With fresh apples and cinnamon, apple pie almost sounds downright wholesome. But the quintessential fall dessert often comes with a sugary filling and high-calorie crust that can offset any potential health benefits. And that’s even before adding the traditional dollop of ice cream on top. Instead, try these healthier, low-calorie apple desserts that don’t skimp on taste.
Short-Cut Crumble Recipe
This recipe delivers the deliciousness of apple pie without mood-crushing food guilt. It’s perfect for a weeknight dessert and can even be made in a microwave.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oats or almond meal
- 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and toss to mix well. Microwave in one-minute intervals until apples are soft. To serve, enjoy as is or add a dollop of low-fat plain or vanilla Greek yogurt.
Baked Apple Recipe
This is just like apple pie filling. Enjoy on its own or top with low-fat Greek yogurt. If you’re cooking for several people, you can easily multiply the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple
- 1 tablespoon ground flax, oats, or almond meal
- 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Boiling water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut out the apple core, leaving the bottom ½-inch intact, so you make a well in the center of the apple. Stuff flax and raisins in the center of apple. Mix maple syrup with pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract. Pour over oats. Place coconut oil on top of oats mixture. Pour boiling water into a baking pan and place apple in that pan. Bake at 375 degrees F until tender but not mushy, about 30-45 minutes. You can baste the apple with the juice from the pan. Serve hot.
Bourbon Sautéed Apples Recipe
This is the perfect way to repurpose that leftover bottle of bourbon from your last party.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into half-moons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1-2 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoon water
- 1 shot bourbon (~1 ounce)
- Dollop of low-fat Greek plain or vanilla yogurt (optional)
Directions:
In a large bowl, toss apple with vanilla extract, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside. In a large, wide sauté pan, melt butter or coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add apples to pan in a single layer and sauté until apples begin to brown, and then flip and add syrup and water. Cook until apples are soft and the syrup and water begin to form a sauce. Add bourbon. Apples will probably catch on fire—that’s okay. Reduce heat slightly if needed and cook until flames subside. Transfer to a bowl and top with low-fat Greek yogurt.
Baked Oatmeal Apple Muffins Recipe
These are great on their own, but they’re also fantastic with some a teaspoon or two of peanut or almond butter. You can also crumble one into your favorite yogurt for breakfast.
Ingredients:
Makes 6-8 muffins
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (or canola oil, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2/3 cup milk of choice (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 apple, chopped into small pieces
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with muffin liners. In a large bowl, whisk egg, oil, and sugar until sugar is dissolved, then whisk in milk, applesauce, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir in oats and baking powder until well combined. Fold in apple. Fill each muffin cup with oat mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Serve warm. Store remaining muffins in an airtight container or freeze in a zip-top storage bag.
