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maple syrup

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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!

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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 in a baking dish with a spoon and two scoops of ice cream on top.
5 from 2 votes

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

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.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

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

Instructions

  • 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.

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Dairy-Free

5 Ingredient Brownie Batter Bark (vegan and gluten-free!)

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holding a piece of brownie batter bark

My 4 ingredient cookie dough bark recipe went crazy viral a few weeks ago, which inspired me to make this 5 ingredient brownie batter version! I pretty much combined that recipe with my double chocolate gluten-free edible cookie dough recipe to make this better-for-you brownie bark. It’s no-bake, vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and even refined sugar-free! It’s also totally DELICIOUS.

What Makes This the BEST Brownie Batter Bark

The magic of this bark lies in its simplicity and clean ingredients. With just five ingredients, you get all the rich, chocolatey flavor of brownie batter without the baking, refined sugar, or dairy. The almond flour gives it a perfectly soft texture, while the maple syrup adds natural sweetness. This recipe is also incredibly versatile—you can switch up the ingredients or add mix-ins to create your perfect treat!

close-up image of brownie batter bark pieces

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

  • Almond Flour: This grain-free flour gives the bark its brownie-like texture. It’s light, slightly nutty, and keeps the recipe low-carb and gluten-free. I purchase my almond flour in bulk because I use it in so many of my healthier dessert recipes! You can substitute with oat flour if needed, but start with a smaller amount since it absorbs less liquid.
  • Cocoa Powder: This is what gives the bark its deep chocolate flavor. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to keep the recipe lower in sugar. You can also use cacao powder for an extra boost of antioxidants.
  • Coconut Oil: This healthy fat adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. It also gives the bark a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Refined coconut oil is best if you want to avoid a coconut flavor, but unrefined works great, too.
  • Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the chocolate and almond flavors perfectly. You can swap it for honey or a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup if desired.
  • Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate chips create a luscious, glossy coating for the bark, adding a satisfying crunch when set. You can use dark, semi-sweet, or even dairy-free chocolate chips to suit your dietary needs.
brownie batter bark pieces stacked on top of each other.

Is This Brownie Batter Bark Safe to Eat?

Yes! Since this recipe is no-bake and made without eggs, it’s completely safe to eat. Plus, with no refined sugars or artificial additives, it’s a cleaner dessert option that everyone can enjoy.

Storage Tips

Store your brownie batter bark in an airtight container in the freezer. It keeps well for up to two months, making it a great make-ahead treat. If you prefer it slightly softer, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before eating.

Switch Up the Flavors

  • Add Nut Butters: Swirl in some peanut butter or almond butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Mix in Nuts or Seeds: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch.
  • Sprinkle Toppings: Top with flaky sea salt, coconut flakes, or sprinkles for an extra fun twist.

This brownie batter bark is a quick and versatile treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, it’s the perfect healthy indulgence that everyone will love!

holding a piece of brownie batter bark
4.25 from 32 votes

5 Ingredient Brownie Batter Bark (vegan and gluten-free!)

This 5-ingredient brownie batter bark is the ultimate treat for brownie lovers. It’s vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and low in sugar, making it a guilt-free dessert option! Perfect for parties, gifting, or just indulging in a healthier sweet snack, this bark is easy to make and so delicious. No need for an oven—just a few ingredients, a little bit of mixing, and some time in the freezer!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  • Mix together the almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl. Add in ½ cup of chocolate chips and mix again to combine.
  • Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper, then place the cookie dough mixture on top of the parchment paper. Spread and flatten the mixture with your hands to form a large piece of brownie batter bark.
  • Melt the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips, then pour the melted chocolate over the brownie batter bark. Spread the chocolate into an even layer, then place the bark in the freezer for at least one hour.
  • When ready to eat, remove the brownie batter bark from the freezer and either cut or break into large pieces. Enjoy right away or store leftover bark in the freezer for later!
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30 Minutes or Less

Single Serve Protein Cookie (gluten-free, dairy-free, & egg-free)

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single serve protein cookie with a bite taken out.

It can sometimes be a chore to eat enough protein throughout the day. While I do my best by starting most mornings with one of my healthy smoothie recipes, and squeeze in a high protein snack box in the afternoons when I get a chance, I still end most days feeling like I need a little more protein to keep me going. And because you guys know that I don’t end a single day without a sweet treat, I decided to get creative and figure out a way to sneak some extra protein into my nightly dessert.

