My Favorite Apple Crisp and Mix-ins

Apple crisp has easily become one of my favorite treats to make. It is easy, requires few ingredients, and can be very inexpensive! I have been experimenting with a few different recipes and have settled on this one as the fave.

I also have tried to create a healthier version using some alternate ingredients, and I am very happy how this turned out!

No-Fail Apple Crisp

Topping:
3/4 cup whole wheat flour*
1/2 cup coconut sugar*
1/3 cup oats
6 Tablespoons cold butter cut into small cubes
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine these topping ingredients with a pastry cutter or two knives until it resembles small crumbs. Set back in fridge to keep the butter cold until the filling is ready.

Filling:
6-ish large apples - enough to fill a 9x9" pan
1/3 cup coconut sugar *
1 and 1/2 Tablespoons whole wheat flour*
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

Peel and core apples, then dice or slice directly into a greased 9x9" baking dish. Use enough apples to fill the baking dish. Toss apples with other filling ingredients and press lightly into pan again. Spread crumb topping over apples and bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes or until apples are very bubbly.

*Note: Coconut sugar is a great, healthier alternative to white or brown sugar, but if it is unavailable to you it can be substituted 1:1 with brown sugar in this recipe. (Coconut sugar is made from the plant of the coconut, not the fruit, and does not taste like coconut at all. It resembles brown sugar in taste and texture.) White flour can also be substituted 1:1 in place of whole wheat flour.

Now my favorite part: The MIX-INS!

I have started trying mixing in different fruits and ingredients with the apples, and so far I haven't found one I didn't like! The possibilities are endless and can be changed depending on the seasons or what fruits are available.

Here are a few ideas (the ones with an * are the ones I've already tried)

*Pears
*Peaches
Raspberries
Blueberries
Strawberries
Blackberries
Cherries
Cranberries
*Rhubarb
*Maple Syrup (you can eliminate some sugar in the filling if you use this)
Coconut flakes (in the topping)

The mix-ins are one reason this recipe can be made inexpensively. For instance, right now pears and apples are in season here in Maine. So I bought bruised ones that were discounted and used those to make a crisp. I only spent a few dollars on the fruit! Using other fruits also helps cut the cost when apples aren't in season. I used Rhubarb earlier this summer - that was free in my backyard! Can't get much cheaper than that! :)

I'd LOVE to hear your favorite fall dish, as well as any more suggestions you have for mix-ins! What makes the perfect apple crisp for you?

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