Longer daylight hours have a special way of waking up the sleepy world around us. Fruit trees are blossoming, bees are buzzing across the lawn, community pools are open again, and the sweet smell of summertime is right around the corner. Even so, sometimes we still get those surprisingly chilly nights. In these cases, a warm fruit crisp hits the spot like nothing else. This Salted Caramel Apple Crisp is a scrumptious delight. Plus, it fills your kitchen with all the fragrant smells of fruit and spices.
Made with nutritious apples, tigernuts, and coconut sugar, this AIP apple crisp is a cozy treat for any occasion. It also comes with my new Salted Caramel Paleo Protein for an extra boost of protein in each slice. Easier than pie, you can whip up and enjoy this salted caramel apple crisp in as little as an hour.
Preparing the Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Traditional fruit crisp typically calls for wheat flour and oatmeal. Both of these contain gluten, which is highly inflammatory. This gluten free apple crisp uses coconut flour, tigernuts, and palm shortening to create that crispy, textured topping. The filling consists of tapioca starch, fresh apples, coconut sugar, and lemon juice.
Coconut flour is low in carbs but rich in protein, fiber, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are necessary for maintaining healthy blood pressure and optimal digestion. In addition, they also plays a role in heart health1 Tapioca starch and coconut sugar are incredibly versatile and healthy ingredients. That’s why I use them in this filling! Coconut sugar is less processed than granulated sugar. It also contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and inulin. Inulin is a fiber that promotes better gut health. Additionally, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index. This means it won’t spike your blood sugar levels as much as conventional sweeteners.
What is Tapioca Starch
You may have heard about tapioca in puddings, but it’s so much more than that! Tapioca starch comes from the cassava root, where it’s extracted and dried. Many use it as a gluten free baking ingredient.
Tapioca starch is a resistant starch. This makes it extremely beneficial in promoting a healthy gut2 If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know a healthy gut can improve immune function, mood, and more. Additionally, it has no saturated fats! If you’re following The Myers Way® or another AIP protocol, tapioca starch is a staple to have on hand!
Salted Caramel Topping
A fruit crisp wouldn’t be the same without that classic crumbly mixture on top. However, most crisp toppings use butter and wheat flour. both of which are off-limits for those following The Myers Way® or another AIP protocol. Honestly, I recommend everyone stay away from gluten and dairy. After all, they are the most inflammatory ingredients out there!
That said, this AIP apple crisp comes with gluten free and dairy free ingredients. It’s made with slivered tigernuts, coconut flour, palm shortening, himalayan salt, and vanilla extract. It also features my Salted Caramel Paleo Protein powder! This delicious ingredient adds just the right balance of sweet and savory to the dessert. It then becomes a protein apple crisp that satisfies that sweet tooth while nourishing your body. Did I mention this recipe is so simple to make and comes together in minutes?
Benefits of Tigernuts
If you’re new to tigernuts, these are some of my favorite ingredients to work with. Unlike the name implies, tiger nuts are actually a root with a unique texture and subtle nutty flavor. Rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and E, these small, edible tubers are an excellent source of nutrients. They also promote better digestion. Antioxidants found in tigers may also protect cells from free radical damage.
Tigernuts are a nut-free alternative that encourages healthy digestion and immune support. This makes them AIP friendly and The Myers Way® approved! In fact, they’re the perfect way to incorporate more texture into your fruit crisps.
Salted Caramel Protein Powder
Classic salted caramel apple crisps come with drizzled in salted caramel sauce. However, conventional caramels contain high levels of processed sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavors. My Salted Caramel Paleo Protein solves this dilemma with nothing but goodness inside! For one, it’s made with 21 grams of grass-fed, non-GMO bovine collagen protein. Secondly, this protein powder adds that rich salted caramel flavor. It brings the topping together beautifully. The hydrolyzed formula makes digestion easier and maximizes nutrient absorption. It also has essential amino acids your body doesn’t produce on its own. This makes it the true star of the show in this scrumptious recipe.
How To Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crisp
This salted caramel apple crisp is perfect for chilly evenings, family game nights, or a cozy get-together with friends. You can serve it as-is, or add a dollop of my dairy-free ice cream! I like to use a coconut cream base for mine, like in this Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 apple sliced thin
- 2 Tbsp 29.57 ml tapioca starch
- lemon juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup 60.00 ml coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp 2.46 ml Ceylon cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp 1.23 ml ground nutmeg
Topping
- 1 cup 240.00 ml tigernuts slivered
- 2 scoops The Myers Way® Salted Caramel Paleo Protein
- 1/2 cup 120.00 ml coconut sugar
- 4 Tbls 59.15 ml palm shortening
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp 2.46 ml Ceylon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F
- In a bowl, mix together apples, tapioca starch, lemon juice, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Place into the bottom of an 8x8 square baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, stir together tigernuts, coconut flour, paleo protein, coconut sugar, palm shortening, salt, vanilla, and Ceylon cinnamon until it forms a crumbly mixture.
- Sprinkle on top of apple mixture. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
