Desserts

Vegan Apple Crisp with Peanut Butter Crumble

Name: Vegan Apple Crisp with Peanut Butter Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 6 medium apples; 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond flour or whole wheat flour; 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar; 2 tbsp powdered peanuts (like PB2); 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; Pinch of salt; 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Kristine Roberson October 14, 2024

Servings: 6 Total Time: 55 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Warm & Cozy Vegan Apple Crisp with Peanut Butter Crumble: The Ultimate Healthy Comfort Food 🍏🍂

Warm & Cozy Vegan Apple Crisp with Peanut Butter Crumble: The Ultimate Healthy Comfort Food 🍏🍂

There’s nothing like the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple crisp, especially as the weather cools down. This Vegan Apple Crisp with Peanut Butter Crumble is a guilt-free snack or dessert, capturing all the flavors of fall. Made with oats, almond flour, and unsweetened applesauce, this crisp satisfies your sweet tooth and nourishes your body. So, who needs a Snickers bar?

Why This Apple Crisp is the Ideal Healthy Dessert

Whether you want something sweet after dinner or need a quick treat for a weekend gathering, this apple crisp is perfect. I’ve lightened it up by using powdered peanut butter, which provides a rich, nutty flavor without extra fat or calories. Additionally, the natural sweetness of apples and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger make it a dessert you can feel good about enjoying.

This recipe is great for those who want to enjoy a cozy dessert while still prioritizing their health. By using whole, plant-based ingredients and avoiding refined sugars and processed fats, it fits perfectly with balanced eating practices that are important in midlife. Whether you focus on heart health, weight management, or simply increasing your fiber and antioxidant intake, this dessert meets your needs.

Remember: Great food is about finding joy in nourishing, whole ingredients that energize and satisfy. So, embrace this wholesome twist on a classic dessert. It’s a delightful way to honor your health while savoring the flavors of the season.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

This vegan apple crisp isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients that support wellness:

Apples: Full of fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. They’re also a great source of vitamin C, which supports immune health—especially important in midlife.
Oats: Rich in beta-glucan fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and provides sustained energy, making this dessert great for stabilizing blood sugar.
Powdered Peanut Butter: This offers the flavor and protein benefits of traditional peanut butter with fewer calories and less fat—ideal for those watching their health goals.
Almond Flour: High in protein and low in carbs, this gluten-free flour adds nutrients and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the crisp topping.

Ways to Make This Vegan Apple Crisp Your Own

This apple crisp is wonderfully adaptable. Here’s how to make it your own:

Fruit Variations: Don’t limit yourself to just apples. You can add pears, peaches, or berries for a change. Try a mix of apples and pears for a delightful twist.
Flavor Boosts: For an extra burst of flavor, add cranberries or raisins to the filling. Additionally, a splash of bourbon or apple cider works beautifully.
Crispy Texture: If you prefer a crunchier topping, simply add extra almond flour or oats to the crumble mixture.
Adjust the Sweetness: To lower sugar content, reduce the maple syrup or agave in the filling. Alternatively, choose tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.
Crumble Options: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch. For a grain-free version, replace oats with almond flour and shredded coconut.
Protein Boost: Mix in plant-based protein powder to the crumble for a dessert that also doubles as a post-workout snack.
Nut-Free Alternatives: If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can swap the powdered peanut butter for sunflower seed powder or simply skip it for a tasty treat.

Perfect Pairings for This Crisp

Dairy-Free Yogurt: Top your crisp with coconut or almond yogurt for added creaminess.
Vanilla Nice Cream: Serve it with banana-based “nice cream” for a cool, creamy touch.
Herbal Tea: Enjoy it with a hot cup of spiced chai or rooibos tea for the perfect cozy pairing.