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30 Minutes or Less

Healthy Gluten Free Apple Crisp

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gluten free apple crisp in a baking dish with a spoon and two scoops of ice cream on top.

I’ve been making a variation of this healthy gluten-free apple crisp for the last 6+ years! But it wasn’t until this year that I finally decided to sit down, perfect it, and write out each ingredient.

It’s just one of those staple recipes I come back to every fall/holiday season. It’s that perfect end-of-day treat, best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream… and maybe even a healthy homemade pumpkin spice latte on the side?? Yup, now we’re talkin’! So head to your local orchard, pick alllll the apples, then run home and bake up this cozy apple crisp.

overhead image of healthy gluten free apple crisp in a baking dish

What Makes This the BEST Gluten-Free Apple Crisp?

  • Quick and Easy: No complicated steps, just mix, sprinkle, and bake!
  • Wholesome Ingredients: Made with healthier alternatives like coconut sugar and almond flour.
  • Perfect Texture: Gooey apples with a crisp, buttery oat topping. YUM!
  • Adaptable for Dietary Needs: Can easily be made vegan and nut-free without sacrificing flavor.
  • Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of tart apples, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon gives this dessert a warm and comforting taste.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Apples: Granny Smith apples are recommended because they hold their shape well and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the topping. Other firm apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Fuji are also great options.

Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the dish. Coconut sugar is less refined and has a subtle caramel flavor.

Corn Starch: Helps thicken the apple juices as they bake, preventing the filling from becoming watery.

Lemon Juice (Optional): Brightens the apple filling and enhances the flavors. It also prevents the apples from browning too much before baking.

Cinnamon: Essential for that classic fall flavor. It adds warmth and depth to both the filling and the topping!

Rolled Oats: Provides a crisp, crumbly texture to the topping. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.

Almond Flour: A great gluten-free alternative to regular flour, adding a subtle nutty flavor and additional texture to the topping.

Butter (Non-Dairy Optional): Adds richness and helps create a crispy topping. Non-dairy butter works perfectly if making this vegan. I used Miyoko’s non-dairy butter and it works great in this recipe!

Gluten-Free-Apple-Crisp-Step-1
Gluten-Free-Apple-Crisp-Step-2
Gluten-Free-Apple-Crisp-Step-3

Top 5 Apples For Baking

  1. Granny Smith: Tart and firm, making them perfect for baking as they hold their shape.
  2. Honeycrisp: Sweet, juicy, and crisp, adding great flavor and texture.
  3. Pink Lady: Sweet with a nice tartness, they retain their shape well when baked.
  4. Braeburn: Well-balanced between sweet and tart, perfect for crisps and pies.
  5. Fuji: Sweet and firm, they add a great depth of flavor to any baked dessert.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe nut-free.
  • Vegan Option: Use non-dairy butter to keep it fully vegan.
gluten free apple crisp on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Can I Make Other Gluten-Free Fruit Crisps?

Absolutely! This versatile crisp recipe can be adapted with various fruits:

Cherry Crisp: Use fresh or frozen cherries in place of apples. Reduce the coconut sugar slightly to account for the cherries’ sweetness.

Pear and Cranberry Crisp: Replace apples with sliced pears and add 1 cup of fresh cranberries for a tart twist.

Peach Blueberry Crisp: Substitute peaches and blueberries, but reduce the sweetener slightly as these fruits can be naturally sweeter.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion This gluten-free apple crisp is not just another dessert; it’s a comforting, warm, and healthier treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re accommodating dietary restrictions or just looking for a delicious fall dessert, this crisp checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s easy to adjust, making it the ideal recipe for any gathering.

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
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Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

This healthy gluten-free apple crisp is the easiest and best fruit crisp you’ll ever make. It’s perfectly sweet with a crumbly oat topping, and ready in no time! This recipe is not only gluten-free but can be adapted to be dairy-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free.

Ingredients

  • For the apples:

  • 5-6 apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thin)

  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar, or brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon corn starch

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • For the crisp:

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 3/4 cup almond flour

  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar, or brown sugar

  • 6 ounces butter, cut into 1-inch cubes (I used non-dairy butter)

  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Add all apple ingredients to a 9-inch baking dish and toss together until evenly coated, then spread apples into an even layer around the dish.
  • Add all crisp ingredients to a large bowl. Use a fork to mix together, until a crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkle crisp topping evenly over the apples.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until apples are soft, then let cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Video

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Dairy-Free

3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars

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overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.

