Looking for an easy dessert for an impromptu get-together? Try this subtly sweet, cinnamon-infused Paleo Vegan Apple Crisp With Coconut Flour.
Sure, there’s yoga, meditation, and long walks in nature, but when it comes to truly centering myself and finding a much-needed moment of peace, baking is my sanctuary. It’s how I unwind on Fridays to leave the workweek behind and how I ease into Sundays, finding my zen before the rush of the week ahead.
During these baking sessions, I turn toward recipes that demand focus and attention to detail—like croissants, with their perfectly laminated dough that creates those beautifully flaky, paper-thin layers. Or classic French pastries like éclairs, which involve making puff pastry, pastry cream, and a glossy glaze. The more intricate and precise the process, the better.
But there are also times when simplicity is in order. Moments like when my husband casually mentions he’s invited his boss over for dinner that evening or when friends drop by for coffee and end up lingering at the table. In those situations, elaborate recipes just won’t do, which is why I have a few easy, crowd-pleasing staples in my repertoire. This Paleo vegan apple crisp with coconut flour is one of them.
With just two simple steps—prebaking the apples and topping them with a crumb layer—it’s a dessert that accommodates dietary restrictions while delighting the cook with its ease. Yes, it takes 45 minutes to bake and another 15 to 20 minutes to cool, but that’s time you can spend enjoying conversation with your guests instead of fretting in the kitchen. And trust me, as the sweet, spiced scent of cinnamon fills the air, you’ll already have won them over before the first bite.
Is This Paleo Vegan Apple Crisp With Coconut Flour Healthy?
Well, it does have apples as a main ingredient (so you can count on some fiber along with vitamins and minerals). There are also healthy fats from the almond flour and pecans. However, it’s a dessert. Yes, it’s Paleo and vegan, but that doesn’t make it health food. Coconut sugar is used, which has a lower glycemic index than white sugar but is still a sugar that demands moderation. If you don’t mind a more subtle sweetness, using less sugar is always an option.
The Best Apples For A Crisp
With myriad apples to choose from—especially in the fall when farmers’ markets boast the most beautiful heirloom varieties—you might wonder which ones are best for a crisp, or any other baked treat for that matter. The key is choosing an apple that can withstand heat without turning mushy, maintaining its shape and texture in the oven. You’ll also want that perfect balance between sweet and tart flavors. Granny Smiths are one of the most popular baking apples, but bear in mind that they do tend to have the most acidity. Therefore, you might want to mix them with apples that are sweeter, such as Jonagold. Pink Lady and Braeburn apples will give you the best of both worlds, merging a delightful mix of tart and sweet with a firm flesh that’s ideal for baking.
How To Make Ahead And Store
The crumb topping can be made 1 day in advance or even frozen for up to 3 months. No need to thaw when ready to use. Just prepare your apples and bake as directed. The crisp is best enjoyed freshly made, but any leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days. Either wrap the dish tightly with plastic or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. The crisp can be eaten cold or reheated in the oven for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving Suggestions
Besides a topping of cream or ice cream, this crisp will also go well with some cold Custard, though note that this option isn’t suitable for vegans or those on a Paleo diet.
Looking for other easy dessert ideas for those impromptu get-togethers? Make these Stewed Apples and top them with cinnamon ice cream, or whip up this luscious Chocolate Fondue and serve it with a variety of delights such as fresh fruit, marshmallows, and pretzels. For options that are Paleo and vegan but require a bit more work, try this Raw Vegan Tart With Chocolate And Pistachios or this Cacao Paleo Banana Bread With Almond Ganache.
Ingredients
For the Apples:
- 4 large apples (or 6 small) peeled and thinly sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 6 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons coconut flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup pecans (118g) roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 6 tablespoons almond flour (38g)
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour (12g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons ghee melted (or vegan butter)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- In a large bowl, toss together all the apple ingredients until the apples are evenly coated and everything is mixed. Spread over a baking dish (I used a 10-inch cast-iron skillet) and bake for 10 minutes.
- While the apples bake, mix the pecans, sugar, almond flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Once mixed, add the melted ghee and use your hands to mix until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.
- Spread the crumbs evenly over top of the precooked apples, making sure to pack some together so you have some large chunks.
- Bake until the crumbs are dark brown and crisp, about 40-45 minutes. Let cool for 15-20 minutes on the counter, then serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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