This Sugar Free Apple Crisp combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, golden topping that will make you forget you’re eating a healthy dessert. As someone who loves comfort food but needs to watch sugar intake, I created this recipe to satisfy those cozy autumn cravings without the guilt.
Picture this: cool September evenings, the smell of baked apples filling your kitchen, and a dessert you can actually enjoy without worrying about blood sugar spikes. This low carb apple crisp delivers all the flavor of traditional apple desserts while keeping you on track with your health goals.
This gluten free sugar free dessert works perfectly for anyone managing diabetes, following a keto diet, or simply trying to reduce sugar intake. The best part? It tastes just as good as the original, and your family won’t even know it’s a healthier version.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Low Carb Apple Crisp
For the Crumble Topping
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling
• 2 medium apples (peeled and sliced)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons almond flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Why These Ingredients Work
Almond flour keeps this recipe low in carbs while adding a nutty richness that complements the apples beautifully. It creates that perfect crumbly texture everyone loves in apple crisp.
Brown sugar substitute provides sweetness without the blood sugar spike. It gives you that caramel-like flavor traditional recipes have without the actual sugar.
Granny Smith apples are your best bet for this low calorie apple crisp. They have less natural sugar than other varieties and their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly.
Old-fashioned oats add fiber and create that satisfying, slightly chewy texture in the topping. They make this feel like a real dessert, not a diet food.
Instructions: How to Make Sugar Free Apple Desserts
Step 1: Prepare Your Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures your topping gets golden and crispy while the apples cook through perfectly.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, brown sweetener, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together first.
Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter to work it into the mixture. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, cut the butter into small cubes first, then use your fingers to work it in. You want a crumbly texture that clumps when you squeeze it. Set this aside while you prepare the apples.
Step 2: Create the Apple Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and almond flour until smooth. This creates a coating that helps the apples cook evenly and prevents them from getting too watery.
Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond milk, brown sweetener, cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything until well combined. The lemon juice does double duty here. It adds brightness to balance the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.
Step 3: Coat the Apples
Peel and slice your apples into even pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. Uniform slicing ensures all the apples cook at the same rate.
Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and pour the butter mixture over them. Toss until every apple slice is evenly coated. This step is crucial for flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble Your Keto Apple Crisp
Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the coated apple slices evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, distributing it evenly. Don’t press it down. You want it to stay loose and crumbly for that perfect texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns golden brown and you see the filling bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This cooling time lets the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Pro Tips and Variations for Keto Apple Crisp
Choosing the Right Apples
Not all apples work equally well for sugar free desserts for diabetics. Here’s what you need to know:
Granny Smith apples have the lowest carb count and their tartness pairs perfectly with the sweet topping. They hold their shape well during baking and won’t turn mushy.
Cortland apples offer a sweet-tart flavor and firm texture. They’re slightly sweeter than Granny Smith but still work well in this low sugar apple crisp.
Honeycrisp apples bring natural sweetness and juicy texture. While higher in natural sugars, they add incredible flavor. Mix them with Granny Smith for balance.
Expert Tips for Success
Mix apple varieties for more complex flavor. Combine two or three types to get layers of sweet and tart in every bite.
Precook your apples if you want extra caramelized flavor. Sauté them briefly in butter before assembling. This intensifies the apple flavor and ensures perfectly tender fruit.
Adjust sweetness to taste. Everyone’s preferences differ. Taste your apple mixture before assembling and add more sweetener if needed.
Keep butter cold for the topping. Cold butter creates those perfect crumbly bits that make apple crisp so addictive.
Delicious Variations
Berry apple blend: Add raspberries or blueberries to the apple mixture. Berries are naturally low in sugar and add beautiful color and flavor.
Nutty topping: Replace half the almond flour with crushed pecans or walnuts. This adds extra crunch and healthy fats, perfect for a keto apple crisp.
Spiced version: Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture. These warm spices create an even cozier flavor profile.