It’s been a HOT summer so far. So hot in fact, that I’ve been avoiding turning on my oven unless absolutely necessary. But you guys know me by now, even without an oven I still need a little something sweet on-hand at all times. Healthy No-Bake Cookie Doughs Bars have been on repeat lately, and so have 4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers. And while both of those no bake desserts are delicious and ones I’d never get sick of, it was definitely time to switch things up!

These homemade crunch bars are made with just THREE ingredients. They’re totally vegan and gluten-free, and I’ll even include a paleo and keto option if you want to give those a try. They’re perfectly sweet, extra crunchy, and seriously SO easy to make!

overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.

Why These Are the Best Homemade Crunch Bars

These bars are not only simple to make but also healthier and more customizable than store-bought versions. By using high-quality ingredients, you avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. The addition of peanut butter gives extra creaminess and flavor, making these bars a delightful treat for all ages!

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate for a less sweet version or semi-sweet for a classic candy bar taste. Vegan options like Guittard Extra Dark Baking Chips are perfect for dairy-free needs.
  • Peanut Butter: Can be substituted with any nut or seed butter. Ensure it’s creamy for the best texture.
  • Rice Cakes/Crisp Cereal: Gluten-free rice cakes or cereals ensure the bars are safe for those with gluten intolerances!
ingredients for healthy homemade crunch bars recipe.

How to Make Homemade Crunch Bars

  1. Line your pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt chocolate and peanut butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
  3. Mix in crumbled rice cakes to combine.
  4. Spread mixture in the prepared pan and freeze until solid.
  5. Cut into squares and enjoy your homemade bars.

Storage Tips

Store these homemade crunch bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best texture and shelf life. They can start to soften if left at room temperature for too long. Or, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months!

3 ingredient no bake healthy homemade crunch bar on a table.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Keto Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and replace rice cakes with crushed nuts or seeds.
  • Vegan Option: Ensure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly. Brands like Enjoy Life are great choices.
  • Paleo Option: Use paleo-approved chocolate, like Hu Kitchen Chocolate Gems and replace rice cakes with chopped nuts or seeds for the crunch.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Microwave Melting: Microwave the chocolate and peanut butter in short bursts to prevent burning, or use a double boiler instead if you’d like.
  2. Layer Thickness: Spread the mixture evenly in the pan to ensure uniform bars.
  3. Add-Ins: Feel free to add a pinch of salt or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Or, finish the bars with flaky sea salt like I did – YUM!

By following these tips and utilizing high-quality ingredients, you’ll have delicious, homemade crunch bars that are perfect for any occasion!

3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars
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3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars

5 from 5 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Total time

0

minutes

This 3 ingredient homemade crunch bars recipe is the perfect vegan and gluten-free sweet treat! They’re no bake, totally delicious, and irresistibly crispy. These homemade candy bars are also much healthier than store-bought!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened

  • 2 rice cakes, crumbled (or 1 cup rice crisp cereal)

Directions

  • Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Add the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter to a bowl, then microwave in 30 second increments (stirring between each increment) until chocolate has melted.
  • Add in the crumbled rice cakes and mix everything together to combine.
  • Transfer the crunch bar mixture to your prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer. Place the bars in the freezer until solid, about 1 hour, then remove and cut into squares.

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30 Minutes or Less

4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers

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overhead image of healthy snickers cut in half with peanut butter inside.

Think snickers can’t be healthy?? Think again! I’ve pretty much made it my life’s work to take unhealthy treats and make them healthy. Like my healthy gluten-free mug cake, and my healthy cookie dough bars (another no-bake dessert in constant rotation around here!). These 4-ingredient healthy snickers fit seamlessly into my healthier treats lineup. My recent nighttime routine has included getting my baby to bed, popping 3 or 4 of these healthy snickers out of the freezer, and cozying up on the couch while I savor every last bite. My husband’s also obsessed, so I’ve been doubling this recipe to make sure there’s plenty to go around!

For this recipe, you’ll want to start with a silicone ice cube tray. I purchased these ones (they come in a 2-pack) and have loved them so far! They’re also great for making ice cubes too, as the silicone helps the cubes slide right out. From there, you’ll need just four simple ingredients – chocolate, coconut oil, dates, and peanut butter. All relatively healthy ingredients, but they come together to create a treat that tastes seriously indulgent, but won’t hurt your stomach… no matter how many you eat! *wink wink*

overhead image of a healthy snicker with flaky sea salt on top.

