Make Ahead Apple Crisp

Make ahead apple crisp is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving…make it the day before, store in the fridge, and reheat in the oven while your guests enjoy turkey dinner!

This is the first real dessert I’ve shared on the blog in a loooong time, and it’s in the name of a good cause: Thanksgiving!

This make ahead apple crisp is going on our make ahead Thanksgiving menu. It’s so simple to prepare ahead and reheat while your guests are eating dinner!

How to make apple crisp

This apple crisp recipe makes a big batch, but you can scale it back and cook in a square 9 x 9 inch pan.

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Here’s how to make apple crisp:

1. peel and slice 8 cups of apples (toss in a little lemon juice to prevent browning)
2. mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, water and a bit of flour or arrowroot powder
3. prepare the crumble topping with melted butter, coconut sugar, rolled oats and either flour or almond flour
4. bake for 45 minutes

That’s literally it! The bulk of your time with this healthy apple crisp recipe will be spent in peeling and slicing the apples!

What kind of apples should I use for this easy apple crisp? I used ambrosia apples, but according to Bon Appetit, it’s best to use a mix of sweet & tart apples. Next time, I’ll sneak some granny smiths in there too!

Can I swap an ingredient in this easy apple crisp recipe? This is a pretty loosey goosey recipe. Let’s discuss ingredient swaps!

• coconut sugar- swap for brown sugar. Do not use maple syrup, as it makes the crumble topping dense.
• all purpose flour- swap for white whole wheat flour, almond flour (crumble topping only), cornstarch or arrowroot powder (filling)
• maple syrup- swap for an equal amount of coconut or brown sugar. I have not tested honey but suspect it would work well.
• butter- swap for coconut oil.

How to make apple crisp with oatmeal topping ahead and re-heat

This apple crisp with oatmeal topping can be baked 1-2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. When you are ready to reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until warmed through.

It’s perfect for Thanksgiving dessert, because you can pop it in the oven while you serve dinner, and have delicious apple crisp fresh out of the oven for dessert!

Apparently you can make apple crisp ahead and freeze as well! Happy Money Saver freezes her apple crisp before baking, then thaws completely and reheats in the oven. I bet her freezing technique would work great for this apple crisp with oatmeal topping as well!

Print

Make Ahead Apple Crisp

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

1 hr 10 mins

 

Make ahead apple crisp is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving...make it the day before, store in the fridge, and reheat in the oven while your guests enjoy turkey dinner!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas, dessert, Thanksgiving

Servings: 8

Calories: 280 kcal

Ingredients

• 8 cups apples (peeled & sliced)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (cornstarch or arrowroot flour are good alternatives)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup water

crumble topping

• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar (brown sugar may be swapped)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 cup all purpose flour (almond flour works great too)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• pinch salt

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large baking dish, mix together the apples and lemon juice, then toss in the flour, cinnamon & nutmeg to coat. Pour the maple syrup and water evenly over everything. 

3. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the coconut sugar and cinnamon. Add the all purpose flour, rolled oats and pinch of salt and mix with a fork until crumbly. Scatter over the apples.

4. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until apples are soft and the crumb topping is golden.

To make this ahead

1. Cool completely after baking, then cover and store in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Facts

Make Ahead Apple Crisp

Amount Per Serving (1 /8 of batch)

Calories 280 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 6g 9%

Saturated Fat 3g 15%

Cholesterol 15mg 5%

Sodium 74mg 3%

Potassium 209mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 53g 18%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 25g

Protein 3g 6%

Vitamin A 4.9%

Vitamin C 7.6%

Calcium 3.5%

Iron 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.