Coconut twist: Use coconut flour instead of almond flour in the topping for a tropical variation. This keeps it grain-free and adds subtle coconut flavor.
Citrus zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the topping for brightness. The citrus cuts through the richness beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for This Easy Sugar Free Dessert
How to Serve
This sugar free apple crisp shines on its own, but here are ways to make it even better:
With ice cream: Top warm crisp with a scoop of sugar free vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is unbeatable.
Add whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream (sweetened with your preferred sugar substitute) adds luxurious richness.
Drizzle sugar free caramel: Make or buy sugar free caramel sauce and drizzle it over your serving for extra indulgence.
Greek yogurt: For breakfast or brunch, serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt. This adds protein and makes it more filling.
Perfect Occasions
This low fat low sugar dessert works for:
• Family dinners when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert
• Holiday gatherings where you want something special but healthy
• Meal prep for the week (it reheats beautifully)
• Potlucks where you need to bring a dish everyone can enjoy
• Cozy weekend treats when you want something comforting
Portion Control
One serving of this recipe contains just 9 grams of net carbs. This makes it one of the best sugar free snacks for managing blood sugar while still enjoying dessert.
Divide the dish into 6 to 8 servings depending on your needs. Each portion gives you that satisfying dessert experience without derailing your healthy eating goals.
Storage and Reheating
Keeping It Fresh
Let your apple crisp cool to room temperature after baking. This prevents condensation from forming when you store it.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating Tips
Microwave method: Heat individual portions for 30 to 45 seconds until warmed through. This is quick but the topping won’t be as crispy.
Oven method: Reheat the entire dish at 300°F for 15 to 20 minutes. This restores the crispy topping texture better than microwaving.
Air fryer method: Reheat individual portions in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This makes the topping extra crispy.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze this dessert for up to 3 months. Assemble the crisp completely but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen. Add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time. The topping should be golden and the filling should bubble.
Conclusion: Perfect Sugar Free Desserts for Diabetics
This Sugar Free Apple Crisp proves you don’t have to give up comforting desserts when managing diabetes or watching your sugar intake. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that tastes indulgent while supporting your health goals.
The combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery, golden topping delivers all the satisfaction of traditional apple crisp. The difference? This version won’t spike your blood sugar or leave you feeling guilty.
Whether you’re new to low sugar desserts or you’ve been making them for years, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for holiday gatherings.
The best reward? Watching family members enjoy this dessert without realizing it’s actually good for them. That’s the magic of well-crafted easy sugar free desserts for diabetics.
FAQs About Low Sugar Apple Crisp
Can I use different sugar substitutes?
Yes, you can use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or allulose instead of brown sugar substitute. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste. Some sweeteners are sweeter than others, so you may need less. Keep in mind that some sugar substitutes have a slight aftertaste.
How do I make this vegan?
Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil throughout the recipe. Use the same measurements. Make sure your sugar substitute is vegan-friendly. Most sugar substitutes work well, but check the label to be sure.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold. For longer storage, freeze as directed above.
Can I use frozen apples?
Fresh apples work best for texture and flavor. Frozen apples release more water during baking, making your crisp soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture. Apple peels can become tough during baking and don’t blend as well with the filling. However, leaving the peels on adds extra fiber if that’s important to you.
How do I prevent watery apple crisp?
Use firm apples like Granny Smith that hold their shape. Make sure to coat apples evenly with the flour mixture, which absorbs excess moisture. Don’t skip the cooling time after baking. This allows the filling to thicken properly.
What other low carb apple recipes can I try?
Try low carb apple cinnamon donuts, butterscotch apple cookies, or a gluten-free apple crumble in a mug. These sweets for diabetics offer variety while keeping your carb intake in check. Each recipe uses similar principles of sugar substitutes and low carb flours.
Is this recipe truly gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats are often processed in facilities that handle wheat. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free. Always check your sugar substitute label to ensure it hasn’t been processed with gluten-containing ingredients.
Sugar-Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and erythritol. Toss until the apples are well coated. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, almond flour, erythritol, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g