This high protein cookie makes just enough for a single serving, and is packed with a whopping 30 grams of protein! However, because my husband often gets jealous when he looks over on the couch and sees me eating one of these warm and gooey protein cookies, I often double the recipe to make two cookies (he’s so spoiled, ha!). Also, what makes this cookie unique, is that it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and easily made vegan depending on what kind of protein powder you use. So it’s the perfect little high protein night cap, no matter what your dietary restrictions are!

Overhead image of a single serve protein chocolate chip cookie cut in half.

What You’ll Need to Make This Single Serve Protein Cookie

  • Oat Flour (or all-purpose flour): Provides a hearty and gluten-free base for the cookie, giving it a perfect chewy texture. Feel free to use almond flour or all purpose flour in place of the oat flour in this recipe!
  • Non-Dairy Milk: Keeps the cookie moist and helps to combine all the ingredients. Start with one tablespoon and add more if needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
  • Vanilla or Unflavored Protein Powder: Adds a protein boost to the cookie. I used Be Well Vanilla Grass-Fed Beef Protein Powder, which bakes up great and is dairy-free!
  • Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a bit of healthy fat, and helps the cookie hold together. Feel free to use any other nut or seed butter in place of peanut butter in this recipe!
  • Maple Syrup: Just one tablespoon makes this single serve protein cookie perfectly sweet, but not too sweet.
  • Chocolate Chips: Can’t have a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips! I typically reach for Guittard extra dark chocolate chips because I prefer a chocolate that isn’t overly sweet.

How to Make This Recipe

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix: Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a bowl and mix together until fully combined. Then, mix in the chocolate chips.
  3. Shape and Bake: Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared baking sheet and form the dough into a cookie shape. Bake for 7-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool before eating.
close up image of a single serve protein cookie with a bite taken out.

Switch Up the Flavors

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste:

  • Oatmeal Raisin: Add a tablespoon of raisins and a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
  • Nutella Cookie: Substitute peanut butter with Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread.
  • Birthday Cake: Use cake batter protein powder and add a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles!
  • White Chocolate Macadamia: Add white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts to the dough.
  • Snickerdoodle: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon and roll the cookie dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.

Storage Tips

Since this recipe makes just one cookie, it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to one month. Just shape it into a cookie and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

single serve protein cookie with a bite taken out.
4.12 from 105 votes

Single Serve Protein Cookie (30g protein!)

This single-serve protein cookie is the ultimate snack or post-workout treat, packed with over 25 grams of protein! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and can easily be made vegan by using vegan protein powder. This cookie will soon become your go-to recipe when you need a quick and healthy sweet treat!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup oat flour (all purpose flour or almond flour will also work)
  • 1-2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (start with 1 tablespoon, then add a second if the cookie dough is too thick)
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter, unsweetened
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or your preferred liquid sweetener
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a bowl and mix together until fully combined. Then, mix in the chocolate chips.
  • Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared baking sheet and form the dough into a cookie. Bake for 7-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool before eating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 217mg | Fiber: 5.3g | Sugar: 20g

This single-serve protein cookie recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with protein to keep you energized throughout the day. Save this post and refer back to it whenever you need a quick and healthy treat!

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30 Minutes or Less

4 Ingredient Cookie Dough Bark (vegan and gluten-free!)

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4 ingredient gluten free cookie dough bark piece with sea salt on top.

I’m here to give the people what they want, and it’s become very clear that the people want MORE COOKIE DOUGH! So here we go, vegan, gluten-free, no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough bark. I basically took my gluten-free edible cookie dough recipe and combined it with my no-bake healthy cookie cough bars to create this delicious sweet treat!

This cookie dough bark is an indulgent yet healthier dessert that combines the classic taste of cookie dough with the ease of a no-bake treat. And like I said before, it’s gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, and low in sugar, making it perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without compromising on dietary needs. Plus, it only requires four simple ingredients and a few minutes of preparation time, setting in the freezer instead of the oven!

close-up image of 4 ingredient healthy cookie dough bark.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Almond Flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free, grain-free alternative to traditional flour. It adds a slightly nutty flavor and provides a sturdy base for the cookie dough, making it perfect for creating a delicious bark. I buy this bulk bag of almond flour on Amazon, it’s a pantry staple in my home!

Melted Coconut Oil: Coconut oil acts as the binding agent and helps the ingredients meld together. It also keeps the cookie dough bark vegan and dairy-free. However, if you don’t have coconut oil, you can use melted butter instead (do not use vegetable oil!)

Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cookie dough. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Chocolate Chips: Using dark chocolate chips keeps the sugar content low and ensures the bark remains vegan. The melted chocolate forms the layers that sandwich the cookie dough, creating a delightful crunch with each bite.

Is This Cookie Dough Bark Safe to Eat?