What You’ll Need To Make These Healthy Snickers

Chocolate Chips: Opt for dairy-free or dark chocolate chips for a healthier option. These provide the rich, chocolatey coating for your snickers bites.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps melt the chocolate chips and creates a smooth, glossy texture for your healthy candy bars.

Medjool Dates: These naturally sweet and chewy dates serve as the caramel-like layer in your snickers, providing natural sweetness and a satisfying texture.

Crunchy Peanut Butter: Choose your favorite brand of crunchy peanut butter to add nutty flavor and crunch to your guilt-free treats!

overhead image of healthy snickers bars with flaky sea salt on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • If your dates are too firm, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using. This will help soften them and make them easier to work with.
  • Using a silicone ice cube tray makes it easier to remove the snickers bites once they’re frozen. If you don’t have one, you can line a regular ice cube tray with plastic wrap for easy removal.
  • To ensure even distribution of ingredients, use a layering technique when assembling your healthy snickers bites. Start with a layer of melted chocolate, followed by a date and a dollop of peanut butter, then top with another layer of melted chocolate.
4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers
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4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

15

snickers
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

This healthy snickers recipe is the perfect healthier treat to satisfy your sweet tooth! Made with just 4 wholesome ingredients; chocolate chips, coconut oil, medjool dates, and crunchy peanut butter. They taste just like a snickers, but with a fraction of the sugar!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chocolate chips

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

  • 8 medjool dates, pits removed and cut in half

  • 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter

Directions

  • Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a small bowl in the microwave.
    • healthy-snickers-step-1
  • Take a silicone ice cube tray and fill 15 cavities of the tray with 1/2 tablespoon each of the melted chocolate.
    • healthy-snickers-step-2
  • Place one pitted date half into each cavity on top of the chocolate.
    • healthy-snickers-step-3
  • Then, add about ½ a tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter to each ice cube cavity, on top of each date.
    • healthy-snickers-step-4
  • Pour the remaining melted chocolate into each ice cube cavity, covering the dates and peanut butter completely.
    • healthy-snickers-step-5
  • Place the ice cube tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened. Remove the tray from the freezer and pop out the healthy snickers. Store snickers in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months!
    • healthy-snickers-step-6

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Here’s a link to the silicone ice cube trays I used to make my healthy snickers! They worked wonders and were super easy to clean.

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30 Minutes or Less

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

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overhead image of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies with a chocolate drizzle and freeze dried strawberries on top.

With valentine’s day right around the corner, I was craving something extra chocolate-y! I’ve been drinking my healthy hot chocolate pretty much daily and gathered the ingredients for my 3-ingredient oreo mug cake, but I wanted something new …something a little more special. After all, this is my baby’s first Valentine’s day, and I plan on going ALL out!

So what did I do? I took my almond flour brownies, threw in some freeze dried strawberries, and topped with a chocolate drizzle – and voilà, these chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies were born! They’re rich, fudgy, and extra indulgent but totally grain-free, dairy-free, and sweetened with coconut sugar. So whether you’re also craving something special this month, or looking to treat that someone special, you gotta give these chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies a try. It’s love at first bite!

bite shot of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies.

What You’ll Need to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

Sugar: I used coconut sugar in my brownies, but cane sugar works great too! Use whatever you prefer, even granulated monk fruit sweetener will do the trick.

Almond Flour: Almond flour is the secret ingredient in these chocolate covered strawberry *almond flour* brownies, making them gluten-free and grain-free. Don’t mess with it though, the almond flavor can’t be subbed without compromising this recipe!

Olive Oil: This is the secret to extra fudgy brownies! Olive oil is the magic touch for that perfect consistency and rich flavor. Embrace it – your taste buds will thank you.

Freeze Dried Strawberries: I used the Natierra freeze-dried strawberries and they were delicious. But I know Trader Joe’s sells them too! No freeze-dried strawberries? No problem. Fresh chopped strawberries work just as well.

close-up overhead image of chocolate covered strawberry almond flour brownies with chocolate drizzle and freeze dried strawberries on top.

Can I use store bought brownie mix instead?

You sure can! To make these chocolate covered strawberry brownies with store bought brownie mix, start by preparing the mix according to the package instructions. Then, add in 1 cup of freeze dried strawberries to the batter and stir to combine. Transfer the batter to a lined and/or greased brownie pan and bake according to package instructions. Once brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before topping with the chocolate drizzle. Just as delicious with half the effort!

