that turns golden in the oven, filling the kitchen with that warm, familiar aroma. It’s simple, comforting, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without going overboard.
This recipe is near and dear to my heart because I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings where we’re trying to strike a balance between indulgent and wholesome. The apples really shine here, and the crisp topping still gives that satisfying crunch we all love.
If you’re loving the crunchy topping on this recipe, check out my other desserts with a crumble-style topping, like this Keto Peach Cobbler, Sweet Potato Cake, and Strawberry Oat Bars.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low in added sugar: Let the natural sweetness of apples shine.
- Easy to make: Just a few steps and minimal prep.
- Wholesome ingredients: Oats, apples, nuts, nothing weird or processed.
- Perfectly comforting: Warm, spiced, and satisfying, especially with a scoop of yogurt (extra protein), or whipped topping.
Ingredients
This is a list of the ingredients that you need to make your grocery shopping easier. You can find the full list of the ingredients and amounts needed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Apples: The star of the show! I recommend that you use tart varieties for the best flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling and prevents browning.
- Maple syrup or honey: A touch of natural sweetness without going overboard.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic spice.
- Nutmeg: A little goes a long way for warm depth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling as it bakes.
- Old-fashioned oats: Gives the topping that signature crispiness.
- Almond flour or whole wheat flour: Binds the topping and adds a nutty flavor.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and richness.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar: Just enough for a caramel-y touch.
- Cold butter or coconut oil: Creates that crumbly, golden topping.
How to Make This Low Sugar Apple Crisp Recipe
This is a quick overview of the step-by-step instructions for making this recipe. You can find the complete list of instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cornstarch.
- Spread evenly in your dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, nuts (if using), cinnamon, and sugar.
- Add cold butter and use your fingers to create a crumbly topping.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until apples are soft and the topping is golden brown. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Substitutions and Additions
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour.
- Sugar-free: Use golden monk fruit or coconut sugar for a minimally processes sugar.
- Nut-free: Skip the nuts and use whole wheat flour instead of almond.
- Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Extra fruity: Add a handful of berries to the apple mix.
How To Store
- Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat before serving.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
- Dice apples in small pieces for quicker baking or slice thinly. Try to dice or slice them evenly.
- Use cold butter to get a nice, crumbly topping.
- Let it cool slightly before serving for best texture. This will allow the filling to thicken slightly.
- Serve with a scoop of cinnamon vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this low sugar apple crisp recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Yes! Assemble it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just wait to top it until you’re ready to bake it, so that the topping doesn’t become soggy.
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji all work well.
Absolutely, just use a 9×13 pan and increase baking time by 15 minutes.
Other Delicious Apple Recipes You May Enjoy
Low Sugar Apple Crisp Recipe
Equipment
- baking dish
- Sharp knife
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the filling
- 6 medium apples about 2½–3 lbs, peeled, cored, and diced or sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the topping
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup almond flour or whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar, or golden monk fruit
- 3 tablespoons cold butter cut into small cubes (or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 8×8 or round baking dish (2-3 quarts) with nonstick baking spray.
- Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cornstarch. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, nuts, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Add butter and work it in with your fingers until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping over the apples.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until the apples are soft and the topping is golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Great on its own or with whipped topping, small scoop of Greek yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cozy bite.
Notes
- Dice apples in small pieces for quicker baking or slice thinly. Try to dice or slice them evenly.
- Use cold butter to get a nice, crumbly topping.
- Let it cool slightly before serving for best texture. This will allow the filling to thicken slightly.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
