Healthy & Delicious: Your Guide to a Low-Point Weight Watchers Apple Crisp
Embrace the comforting flavors of autumn with this incredibly delicious yet remarkably low-point Weight Watchers Apple Crisp. This recipe transforms crisp, fresh apples into a tender, spiced filling, topped with a satisfyingly crunchy oat and nut crumble. It’s a perfect fall dessert that will tantalize your taste buds without derailing your health goals, clocking in at just 2 WW points per serving.
Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon and maple filling your kitchen, promising a delightful treat that’s both wholesome and incredibly satisfying. This baked apple crisp strikes an exquisite balance of sweet and tart, with a texture contrast that’s truly restaurant-worthy. The apples soften beautifully, retaining just enough bite, while the crispy oat and almond topping provides a delightful crunch. We’ve carefully crafted this recipe to allow the natural tartness of the apples to shine through, preventing it from being overly sweet. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider serving it with a dollop of low-point whipped topping or a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream, which will undoubtedly elevate its overall appeal and add another dimension of flavor.
Fall is synonymous with apple picking, and there’s no better time to whip up this recipe than when you have an abundance of fresh, juicy apples on hand. The experience of selecting the perfect varieties directly from an orchard adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the baking process. However, if apple trees or orchards aren’t readily accessible in your area, don’t fret! High-quality apples are easily found at your local grocery store or farmer’s market, ensuring you can enjoy this crisp year-round.
For this particular recipe, a blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples was used, combining the ideal tartness and sweetness with a firm texture that holds up beautifully during baking. Granny Smiths offer that classic tart punch, while Honeycrisps provide a lovely sweetness and a satisfying crunch even when cooked. When choosing your apples, the key is to select firm varieties that won’t turn to mush in the oven. Many other apple types can work wonderfully as well, so feel free to experiment with your favorites, such as Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. If you find yourself with extra apples after preparing this delightful crisp, be sure to explore our extensive baking recipe collection, where you’ll find numerous other apple-centric treats waiting to be discovered.
Why This Weight Watchers Apple Crisp is a Must-Try
- Suitable for Diverse Diets: This incredibly versatile apple crisp is designed to cater to various dietary needs. It is entirely dairy-free, making it an excellent choice for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Furthermore, it can easily be made gluten-free by simply opting for certified gluten-free oats, ensuring no cross-contamination. For individuals with nut allergies, this recipe offers flexibility; almonds can be swapped for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to create a delicious and safe nut-free version. This adaptability makes it a perfect dessert for family gatherings or potlucks, where different dietary preferences often need to be accommodated.
- Remarkably Low in Fat: One of the standout features of this lightened-up apple crisp is its significantly reduced fat content compared to traditional recipes. Classic apple crisps often rely heavily on butter in their topping, contributing to higher calorie and fat counts. Our smart recipe design eliminates butter entirely from the topping, achieving a wonderfully crispy texture using oats, almonds, and natural sweeteners. This innovative approach allows you to enjoy a rich, flavorful dessert without the guilt, aligning perfectly with a healthy eating plan like Weight Watchers.
- The Unbeatable Taste of Homemade: While pre-made pie fillings and boxed mixes offer convenience, nothing truly compares to the superior quality and depth of flavor of a homemade dessert. Crafting this apple crisp from scratch ensures you have complete control over the freshness of your ingredients and the balance of flavors. The aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in your oven is a sensory experience in itself, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The satisfaction of preparing a wholesome, delicious treat from simple ingredients is unmatched, and the resulting taste is always far superior to any store-bought alternative. Homemade means fresh, vibrant flavors and textures that simply cannot be replicated.
- Perfect for Any Occasion (Especially Fall!): While ideal for the autumn season and holidays, this apple crisp is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Its comforting warmth makes it a perfect cozy dessert on a chilly evening, yet its lightened-up nature also makes it suitable for lighter spring and summer gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into various menus, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
Weight Watchers Apple Crisp: Recipe at a Glance
- Serving Size: Each generous serving weighs approximately 199g, offering a satisfying portion of this delightful dessert.
