Healthier Apple Crisp for Two Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings

Filling:

• 2 small tart apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• teaspoon lemon juice
• teaspoon vanilla extract
• teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 pinch salt

Topping:

• 2 tablespoons rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease two 8-ounce ramekins and arrange them on a baking sheet.
2. Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Toss until all ingredients are well mixed. Divide the apple mixture evenly between the prepared ramekins.
3. Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until fully combined. Add the softened butter and use a fork or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble the dish: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling in the ramekins.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet with the ramekins in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is lightly browned.
6. Cool and serve: Let the dish cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting dessert!

Tips

If your apples are on the juicier side, you may want to add to 1 teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to the filling to help it set better. Additionally, slicing the apples to about 1/8-inch thickness or thinner will ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 serving = 1 ramekin):

• Calories: 236
• Total Fat: 7g (8% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (19% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 15mg (5% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 161mg (7% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g (16% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (16% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 29g
• Protein: 2g (4% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 6mg (6% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 44mg (3% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (6% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 234mg (5% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

History of the Apple Crisp

The apple crisp is a beloved dessert in many parts of the world, especially in North America, where it has been a staple for generations. Its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when fruit-based desserts became popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. Originally, apple crisp was made with simple ingredients such as apples, sugar, and oats, all of which were easy to come by during harvest season. Over the years, the recipe has evolved with various modifications, from adding spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to experimenting with different sweeteners and crusts. Today, the healthier versions, like the one presented in this recipe, aim to reduce sugar and fat while keeping the comforting taste intact.

Regional Variations of Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is enjoyed throughout North America, with subtle regional differences in how it's prepared. In the Northeastern United States, especially in New England, apple crisp is often served as a classic dessert made with tart apples like Granny Smith, which provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. In contrast, some Southern variations incorporate a touch of bourbon or pecans in the topping to add a distinct flavor profile. The use of maple syrup in this specific recipe reflects a regional preference from the Northeastern U.S., where maple syrup is a popular sweetener. In other parts of the world, such as the UK and Canada, the dessert is often referred to as an "apple crumble," where the topping might be made with more butter and less sugar.

How This Recipe Differs from Similar Dishes

Apple crisp is often confused with apple pie or apple crumble, but it differs primarily in texture and preparation. Apple pie typically involves a buttery pie crust surrounding a spiced apple filling, while apple crisp features a crumbly topping made with oats, flour, and butter. What sets the "Healthier Apple Crisp for Two" apart is its use of whole wheat flour and maple syrup instead of refined sugar and white flour. This variation reduces the overall calorie count and introduces more fiber into the dessert. Furthermore, the recipe uses less butter than traditional versions, making it a lighter alternative while maintaining the same delicious flavor.

Where Apple Crisp is Typically Served

Apple crisp is commonly served as a comforting dessert in homes across North America, especially during the fall and winter months when apples are in season. It is also a popular dish for Thanksgiving dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. The single-serving nature of the "Healthier Apple Crisp for Two" makes it ideal for intimate dinners or for a cozy night in. While it can be served warm from the oven, it also makes a delicious breakfast when paired with yogurt or oatmeal the next day. In some regions, apple crisp is served la mode, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Interesting Facts About Apple Crisp

• In the United States, apples are the second most popular fruit after bananas, making apple-based desserts like apple crisp incredibly popular.
• According to the U.S. Apple Association, there are over 7,500 different types of apples grown in the United States, with the most commonly used varieties for apple crisp being Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp.
• The traditional method of preparing apple crisp involves baking the dessert in a shallow dish, which helps the topping become golden and crispy while ensuring the apples cook evenly.
• Maple syrup, often used in healthier apple crisp recipes, is a natural sweetener that provides a unique depth of flavor compared to refined sugar. It is produced mainly in the northeastern United States and Canada, where the sap of sugar maple trees is harvested in early spring.
• While apple crisp is a fall and winter favorite, it can also be made with other fruits such as pears, peaches, or berries, which offer a different but equally delicious variation of the dessert.

FAQ about Healthier Apple Crisp for Two Recipe

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