Sugar free apple crisp is the perfect healthy dessert that lets you enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall without any added sugar. This refined sugar free apple crisp delivers all the taste you crave with none of the guilt. I developed this recipe after my doctor told me to cut back on sugar. I refused to give up my favorite fall dessert, so I experimented until I found the perfect balance. The result? A low calorie apple crisp that tastes just as good as the original.
This easy recipe works whether you’re managing diabetes, following a low carb lifestyle, or simply want healthier dessert options. The natural sweetness of apples combined with sugar alternatives creates a dish that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your health goals on track. You’ll love how simple this is to make. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just wholesome foods that come together in about an hour.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Sugar Free Apple Crisp
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour or almond flour
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
- 1/2 cup cold butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Keto Apple Crisp Note: For a strict keto version, replace apples with zucchini or chayote squash. Add apple extract for flavor.
Low Carb Swap: Use only 4 apples and increase the topping ratio for a better texture with fewer carbs.
All ingredients are naturally refined sugar free. You can find monk fruit sweetener and erythritol at most grocery stores or online.
Instructions (How to Make Low Carb Apple Crisp)
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Peel and slice the apples into thin, even pieces (about 1/4 inch thick). Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 2: Season the Filling
Add the monk fruit sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and coconut flour to the apples. Mix well until every slice is coated. The flour helps thicken the natural juices.
Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish
Spread the apple mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 9-inch square pan for a thicker crisp.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, oats, sweetener, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
Step 5: Add the Crisp Layer
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Press down gently to help it stick.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown and the apples should bubble around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the crisp cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
The whole process takes about an hour from start to finish. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Pro Tips and Variations
Getting the Best Texture
Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked. Granny Smith apples provide tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly. Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples add natural sweetness and require less sweetener.
Don’t skip the lemon juice. It brightens the flavor and keeps apples from turning brown.
For extra crunch, add the topping halfway through baking instead of at the beginning. This prevents it from getting too dark.
Keto Apple Crisp Variation
Replace apples with 6 cups of peeled, sliced chayote squash or zucchini. Add 1 teaspoon apple extract and increase cinnamon to 2 teaspoons. Use only almond flour in the topping and skip the oats. This version has only 5g net carbs per serving.
Low Calorie Apple Crisp Tips
Use coconut oil instead of butter to reduce saturated fat. Cut the topping amount in half for fewer calories. You can also replace half the almond flour with more oats for a lighter texture.
Serve smaller portions in ramekins. Individual servings help with portion control and look elegant.
Sugar Free Fall Desserts Twist
Add 1/2 cup fresh cranberries to the apple mixture for a tart fall flavor. Mix in 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom for warmth. These spices complement apples beautifully and add no extra carbs.
Try pears instead of apples for variety. Use the same measurements and baking time.
Make-Ahead Option
Prepare the apple filling and topping separately. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake when ready to serve. This works great for holiday gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your sugar free apple crisp warm from the oven. The contrast between hot filling and cold toppings creates an irresistible combination.
Top with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Both add creaminess without extra sugar. For a keto option, use heavy whipping cream whipped with a touch of vanilla extract.
Sugar free vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with this dessert. Look for brands sweetened with monk fruit or erythritol at your local store.
Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top just before serving. It adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
For breakfast lovers, this healthy apple dessert works as a morning treat. Add a handful of granola and Greek yogurt for a balanced meal.
Room temperature apple crisp tastes great too. Pack it for lunch or enjoy it as an afternoon snack.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore the crispy topping. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the topping soggy.
Why This is Perfect for Diabetics
This recipe specifically addresses the needs of people managing blood sugar. Sugar free desserts for diabetics don’t have to taste bland or boring. This apple crisp proves it.
The combination of fiber from apples, protein from almond flour, and healthy fats from nuts creates a balanced dessert. These elements slow down sugar absorption and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Traditional apple crisp contains 40 to 60 grams of sugar per serving. This version has zero added sugar. The natural sugars from apples provide sweetness, but the total carb count stays reasonable at about 15g net carbs per serving.
Monk fruit sweetener and erythritol don’t affect blood glucose levels. They taste sweet but pass through your body without being metabolized. This makes them ideal sweets for diabetics.
The recipe gives you control over ingredients. You know exactly what goes into your food. No hidden sugars or questionable additives.
Easy sugar free desserts for diabetics should fit into your lifestyle without stress. This recipe requires basic cooking skills and common kitchen tools. Nothing complicated or time-consuming.
Many of my readers with diabetes report stable blood sugar readings after enjoying this dessert. Always monitor your own response and adjust portion sizes as needed. Everyone’s body responds differently.
Pair this with a protein-rich meal to further stabilize blood sugar. The healthy fats and fiber work together to create steady energy without crashes.
FAQs
Can I make this low sugar apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What’s the best sweetener for refined sugar free apple crisp?
Monk fruit sweetener and erythritol work best because they measure cup-for-cup like sugar. Stevia is too concentrated and can taste bitter in baked goods. Avoid maltitol, as it can cause digestive issues.
How do I make low carb apple recipes work with this dessert?
Use fewer apples and more topping. Choose Granny Smith apples, which have fewer carbs than sweet varieties. The keto version with chayote squash drops carbs to about 5g net per serving.
Can I freeze sugar free apple desserts?
Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Is this suitable as one of the easy sugar free desserts for diabetics?
Yes. The recipe uses whole food ingredients, contains no added sugar, and provides fiber and healthy fats. Always check with your healthcare provider about specific dietary needs. Monitor your blood sugar response when trying new recipes.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats work better because they maintain texture during baking. Quick oats become mushy. Steel-cut oats are too firm and won’t soften enough in the baking time.
What makes this different from regular no sugar healthy desserts?
This recipe balances health with taste. Many sugar free recipes sacrifice flavor or texture. This version delivers the classic apple crisp experience you remember while supporting your health goals.
Sugar-Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 5 medium apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp granulated erythritol or preferred sugar-free sweetener
Crisp Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup granulated erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and erythritol. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In another bowl, mix oats, almond flour, erythritol, melted butter, and vanilla extract until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
Notes
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 14g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
