A WW Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for anyone looking to enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of a classic apple crisp while staying within the Weight Watchers points system. This version is lighter and healthier than the traditional recipe, but it still delivers that warm, sweet, and slightly tart apple filling, topped with a crunchy, oat-based streusel. With zero refined sugars and lower fat, it’s the perfect guilt-free treat for those following the WW Freestyle plan or anyone seeking a lower-calorie dessert.
The beauty of this WW Apple Crisp lies in the ingredients. The apples provide natural sweetness and fiber, while a blend of oats, almond flour (or whole wheat flour), and a bit of cinnamon create the signature crumbly topping. Instead of butter or margarine, the topping is typically made with a lighter fat, like coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce, which reduces the calorie content while maintaining that crunchy texture. Sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or sugar substitute can be used to keep the sugar content low. This allows you to enjoy the classic comfort of a warm apple dessert without the excess sugar or fat.
This WW-friendly version of apple crisp is easy to make, and it’s perfect for serving at gatherings, as a weeknight dessert, or even as a breakfast treat with a dollop of Greek yogurt. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen is enough to make anyone excited for dessert!
WW Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener (or preferred sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (make sure to use whole oats for best results)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or coconut oil for a richer topping)
- 2 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener (or another sugar substitute)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices (about 1/4-inch thick). Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl.
- Toss the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and monk fruit sweetener. Add the cornstarch and mix to coat the apples evenly. This will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
- Prepare the topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, sweetener, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to mix.
- Add the applesauce (or melted coconut oil) to the oat mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly, streusel-like texture.
- Assemble the crisp:
- Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9-inch baking dish (you can also use an 8×8 dish if you prefer). Spread the apples out evenly.
- Sprinkle the oat topping over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake the crisp:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If you want the topping to be extra crispy, you can broil the crisp for the last 2-3 minutes, but be sure to watch it carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and serve:
- Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, ideally with a dollop of fat-free whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- Apple Variety: Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples. Granny Smith apples will add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the topping.
- Sweeteners: If you don’t want to use monk fruit sweetener, you can substitute with other low-calorie sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or Swerve. Adjust the sweetness based on your taste preference.
- Texture: If you prefer a slightly firmer apple filling, reduce the cornstarch to 1 teaspoon. For a gooier filling, you can increase the amount slightly.
- Add-ins: If you’d like to add more texture or flavor, consider tossing in some chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) into the topping mixture. Just keep in mind that nuts will add a few extra points.
- Serving Suggestions: This crisp is great on its own or served with a scoop of Greek yogurt for added protein. You can also serve it with a drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce for a decadent treat.