- Number of Servings: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for a family dessert or for meal prepping healthy treats for the week.
- Time to Cook: The total baking time is between 40-50 minutes, plus a quick prep time, making it an efficient option for a homemade dessert.
- WW Points Per Recipe: Enjoy this delectable crisp for just 2 WW points per serving. The entire recipe totals 16 points. You can easily track and view the full recipe details in the WW app by clicking here. (A Weight Watchers login is required to access this link.)
Essential Ingredients for Your Weight Watchers Apple Crisp
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable apple crisp. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful notes:
- 4-5 large apples, peeled and chopped (about 3 lbs): As mentioned, a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness and firm texture is ideal. Ensure apples are peeled to avoid tough skins and chopped into roughly even, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking. About 3 pounds is typically 6 to 8 medium-sized apples, depending on variety.
- ¼ cup 1:1 sugar replacement, such as monk fruit with erythritol: This zero-calorie sweetener mimics the taste and texture of sugar without adding points, making it perfect for Weight Watchers. Look for brands that measure cup-for-cup like regular sugar.
- 1 ½ tsp Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is the quintessential spice for apple desserts, providing warmth and depth of flavor to the fruit filling.
- 2 tsp Cornstarch: This acts as a thickener, ensuring your apple filling is luscious and saucy, not watery. It helps create that perfect pie-like consistency.
- Topping: The star of the show for crunch and texture!
- 1 cup Quick oats: Quick oats are preferred here as they absorb moisture and crisp up nicely during baking, creating a desirable crumble. If you need it gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free quick oats.
- ¼ cup Almonds, roughly chopped: Almonds add a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Roughly chopping them ensures a good distribution of texture throughout the topping. You can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or seeds for a nut-free option.
- 3 tbsp Brown sugar replacement: A brown sugar substitute lends a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping without adding excessive calories or points.
- 2 ½ tbsp Pure maple syrup: Maple syrup not only adds a delicate, natural sweetness but also acts as a binder for the topping, helping it clump and crisp together. Pure maple syrup is key for the best flavor.
- ¼ tsp Table salt: A small amount of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the topping. Don’t skip it!
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a layer of aromatic sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor profile of the topping.
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon: Another dose of cinnamon in the topping complements the apple filling and ensures a cohesive, warm spice profile throughout the crisp.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Weight Watchers Apple Crisp
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect, healthy apple crisp that everyone will love.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven heats, prepare your apple filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and chopped apples with the granulated sugar replacement, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the apples are evenly coated. This coating is essential for both flavor and to create that luscious, slightly thickened sauce as the apples bake.
2. Next, prepare the irresistible crisp topping. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, gently combine all the topping ingredients: quick oats, roughly chopped almonds, brown sugar replacement, pure maple syrup, table salt, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use your fingertips or a fork to mix until the ingredients are just combined and resemble a crumbly, coarse meal. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the mixture to become too dense or clumpy, preventing the desired crisp texture.
3. Now it’s time to assemble your crisp. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan (or an equivalent 2-quart baking dish) to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the apple filling into the prepared pan, spreading it out into an even layer. Then, evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apples, ensuring good coverage across the entire surface. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
4. Bake the apple crisp in the preheated oven. Begin by baking it covered with foil for 20 minutes. This initial covering helps steam the apples, ensuring they become tender without the topping burning prematurely. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and visibly crisp, and the apples have reached your preferred level of tenderness. To check for doneness, carefully insert a fork into several spots in the center of the crisp; the apples should feel tender with a slight resistance. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and apple type.
5. Once baked to perfection, remove the apple crisp from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the filling to set and prevents you from burning your mouth on the piping hot apples. The flavors will also meld beautifully as it cools.
Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions for Your Apple Crisp
- Nut Type: Feel free to experiment with different nuts in the crisp topping. Walnuts add an earthy, robust flavor, while pecans contribute a buttery richness. Any nuts you have on hand will likely pair wonderfully with apples! For a nut-free option, replace almonds with an equal amount of pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for a similar textural contrast and healthy fats.
