Easy healthy apple crisp stacks are a fun twist on a dessert favorite, and it's ready in about 30 minutes!
Confession: I'm not an apple pie person.
The first one I ever had was made by my high school math teacher. She found out I'd never had apple pie - long back-story there, so just go with it - and she decided to make me one. Because hers was amazing.
And it was. It was delicious! But still, I wasn't really a convert. It's just not my go to.
But an apple crisp? That calls to me. I love any kind of crisp, really.
All year long, really, I use whatever fruit is seasonal, add that amazing crumb topping and we dive in. With ice cream, of course.
But I also wanted to get a little creative with it, make it a little more interesting, a little more fun. And sure, a lot more healthy.
So I used apple slices, topped them with the crumble and stacked them up. Baked them off then stacked 'em up again. And added ice cream.
Easy healthy apple crisp stacks, welcome to the world.
It's kind-of like a stacked up crustless apple pie.
It's kind-of like a deconstructed apple crisp tower.
Or it's kind-of like a skinny version of baked apples, made a little crazy.
And it's kind-of like delicious. And so quick and easy!
Recipe Notes:
I use a sharp knife and slice right through the core. Then I remove the inner circle. See the recipe video below for a visual.
I make my slices a hefty ¼-inch thick. They get completely cooked through in the oven but still hold their basic shape to be able to stack them up.
Flour: I'm white whole wheat flour kinda gal, but you can use regular all-purpose flour or substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make this a gluten-free recipe.
You can make these vegan! Just substitute a vegan butter. (Make sure it's cold and hard - freeze it if necessary.) You could try this with coconut oil but I haven't tested that and can't vouch for it.
You can easily halve the recipe or just use one apple and ¼ of the streusel mixture for a smaller batch.
You can also make a full batch of the streusel mixture and just keep it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, to make smaller batches of these again and again and again. (She says from experience.)
I hope you'll join me in this new-found apple fun. Stacked apple pie, baked apple slices, easy healthy apple crisp stacks - whatever you want to call it, it's a must-have for fall.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Easy Healthy Apple Crisp Stacks
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (see notes)
For the streusel:
- 1 cup flour (see notes)
- ¾ cup oats (I use old-fashioned)
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
For serving:
- ice cream, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice apples horizontally, through the core, and remove the inside circle of the core. I use a sharp pairing knife to do this. Then cut the apple into ¼-inch thick slices.
- To make the streusel, combine flour, oats, sugars, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl.
- Add cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut in butter until it's well incorporated and the mixture resembles small crumbles.
- Place half of the apple slices on the baking sheets. Top each slice with 1 tablespoon of the streusel mixture. Place the remaining apple slices on top of the first one and top with another tablespoon of streusel mixture.
- Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes, until apples are tender and the streusel is lightly browned.
- Stack up the apple layers as high as you like, top with ice cream and enjoy!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
I was never really a big apple fan either, nor is hubby. I enjoy apples, but it is not my first pick. My brother, on the other hand, loves 'em! But these are a total game changer. When you add that crisp in there with the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, now you're talking 😉 And who doesn't love a healthier dessert that still feels indulgent?? I wouldn't even mind eating too 😀 Pinning! Hope your week is going great! xoxo
Kathryn says
Yes Dawn! This is definitely a whole remake and even if you don't like apple pie, I bet you'll LOVE this!! XO
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I'm not a pie person...period. But these FUN stacked apple crisps!? O my goodness, such an awesome DELICIOUS idea!
Kathryn says
Right?! It's similar but aso so different and all kinds of delicious this way!
Chelsey Amer, RD says
What a great idea!!! Love stacking anything and everything!
Kathryn says
Haha, me too Chelsey 😉
Adina says
Such an original dessert. It looks so delicious!
Kathryn says
Thanks so much Adina!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Well your teacher sounds like she was SUPER nice! I never had a teacher make me a dessert! I hope she also gave you an 'A'! 😉 While I DO like apple pie, I totally prefer an apple crisp, so we are definitely on the same page there! These stacks are super cute, Kathryn!! And I LOVE that they are healthy! AND easy!! This is the perfect, fun fall dessert, girlfriend! Love your creativity! Cheers! <3
Kathryn says
Haha, I think I did get an A 😉 Thanks friend! XO
Mona says
Beautiful and undoubtedly delicious! I love how you can see the red peel of the apple - not to mention the extra fiber you get from eating the peel.
Kathryn says
Thanks Mona! And yes -- I love the WHOLE apple 😉