Name: Warm Spiced Apple and Pecan Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups Honeycrisp apples (cored, peeled, and sliced); 2 cups unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/4 cup coconut flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute (packed, e.g., Swerve Brown or Truvia Brown Sugar Blend); 1/4 cup chopped pecans (unsalted); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 tbsp light butter (melted); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Nonstick cooking spray

Description

This comforting, American-style dessert captures the essence of autumn with tender Honeycrisp apples and a golden, crumbly topping. Adapted to be lighter and diabetes-friendly, this version swaps refined sugars for a natural alternative and adds crunchy pecans for a satisfying texture that may help support balanced energy levels.

Ingredients

Scale

5 cups Honeycrisp apples (cored, peeled, and sliced)
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup brown sugar substitute (packed, e.g., Swerve Brown or Truvia Brown Sugar Blend)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (unsalted)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp light butter (melted)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Assemble the filling: In the prepared baking dish, spread the sliced apples in an even layer. Pour the unsweetened applesauce over the apples and gently toss or smooth it out to ensure the apples are well-coated.
Create the crumble topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, coconut flour, brown sugar substitute, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add wet ingredients: Drizzle the melted light butter and vanilla extract over the dry mixture. Use a fork to mix until the ingredients are moistened and form a crumbly texture.
Top and bake: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apple layer. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
Cool and serve: Let the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.

Notes

Health Insight: This dessert highlights quality carbohydrate sources (apples and oats) rich in fiber, with no actual added sugar. While the percentage of net carbs and healthy fats is satisfyingly rich relative to the low calorie count, the absolute values per serving remain moderate and reasonable for a sweet treat. It serves as an excellent option for a diabetes-friendly lifestyle, provided the serving size is observed and it is enjoyed mindfully—ideally paired with a protein source.
Serving Suggestion: To boost the protein content and further balance the meal, serve warm with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
Allergy Alert: This recipe contains tree nuts (pecans, coconut). For a nut-free version, omit pecans and substitute coconut flour with oat flour or whole wheat flour.

These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data. Values may vary based on brands, exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or consult a reliable database.