- Sweetener vs. Real Sugar: If zero-calorie sweeteners aren’t your preference, you can certainly use traditional brown sugar and granulated sugar. Simply use the same amounts called for in the recipe. However, remember that using real sugar will change the Weight Watchers points value. You’ll need to calculate the updated points using the Weight Watchers recipe builder tool in your WW app to stay accurate with your tracking.
- Lower the Points Even Further: For those aiming for the absolute lowest point count, this recipe offers flexibility. By omitting the chopped almonds from the topping and slightly reducing the amount of pure maple syrup (e.g., reducing it by 1 tablespoon), you can bring the dessert down to an impressive one WW point per serving. This small adjustment still yields a delicious and satisfying crisp while maximizing point savings.
- Splurge Version for a Special Treat: While designed to be low-point, this apple crisp makes an excellent base for a more indulgent dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a luxurious drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. These additions transform it into a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions.
- Add Other Fruits: While apples are the star, you can add or substitute other fruits. Try adding a cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries) to the apple filling for an extra burst of flavor and antioxidants. Peaches, pears, or even a mix of fall fruits can also create delightful variations.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Weight Watchers Apple Crisp
- Ensure Even Apple Tenderness: Apples on the outer edges of the pan tend to cook faster than those in the center. To avoid some apples being mushy while others are still firm, always check the tenderness of the apples in the center of the crisp before deciding it’s done. A fork should easily pierce them with slight resistance.
- Achieve Extra Crispy Topping: If you desire an even crispier, more golden-brown topping, a quick trick is to briefly use your oven’s broiler at the very end of baking. Keep a close eye on it, as the topping can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching continuously.
- Chop Apples Uniformly: For consistent cooking and texture throughout your crisp, make sure to chop your apples into pieces that are roughly the same size. Unevenly sized apple pieces will cook at different rates, leading to some being overcooked and others undercooked.
- Customize Sweetness to Your Liking: This recipe offers a sweet and tart balance, which many find ideal. However, if you prefer a sweeter crisp, you can increase the amount of sugar replacement in the apple filling slightly. It’s often helpful to taste a small piece of the apple mixture before baking to gauge its sweetness level.
- Promote Even Baking: When you remove the foil covering and return the apple crisp to the oven for the final baking stage, rotate the pan 180 degrees. This simple step helps promote more even browning of the topping and consistent cooking of the apples, especially if your oven has hot spots.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover apple crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick treat, or place the entire pan (covered loosely with foil) in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the apple filling and the crisp topping separately in advance. Store the chopped and coated apples in the refrigerator for up to a day. Keep the dry topping mixture in a separate airtight container at room temperature. When ready to bake, simply assemble and proceed with the baking instructions. This is a great time-saver for entertaining!
Discover More Healthy & Delicious Recipes
If you loved this Weight Watchers Apple Crisp, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic low-point desserts from our collection:
Weight Watchers Peach Cobbler
Apple Cinnamon Crumble
Weight Watchers Friendly Apple Pie
Weight Watchers Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 4-5 large apples, peeled and chopped (about 2.75-3 lbs)
- ¼ cup 1:1 sugar replacement, such as monk fruit with erythritol
- 1 ½ tsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp Cornstarch
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup Quick oats
- ¼ cup Almonds, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp Brown sugar replacement
- 2 ½ tbsp Pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp Table salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375F. To make the filling, toss the apples with the granulated sweetener, cinnamon, and cornstarch to coat them evenly.
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In a separate bowl, mix all of the topping ingredients gently until crumbly. Do not overmix, or it will begin to clump together.
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Transfer the apple filling to a greased 9-inch square pan and then sprinkle the topping on top.
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Bake the apple crisp for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for 20-30 minutes longer or until the topping has browned and the apples reach your desired doneness. I suggest using a fork to prick the apples in several places and see how tender they are.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Individual ingredient brands and precise measurements can affect final nutritional values.