Healthy Thanksgiving Dessert -Apple Cinnamon Crisp

Thanksgiving is the time to indulge in delicious food, but that doesn’t mean you have to go overboard with sugar and heavy ingredients! If you're looking for a healthier dessert option this year, try this Apple Cinnamon Crisp. It’s light, naturally sweetened, and full of comforting flavors that are perfect for the season.

Why You'll Love It:

• Low in added sugar: Instead of using loads of sugar, this dessert relies on the natural sweetness of apples and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
• Gluten-free: The crisp topping uses oats and almond flour for a gluten-free alternative to traditional pie crusts or pastries.
• Packed with fiber: Apples are high in fiber, which makes this dessert a satisfying choice that won’t leave you feeling sluggish after dinner.

Ingredients:

• For the apple filling:

  • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great!)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

• For the crisp topping:

  • 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the apple filling:

   • Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin wedges.
   • In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
   • Spread the apples evenly into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.

3. Make the crisp topping:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, cinnamon, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is crumbly.
   • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

5. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for an extra treat (optional, but delicious!).

Tips:

• Apple variety: Mix and match apple varieties for a richer flavor profile. Sweet apples like Fuji can be paired with tart Granny Smith for balance.
• Nuts: Feel free to skip the nuts if you have nut allergies or prefer a simpler version.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the filling and topping the night before and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving!

This Apple Cinnamon Crisp is a healthy, delicious dessert that adds a sweet touch to your Thanksgiving meal without the heavy, sugar-laden feel of traditional pies. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table! Enjoy!