Apple Crisp: That’s Basically a Hug in Dessert Form

dpattonperformance
Jun 18
2 min read

🍏 Cozy Apple Crisp

(a.k.a. The Dessert That Says “I Work Out… But I Also Have Taste Buds”)

Servings: 6 — or 1 if you're emotionally attached

Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 40 min Total Time: Just under an hour of crisp magic

🍎 For the Filling (a.k.a. the apple-y soul of this dish):

6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith — I prefer a variety)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice (just enough sass)
2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch (optional, if you're feeling clingy)

✨ For the Crumbly Crown (aka the "crisp" in crisp):

1 cup rolled oats (GF if your gut says so)
½ cup almond flour or oat flour (whichever one you find first in the pantry)
⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (because texture)
¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter (yes, that’s the shine)
3 tbsp maple syrup or honey (again with the sweet, I love consistency)
1 tsp cinnamon (layer the spice, live your best life)
Pinch of salt (balance, always)

🔥 How to Get Crisp With It:

Preheat that oven to 375°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8" dish
"You're about to get delicious."
Apple prep: Toss those sliced beauties with all your spices, syrup, and lemon juice. Optional starch if you want your filling a little more clingy than your ex. Pour it into your dish.
Topping time: Mix oats, flour, nuts, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted oil + maple syrup. Stir until it gets that crumbly "I woke up like this" vibe.
Crown those apples with your crisp topping. Spread it evenly—this is no time for clumpy drama.
Bake it for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling like they’ve got secrets.
Cool slightly (if you can wait), then dig in. Extra points if you top it with yogurt, coconut whip, or ice cream and eat it like it’s your job.

✅ Pro Tips for Success (if you're feeling festive or fancy)

Try mixing apple varieties for more depth of flavor.
Add raisins, cranberries, or even diced pears for a twist.

🛑 Storage (if there’s any left):

Good for up to 4 days in the fridge… but let’s be real, it won’t last that long.

💬 Final Thoughts

This healthy apple crisp proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat well. Whether you enjoy it post-workout, bring it to a family dinner, or prep it as a clean dessert for the week, it’s a recipe worth keeping in rotation.

XO Danielle