Hello, fellow food and craft enthusiasts! It’s Robert Kline, and today, we’re diving into the warm and comforting world of apple desserts with a healthy twist. This Protein Apple Crisp recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy can be incredibly delicious. Imagine this: tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked to perfection and sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crumble. Feeling the warmth of the oven and the sweet aroma filling your kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we begin our crafting journey, let’s gather our supplies, or in this case, our ingredients!
For the Crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups organic rolled oats (old-fashioned recommended)
- 3/4 cup (90g) vegan protein powder (I recommend LIV Body Lean Vegan Protein in Frosted Oatmeal Cookie flavor – a great brand for high-quality, healthy ingredients!)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar alternative (or brown sugar if you prefer)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
- 6 tbsp vegan butter or unsalted butter, melted
- 6 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp (1 large) egg whites (For a vegan option: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tbsp warm water works wonders!)
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 cups apples, chopped (Choose your favorite baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix!)
- 1 tbsp calorie-free sweetener (or sugar to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (This brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning.)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Guide
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Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and clean-up later!
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Creating the Crumble: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the crumble – oats through cardamom. Once combined, add the melted butter, applesauce, and egg whites (or flaxseed mixture). Mix until you achieve a nice, crumbly texture.
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The Star of the Show: Apple Filling: Chop your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, toss them with the sweetener, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
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Layering the Goodness: Now, the fun part! Spread half of the crumble mixture evenly onto the bottom of your prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently to create a firm base. Layer your flavorful apple mixture on top of the crumble base. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apples, pressing it down lightly.
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Baking Time: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbly.
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Cool, Serve, and Savor: Allow your Protein Apple Crisp to cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the crisp to set. Add a scoop of your favorite dairy-free or protein vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch!
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions
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Oats: I highly recommend using certified gluten-free oats if you’re sensitive to gluten. Organic oats are best due to fewer pesticide residues.
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Sweeteners: Feel free to use your preferred brown sugar alternative or regular brown sugar. For the filling, you can experiment with other sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.
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Butter and Applesauce: Vegan buttery spread can be substituted with organic unsalted butter, ghee, or coconut oil. For the applesauce, dairy-free yogurt can be used as an alternative.
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Protein Powder: While I recommend LIV Body, any vegan blend, pea protein, or soy isolate protein powder will work well in this recipe.
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for a month.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A wholesome, protein-packed, and incredibly delicious apple crisp recipe that will satisfy your sweet cravings without the guilt. Remember, baking, much like other crafts, is about experimentation and having fun. Feel free to add your own personal touch to this recipe, and be sure to share your delicious creations with me on Robert Kline Art! I can’t wait to see your baking masterpieces. Happy crafting, everyone!
Protein Apple Crisp Dairy Free
Image Alt: A close-up shot of a freshly baked Protein Apple Crisp, showcasing its golden-brown, crispy oat topping and bubbling apple filling.
Protein Apple Crisp Dairy Free
Image Alt: A slice of Protein Apple Crisp being lifted from a baking dish, revealing its warm, gooey apple filling and crumbly oat layers.
Image of Protein Apple Crisp (Dairy Free)
Image Alt: A serving of Protein Apple Crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, inviting readers to indulge in this healthy and delicious dessert.