Salted Caramel Paleo Apple Crisp
Drizzled with a dreamy caramel sauce (that just happens to be refined sugar-free + dairy-free), Salted Caramel Paleo Apple Crisp is simple to prepare and perfect for your holiday table or dessert, any time!
My hands-down favorite dessert to make at home is a fruit crisp.
First, because it’s always a crowd favorite, and second because it’s so darn easy.
No fussy crust, no exact measuring.
Just mix together a quick topping in one bowl, toss the fruit directly in the dish, top, bake and you’re good to go.
My Healthier Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp and Healthier Maple Oat Mixed Berry Crisp recipes are reader favorites around here, so I wanted to do a little twist using a grain-free topping.
Also, adding a creamy, dreamy salted caramel sauce takes this version over the top.
I will note that that caramel doesn’t taste exactly the same as the sugar-loaded store-bought variety, but it really is delicious in it’s own right.
Coconut sugar is used to both sweeten the filling here and in the caramel sauce, as it’s a great option if you’re avoiding refined sugar.
If you can’t find or don’t want to use coconut sugar, you can substitute organic brown sugar.
The result will be sweeter and a bit higher in sugar, but it will still be delicious.
This crisp will definitely be making an appearance on our holiday table, and I hope you’ll make it soon as well.
If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!
Now, let’s make some Salted Caramel Paleo Apple Crisp!
RECIPE & KID FRIENDLY ADAPTATIONS
1 | Looking for a nut-free variation? Try this recipe for Healthier Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp!
2 | If you’re short on time, skip the caramel sauce, or make the caramel sauce separate for drizzling on anything your heart desires!
This Recipe Is . . .
Naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Grain-Free, Egg-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Paleo
Tools to make Salted Caramel Paleo Apple Crisp
Pin the image below to save Salted Caramel Paleo Apple Crisp to Pinterest for later!
Salted Caramel Paleo Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- For the Apple Crisp
- 6 cups 1-inch chopped apples, skin on is fine
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- For the Apple Crisp Topping
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 cups almond flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- For the Salted Caramel
- 1 15-oz can full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
Instructions
- For the Apple Crisp
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Add the apples, lemon juice, ¼ cup coconut sugar and cinnamon to a baking dish, tossing to combine.
- Make the topping my stirring together ⅓ cup melted coconut oil, almond flour, ½ cup coconut sugar, pecans and ¼ teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apple mixture, using your hands to squeeze some of the mixture into clumps.
- Place the baking dish on a baking sheet (to catch any boil-over), cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbling.
- Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is slightly browned.
- Allow to cool, then serve with a drizzle of Salted Caramel sauce.
- For the Salted Caramel
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk and coconut sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Once boiling, turn the heat to low and let the mixture boil slowly. Stir frequently, scraping the sides and bottom to avoid burning.
- Continue boiling until caramel has reduced and thickened about 30-35 minutes. The caramel will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in oil, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Allow to cool completely. Pour into a glass container and serve alongside the crisp, or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Oh my goodness! I can’t wait to make this and drizzle that caramel on EVERYTHING!
A girl after my own heart. Hope you enjoy, Chelsea!
Do you peel the apples?
Danna, you certainly can, but I don’t (mainly because I just don’t love peeling apples!). But, if you prefer to remove the skins, go for it!
I’m trying to print this out but don’t see an option to print…
Tracy, I make all the printables by hand so sometimes it takes me a day or two to get them up. I just added it. Hope you enjoy!
Sounds amazing!! How many servings do you get on this one?!
Great question, Melanie, I realize I didn’t add that to this recipe. It kind of depends on serving size, but we get about 10 medium servings. You could get more if you go with a small serving or fewer if you go with a very large serving. Hope that helps!
Do you have the nutritional values for any of these items? They sound amazing!!
Hi Micky, nope, no numbers, just whole food around here. 🙂
Hey Robin! 🙂
Do you have a preference on type of apple?
Hey Heather, I like a sweet, crisp apple that holds its shape like honey crisp or gala!
Hi Robyn! Is this a good recipe to make ahead? I’m wondering if the topping will be soggy if I make it Tuesday to serve Thursday… I see that the caramel is great to make ahead? Would prepping the apples a day before not be a good idea? Maybe this recipe it just best to throw in the oven as thanksgiving dinner is cooking? Thanks :). I’m also planning on making the roasted green bean and brussel sprout salad, yum!
Hey Kelly, as you mentioned the caramel can be made a few days ahead, as can the crumble topping (refrigerate both, then let both come to room temp). You can do the apples ahead a day or so, the acid in the lemon juice should keep them from browning too much. Then when you’re ready to bake, add the topping and cook away. Hope you enjoy and happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for the details, that’s super helpful. Happy thanksgiving to you too!
I made the caramel sauce. So good family loved it. I did not make the crisp due to nut allergy.
Kari, so happy to hear you enjoyed the caramel sauce. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!
Are there macros for this recipe?
Thanks
Hi Giuseppe, I just added them for you. I hope you enjoy!
Thank you R.
Thank you R.
The apple crisp was amazing!
Yay, so happy to hear you enjoyed!