This to me is such an Autumn recipe. I’ve not always been big on cinnamon but over the years it has grown on me as my children and Mr CTBE love it. The baked cinnamon apple crisp is loved by the whole family.
Believe it or not, this dessert is gluten and refined sugar free. Yep, you read right. You wouldn’t believe it if you tasted it.
My Dad has Coeliac disease and often misses out on desserts. Now he doesn’t have to.
Adding Thyme to the baked cinnamon apple crisp it gives it a subtle savoury note to the usual sweet flavour of this classic dessert.
The best apples to choose for this (in my opinion) are firm ones such as Granny Smith. My personal favourite apples are Pink Lady (pictured). I LIVED on them during my pregnancy with Not So Little Lady.
They hold up well to the heat of being baked and thankfully won’t then turn to mush like the softer varieties would
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
6 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
80ml (1/3 c.) real maple syrup
2 tbsp 100% apple juice (sugar free)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground allspice
1½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
¼ tsp salt
Topping Ingredients:
80g (1 c.) old-fashioned rolled oats
30g (1/3 c.) almond flour
40g (1/3 c.) almonds, sliced
5 tbsp (1/3 c.) honey, preferably local
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
To Serve: (Optional)
Vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream
Directions
1. Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350° Grease an 8” x 8” baking dish and set aside.
2. Place apples in a large non-reactive bowl and toss with fresh lemon juice. Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Toss to combine and set aside.
4. Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Spread the topping evenly across the top in a uniform layer, as well.
5. Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes. If the top layer is nicely browned, cover dish loosely with aluminium foil to prevent over-browning. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the apple crisp is nice and bubbling. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
6. Serve warm with some vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!