Tips and Tricks

  • Whip the sugar and eggs until they’re super light and fluffy – a key step for that melt-in-your-mouth brownie texture.
  • When bringing together the dry ingredients, give them a gentle stir. Over-mixing can impact the texture of your brownies, so keep it light and just right.
  • For that pro finish, hold off on the chocolate drizzle until your brownies are entirely cooled. Patience pays off for that beautiful, glossy topping!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies
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Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almond Flour Brownies

3 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: Uncategorized
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Total time

0

minutes

These chocolate covered strawberry brownies are rich, fudgy, and totally delicious! They’re made with almond flour and coconut sugar for a healthier twist, but are still just as indulgent. These are the perfect Valentine’s Day recipe, or any day treat!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, I used coconut sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour

  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided

  • 1/2 cup olive oil, or any vegetable oil

  • 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, or 1 cup fresh chopped strawberries

  • For the chocolate drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs with either a hand or stand mixer, or a whisk (hello arm workout!). Continue beating for 3-5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  • Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is just combined, careful not to over-mix.
  • In a separate small bowl, add the coconut oil and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate chips are fully melted.
  • Pour melted chocolate chips and olive oil into the brownie batter, and stir to combine. Then, add in the remaining chocolate chip and freeze dried strawberries and fold to combine.
  • Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just barely set. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  • Once brownies are cool, make the chocolate drizzle by melting the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave in 30 seconds increments. Stir the chocolate between each increment until completely smooth.
  • Cut the brownies into squares, then top the brownies with the melted chocolate drizzle and additional freeze dried strawberries if you’d like.

Recipe Video

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30 Minutes or Less

Mummy Brownies (gluten-free!)

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overhead close up image of mummy brownies with candy eyes.

Hey there, fellow dessert aficionados and Halloween enthusiasts! Are you ready to whip up a deliciously spooky treat that’ll add a touch of whimsy to your next Halloween party? Look no further because we’ve got a Mummy Brownies recipe that’s as cute as it is tasty. So, let’s get our mummy on and bake up some mummylicious brownies!

overhead image of gluten-free mummy brownies on parchment paper.

What You’ll Need to Make Mummy Brownies

A Batch of Almond Flour Brownies: You can use any brownie recipe you like – fudgy, cakey, or even my gluten-free almond flour brownies for a healthier twist. This recipe is all about the decoration!

Plain Icing: This is what you’ll use to create the mummy’s wrappings. You can buy pre-made icing or make your own with powdered sugar and a touch of milk.

Candy Eyes: These are the pièce de résistance! Candy eyes give your mummy brownies that adorable and slightly eerie look. You can find them at most baking supply stores or order them on Amazon.

mummy brownies on parchment paper.

Tips and Tricks

  • Cool Before You Mummy-fy: Make sure your brownies are completely cool before you start the mummy decoration. You don’t want your icing to melt all over the place. We’re going for mummy precision, not mummy mess!
  • Mummy Patterns: There’s no right or wrong way to create your mummy patterns. Some like neat, parallel lines, while others prefer a more chaotic mummy look. Be creative! And remember, mummies are meant to be a little imperfect.
  • Save the Eyes for Last: When you’re putting on the candy eyes, do it as the final step. It’s like giving your mummy brownies their finishing touch. This way, you can place the eyes wherever you like and give each mummy its own unique personality.
Mummy Brownies
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Mummy Brownies

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

10

minutes

Are you ready to whip up a deliciously spooky treat that’ll add a touch of whimsy to your next Halloween party? Look no further because we’ve got a Mummy Brownies recipe that’s as cute as it is tasty. So, let’s get our mummy on and bake up some mummylicious brownies!

Ingredients

Directions

  • Let your brownies cool completely, then cut into 12 rectangles.
  • Make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Transfer the icing to a pastry bag or a ziploc bag and make a small cut at the tip of the bag where the icing can drizzle out.
  • Drizzle icing across brownies in a zig-zag pattern, then place two eyes on each brownie.
  • Leave icing to harden for about 10 minutes, then serve.

Recipe Video

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Halloween just got a little sweeter with these Mummy Brownies. Whether you’re planning a spooky soirée or just want a fun, easy baking project to enjoy with the family, these little mummies are sure to bring a smile to your face.

So, pick your favorite brownie recipe, get your decorating skills ready, and make some mummylicious treats. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and add a little Halloween magic to your dessert table. Happy mummy-making!

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