There’s something incredibly nostalgic about apple desserts, isn’t there? Growing up, the aroma of apples caramelising in the oven would instantly draw the family to the kitchen, eager for that first warm spoonful. While a traditional apple crisp often leans heavily on sugar and flour, this keto-friendly version lets you relive those cosy memories—without straying from your low-carb lifestyle.
The secret lies in using almond flour for that buttery crumble topping and erythritol to bring just the right sweetness, all while keeping things guilt-free. This Keto Apple Crisp is a perfect balance of crunch and comfort, making it an ideal dessert for festive gatherings, family dinners, or even those late-night sweet cravings.
What You’ll Need to Create This Low-Carb Magic
Here’s everything you need to bring this wholesome crisp together — pantry staples, fresh apples, and a touch of spice.
Ingredients
- Apples (3 cups, sliced and cored): The star of the dish. They provide natural sweetness, juiciness, and a tender base that turns soft and fragrant when baked.
- Almond Flour (1 cup): Used in the topping, it creates a nutty, buttery crunch while keeping the recipe gluten-free and low-carb.
- Granular Erythritol (1/2 cup): A sugar substitute that sweetens the crisp without adding extra calories or spiking blood sugar, making it a healthier choice.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the apples beautifully, giving that classic “cosy dessert” aroma.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A small but essential addition — it enhances sweetness and balances all the flavours.
- Butter, Cold & Cubed (1/2 cup): Brings richness and helps bind the almond flour mixture into a crumbly, golden topping.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Knife & peeler
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor or mixing spoon
Step into the Crisp Journey
Instructions are more than just directions—they’re your guided path to recreating the experience, helping you bring the dish from a list of ingredients to a heart-warming plate. Each step is designed to maintain the integrity of the flavours, ensure the right texture, and simplify the process so that even first-time bakers can master it with confidence.
Method:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly. Measure and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, erythritol, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute all dry ingredients evenly.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces. The mixture should appear flaky and hold together when pressed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sliced apples evenly into a baking dish. Top the apples with the prepared crumble mixture, spreading it out evenly across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the apples are tender and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. The crisp should be aromatic, with a crunchy topping and soft, flavourful apples inside.
Keto Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly. Measure and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, erythritol, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute all dry ingredients evenly.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces. The mixture should appear flaky and hold together when pressed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sliced apples evenly into a baking dish. Top the apples with the prepared crumble mixture, spreading it out evenly across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the apples are tender and bubbling around the edges. You should hear a gentle bubbling sound and see the topping turn a rich golden hue.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. The crisp should be aromatic, with a crunchy topping and soft, flavorful apples inside.
Smart Swaps & Easy Substitutions
One of the joys of cooking at home is the freedom to make a recipe truly your own. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs, personal preferences, or simply working with what’s already in your pantry, this apple crisp is wonderfully flexible. Substitutions ensure you never have to miss out on the comfort of a warm, golden dessert.
- Apples: If low-carb apples aren’t available, you can use regular ones like Granny Smith or Pink Lady. For a twist, try mixing in pears for a softer, sweeter flavour.
- Almond Flour: Swap with coconut flour (use a little less as it’s more absorbent) or even crushed nuts for extra crunch.
- Sweetener: Erythritol can be replaced with stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or even a touch of honey or jaggery if you’re not strictly low-carb.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter works beautifully, adding a subtle nutty aroma.
- Cinnamon: If you’d like to experiment, nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of allspice can bring new layers of warmth to the flavour profile.
With these substitutions, the recipe remains just as indulgent — proof that wholesome eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste.
Tempting Twists & Creative Variations
A classic apple crisp is comforting on its own, but sometimes a little creativity can transform it into something even more memorable. These variations allow you to play with flavours, textures, and pairings while still keeping the essence of the recipe intact.
- Berry Bliss: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries with the apples for a burst of colour and tangy sweetness.
- Nutty Indulgence: Add a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the crumble topping for an earthy crunch.
- Spiced Up: Enhance the warmth by adding a touch of ginger, clove, or star anise along with the cinnamon.
- Tropical Touch: Toss in a few pineapple chunks or mango slices with the apples for a sunny, tropical twist.
- Festive Flair: Sprinkle some sugar-free dark chocolate chips or drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for a celebratory dessert.
Each variation brings a new personality to the dish — making it versatile enough for everyday indulgence as well as festive occasions.
Enjoy your keto apple crisp! Don’t forget to share your creations with us.
I’m Mayank, the creator, cook, and writer behind this blog. FeastChase is not just a collection of recipes — it’s a journey through tastes, memories, and moments that bring people together at the table.