Healthier apple crisp

Apple crisp is the perfect treat for the fall season. I can't wait to make this every year and fill my house with the delightful smells of warm apples, spices, vanilla, and toasty oats. My version is pretty easy and pretty healthy. I don't usually even bother to peel the apples. Just chop them up and chuck them in.

The topping is a wholesome crumble made mostly of oats with some ground flaxseed, adding a nutty note along with extra fiber, protein, and omega-3s.

I serve it with Greek yogurt that I've stirred vanilla bean paste and sweetener into. It gives it a creamy, almost melted ice cream-like flavor. Plus, it helps me justify eating it both for dessert and for breakfast!

Healthier apple crisp

Apple Mixture:

3 lbs apples (I like fuji or golden delicious), cored and chopped into approximately 1 inch pieces

3 T dark brown sugar

2 T whole wheat flour

1 T lemon juice (optional)

1 t cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

1 t vanilla

pinch salt

Topping:

3/4 cup oats

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/3 cup ground flaxseed or your nut or seed of choice

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

3 T butter

1/2 t cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

Preheat oven to 375. Spray a large casserole dish or 10 X 13 pan with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, stir apple mixture together. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan.

In the same bowl, stir topping ingredients together. Use hands to break up clumps and mix in butter. Pour the mixture on top of the apples in the baking pan.

Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes or so, until apples are tender. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. I recommend serving with Greek yogurt mixed with vanilla bean paste and sweetener.