Your New Favorite Dessert: Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm dessert, especially when it’s as delightful as a Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp. This fusion of sweet, tart apples with a crunchy topping is not only a treat for the taste buds but a health-conscious option as well—it’s both gluten-free and refined sugar-free. What really sets this crisp apart, though, is the unexpected touch of fresh thyme, which adds a savory element that elevates the classic flavor profile of this beloved dish.

Choosing the right apples is crucial to achieving the perfect texture when baking. We recommend firm varieties such as Granny Smith or Pink Lady. These apples hold their shape wonderfully in the oven, providing that satisfying bite that crisp lovers crave.

When you sit down to enjoy this baked delight, you’ll notice its warm, gooey filling complemented by a crunchy, sweet topping. Each bite brings a heavenly contrast of textures—the soft apples nestled beneath a crispy, oat-filled blanket. For those who like to experiment, you can customize this recipe with different nuts or sweeteners to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

• 6 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
• 1 T. fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 c. real maple syrup
• 2 T. 100% apple juice (sugar-free)
• 1 t. ground cinnamon
• ½ t. ground allspice
• 1½ t. fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ t. salt

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 c. almond flour
• 1/3 c. almonds, sliced
• 1/3 c. honey, preferably local
• 3 T. unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Place the top oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8” x 8” baking dish or a 7” x 10” baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large non-reactive bowl, toss the apples with fresh lemon juice. Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Mix to combine and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients and stir until the oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
4. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Spread the topping evenly across the top as well.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Once the top layer is nicely browned, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the apple crisp is bubbling nicely. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
6. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream. Enjoy!

This Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The delightful combination of spices brings warmth, while the subtle hint of thyme makes it truly unique. So, gather your loved ones and treat them to this deliciously healthy dessert. Have you tried making this recipe? Share your experiences in the comments below!