AIP Apple Crisp

Warm, cozy, delicious—apple crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s been around since the 1920s when people were all about simple, practical recipes. Traditionally, it’s made with oats, butter, and loads of sugar. But guess what? This version is Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) friendly. That means it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. Ideal for anyone with dietary restrictions—or anyone craving a healthier take on a timeless treat.

The magic? A crumbly topping paired with soft, spiced apples. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a dessert that feels like a hug.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here’s the lowdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Serves: About 6 people

Want to make this for a crowd? Just double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Only cooking for a couple of people? Halve the recipe and use a smaller dish—or even ramekins for single servings.

Difficulty level? Super beginner-friendly. No fancy equipment needed. You’ll just need this:

• A 9-inch pie plate or an 8×8-inch baking dish
• A medium mixing bowl
• A whisk or fork
• A pastry cutter (or clean hands—your call!)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 4 cups peeled and sliced green apples (Granny Smith apples work best)
• 1/4 cup juice (orange or unsweetened cranberry juice is great)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup coconut sugar (or swap for 3/4 cup monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free option)
• 3/4 cup cassava flour (it gives the topping structure)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (omit if you’re strict AIP)
• 1/2 cup palm shortening or grass-fed butter, chilled

Ingredient Tips & Swaps

• Apples: Granny Smith apples = tart and lovely. Want something sweeter? Try Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. Mixing apple varieties? Even better.
• Juice: Go fresh here. Orange juice adds brightness, while cranberry juice gives a tangy kick. Just avoid sugary stuff from the store.
• Palm Shortening or Butter: Use it cold for the best crumbly texture. Coconut oil works too, but it’ll change up the flavor slightly.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prep the Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your baking dish with coconut oil or palm shortening.
2. Peel and slice your apples. Go thin—thinner slices cook faster and more evenly.
3. Lay the apple slices in your dish. Drizzle the juice on top.

Step 2: Make the Topping

1. In a bowl, mix the cassava flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Grab your cold shortening or butter. Cut it into small cubes.
3. Use a pastry cutter (or your hands) to mix the fat into the dry ingredients. You’re aiming for a crumbly texture with little chunks of fat still visible. Pro tip? Don’t overmix—those chunks make the topping flaky.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Cover them all—it’s the best part!
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender enough to pierce with a fork.
3. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. The smell alone will be irresistible.

How to Make It Your Own

Want to switch it up? Here are a few ideas:

Dietary Adjustments:

• Vegan: Swap butter or palm shortening for coconut oil.
• Sugar-Free: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of coconut sugar.
• Coconut-Free: Go with maple sugar if you can tolerate it.

Mix Up the Flavors:

• Add fresh cranberries during fall for a tart twist.
• Swap apples for pears in the winter.

Fancy It Up:

Serving a crowd? Use small ramekins for individual portions. Top with whipped coconut cream or AIP-friendly vanilla ice cream for that wow factor.

Storing & Reheating

Got leftovers? Here’s what to do:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30–60 seconds. Or, heat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
• Freezing: Assemble the unbaked crisp in a freezer-friendly dish and wrap it tightly. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen and just add 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Apple crisp is pretty much perfect as is, but if you want to take it over the top, try this:

• Serve warm and top with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
• Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top for garnish.
• Pair it with herbal tea or hot apple cider for a cozy vibe.

And there you have it! A simple, comforting dessert that anyone can enjoy—whether you’re following AIP or just looking for a healthier take on an old favorite. So grab those apples and get baking! You’re going to love it.

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