Healthy Apple Crisp

I love fall season. The air is crisp the colours of the leaves are breath taking and the weather is a perfect to bundle up under a cozy sweater and some cute boots. I also love all of the new foods that pop into rotation when this season hits. Squash, comforting root veggies and apples from the orchards. As a kid I enjoy making traditional apple crisp but looking back it was made with lots of butter, flour, and brown sugar. I wanted to figure out a healthier way to re-create one of my favourite desserts so that my family could enjoy and still get nutrients. See brown sugar contains calories but is “nutrient dead”, meaning it provides the body next to no vitamins, minerals or essential nutrients. This recipe uses dates to sweeten, in addition to tasting great dates contain vitamins and minerals such as B6, potassium and iron. Dates are also high in polyphenols, these are antioxidants that help to protect the body from inflammation. They do contain sugar so dates should be enjoyed in moderation, they can work really well to sweeten up your favourite dessert recipe like this easy apple crisp.

I recommend buying certified organic because they are on the “Dirty Dozen” list. Apples are in season from July to September depending on the type of apple, this month everyone seems to be at the orchards picking thier own fresh apples. We are grabbing ours this weekend and I can’t think of a better dessert to make than this simple crisp. It’s even more delicious with a vegan vanilla nice cream on the side. The gooey warm apples with the scent of cinnamon and the cooling fresh nice cream, it’s like a party for your taste buds. It’s so delicious that it will be hard for you to believe that it is good for you!

Apples are high in soluble and insoluble fibre both are beneficial for improving digestion and gut health. Fibre also helps to keep you fuller longer after eating, this can keep you from overeating. Apples also contain Vitamin C and a variety of antioxidants. They are low on the glycemic index which means that they can help balance blood sugar but they also taste sweet so they can curb a sweet craving naturally.

Let’s get to this vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and incredibly delicious recipe! Did I mention they are kid and husband approved too?

If you know a friend who would enjoy this recipe I would so appreciate you sharing this recipe with them. If you make the crisp I would love to know what you think in comments below or DM me on the socials @pam_rocca.

Happy Sunday,