Amazing Keto “Apple” Crisp (Sweet, Spiced & Comforting!)
Indulge in a classic dessert without the carbs with this Amazing Keto “Apple” Crisp! This clever recipe uses zucchini to mimic the texture of apples, creating a sweet and spiced “fruit” filling, perfectly topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan-almond flour crumble. It’s the ultimate low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free, and delightfully comforting dessert – a delightful addition to your health journey here in Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 50-60 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Keto “Apple” Filling:
- 4 cups zucchini, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes (about 2-3 medium zucchini)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup Swerve Granulated Sweetener (or your preferred granular erythritol blend)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (for thickening)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice (for extra apple flavor)
For the Keto Crumble Topping:
- 1 stick (½ cup or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup Swerve Granulated Sweetener (or your preferred granular erythritol blend)
- 1 cup super-fine almond flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Pastry blender or fork (for topping, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease your 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the “Apple” Filling: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften slightly and brown lightly.
- Add the Swerve Granulated Sweetener, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and (optional) apple pie spice to the skillet. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape, and the sauce has thickened.
- Gradually sprinkle in the xanthan gum while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for another minute, stirring, until the filling has thickened to a desired “apple pie filling” consistency.
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped pecans, Swerve Granulated Sweetener, almond flour, and cinnamon (and optional pinch of salt).
- Use a fork, pastry blender, or your hands to mix the ingredients until a crumbly mixture forms. It should resemble coarse crumbs with some larger clumps.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the prepared Keto “Apple” Filling into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Generously sprinkle the Keto Crumble Topping over the entire surface of the filling, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the crisp cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
- Serve warm, perhaps with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream or keto-friendly vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Zucchini Prep: Peeling the zucchini helps it resemble apples more closely. Dicing them into uniform ½-inch cubes ensures even cooking.
- Xanthan Gum: Sprinkle xanthan gum very slowly over the simmering filling while whisking continuously to prevent clumping. A little goes a long way!
- Topping Consistency: The topping should be crumbly, not a solid dough. If it’s too wet, add a tiny bit more almond flour. If too dry, a tiny bit more softened butter.
- Don’t Overbake: The filling should be bubbly and the topping golden. Overbaking can dry out the filling.
- Cool Before Serving: While tempting to dig in immediately, letting it cool helps the filling set and the topping maintain its crispness.
- Optional Spices: A little allspice or cardamom can also be added to the filling for more depth of flavor.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto “Apple” Crisp is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Fat: Yes, primarily from the butter, pecans, and almond flour.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by cleverly substituting zucchini for apples and using sugar-free sweeteners and almond flour.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare Spinach Dip Chicken Casserole.