Yes, this cookie dough bark is safe to eat. The recipe uses almond flour instead of raw flour, eliminating the risk of contamination. Additionally, it’s egg-free, which means there’s no risk of salmonella from raw eggs. This makes it a worry-free indulgence for cookie dough lovers!

Storage Tips

Store the cookie dough bark in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

4 ingredient cookie dough bark on a baking sheet with milk on the side.

Switch Up the Flavors of This Cookie Dough Bark

Personalize your cookie dough bark by adding various mix-ins. You can stir in some chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles for added texture and flavor. For a fun twist, sprinkle some crushed pretzels or M&M’s on top of the melted chocolate before it sets. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try adding a spoonful of peanut butter or a dash of cinnamon to the cookie dough mix.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Vegan: Uses plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and almond flour.
  • Gluten-Free: Almond flour replaces traditional wheat flour.
  • Low-Carb: Almond flour and dark chocolate keep the carb content low.
  • Low Sugar: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and uses dark chocolate chips.
4 ingredient gluten free cookie dough bark piece with sea salt on top.
3.81 from 216 votes

4 Ingredient Cookie Dough Bark

This 4 ingredient cookie dough bark is the ultimate no-bake sweet treat! It’s gluten-free, vegan, low sugar, and totally delicious.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  • Mix together the almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl. Add in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and mix again to combine.
  • Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper, then place the cookie dough mixture on top of the parchment paper. Spread and flatten the mixture with your hands to form a large piece of cookie dough bark.
  • Melt the remaining 3/4 cups of chocolate chips, then pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough bark. Spread the chocolate into an even layer, then place the bark in the freezer for at least one hour.
  • When ready to eat, remove the cookie dough bark from the freezer and either cut or break into large pieces. Enjoy right away and store leftover bark in the freezer for later!
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30 Minutes or Less

Healthy Single Serve Peach Crisp (vegan & gluten-free!)

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single serve peach crisp dessert in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I’m a dessert kinda girl. Like needs a little something sweet every after meal, going out to eat and convincing the person next to me to split the chocolate cake, and there’s no way I’m falling asleep without a sweet treat before bed. I mean, take a look around – we’ve got healthy gluten-free mug cakes, 5-ingredient gluten-free cookie dough, and healthy no-bake snickers. I think it’s pretty obvious I might be a little dessert-obsessed… just a little!

While chocolate-forward desserts are my personal favorite, I do occasionally crave something fruity. But because my fruit dessert cravings don’t last long enough to finish an entire fruit crisp or cobbler, I had to figure out way to make a single serve dessert instead. And that’s exactly what I did here! A whole, fresh, juicy summer peach sliced in half then stuffed with a simple 4-ingredient oat crisp. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – YUM!

overhead image of single serve peach crisp dessert in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Fresh Peach – Choose a ripe, juicy peach for the best flavor! You can find these at your local farmers’ market or grocery store. Peaches are in season and taste their best from June through August.
Rolled Oats – Use gluten-free oats if you need to ensure the recipe is gluten-free. Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free oats are my personal favorite, I love to buy in bulk!
Almond Flour – Almond flour adds a nice nutty flavor and keeps the recipe gluten-free. You can find this at most grocery stores or online. I also purchase almond flour in bulk, Anthony’s organic almond flour is my fave.
Butter or Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is perfect for a vegan option, but butter also works great in this single serve dessert recipe! Use whichever you prefer/have on-hand.
Maple Syrup – This natural sweetener adds a rich flavor to the crisp. Look for pure maple syrup for the best results, or use honey instead if you’d like.

hand holding a bowl of single serve peach crisp dessert.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: For a vegan peach crisp, use coconut oil instead of butter.
Make it Paleo/Grain-Free: Substitute rolled oats with additional almond flour.

Tips and Tricks

  • For the best flavor, ensure your peach is ripe and juicy. A ripe peach will slightly give when gently pressed.
  • Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference. For an sugar-free dessert, leave out the maple syrup altogether!
  • Pair the warm peach crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream for an extra treat!
single serve peach crisp dessert in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5 from 2 votes

Healthy Single Serve Peach Crisp (vegan & gluten-free!)

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make single serve dessert? This peach crisp is perfect for you! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this vegan and gluten-free treat in no time
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Ingredients

  • 1 whole fresh peach
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour, or all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut the peach in half, then remove the pit and scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons out of the center of the peach to create a larger cavity for the crisp filling.
  • In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil or butter, and maple syrup. Mix together until combined.
  • Place the peach halves on the prepared baking sheet, fill each peach half with the filling, then bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving warm with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream!

Notes

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