Keto Apple Crisp

This keto apple crisp is the ultimate cozy and comforting dessert that uses a secret ingredient to keep it low carb! No apples, no sugar, and no grains needed, it takes MINUTES to prep and turns out perfect every time!

Keto Apple Crisp

When it comes to keto apple desserts, there’s a couple I have up my sleeve. If I’m not whipping up a keto apple pie, then I’d definitely be making this keto apple crisp.

There are a handful of desserts that bring me back to my childhood. My mom always had several dessert recipes up her sleeve that she could whip up in seconds. While I love all the desserts she makes, nothing beats her apple crisp.

Is apple crisp keto?

Traditional apple crisp or apple crumble is not keto friendly. Apples are one of the higher carb fruits, and even a minimal amount used in a recipe could kick someone out of ketosis. Luckily, with a few simple swaps and a secret ingredient, you can enjoy this family favorite dessert as part of your low carb diet!

I’ve been meaning to share a keto apple crisp recipe for quite some time. It’s been one of my favorite comforting desserts and reminds me so much of an actual apple crisp. It needs a handful of ingredients and takes minutes to make. Instead of using apples, we use chayote squash, which has the same texture as apples. To give the crisp some apple flavor, we sneakily add a few drops of apple extract.

No grains and no eggs are needed, but you’d never tell. The filling texture is soft and moist, and the crumb topping is crispy and crunchy. The apple crisp is sweet and full of apple and spice flavor, without any apples whatsoever! 

What I love about this recipe is just how much it resembles the original dessert. I made one and brought it over to my mom’s place for dessert and NO ONE could tell the difference- it is THAT good!

Ingredients to make this recipe

For the apple filling

• Chayote squash– A fantastic low carb substitute for green apples. You can also use yellow squash or zucchini if you can’t find this particular type. 
• Butter– Unsalted and melted butter. Dairy free butter can also be used.
• Water– Just to loosen the mixture. 
• Brown sugar substitute– Homemade keto brown sugar which looks, tastes, and feels like traditional brown sugar, minus the calories and carbs!
• Powdered sweetener– Also known as confectioners’s sugar. I used keto powdered sugar. 
• Lemon juice– Balances the sweetness and tenderizes the squash. 
• Cinnamon– A must for any good crisp or crumble! 
• Apple extract– Gives the recipe the apple flavor, without any apples. 
• Xanthan gum– Just a sprinkle to thicken the filling. 

For the crisp topping

• Almonds– Raw and unsalted almonds that have been roughly chopped. 
• Almond flour– Blanched almond flour or superfine almond flour is preferred, but almond meal can also be used. 
• Shredded coconut– Unsweetened and finely shredded. Avoid using the large flaked coconut, as it burns easily. 
• Granulated sweetener– Again, I used the keto brown sugar, as I love the flavor it gives, but any sweetener will work. 
• Coconut oil– Melted, so it can mix into the other ingredients. 

How do you make a low carb apple crisp?

Start by preparing your filling. In a deep pan or large saucepan, melt your butter. Once it has melted, add your squash and mix well. Once mixed, add your water and cover the pan. Cook the squash for around 7 minutes, until soft and tender. Remove the lid and add the remaining ingredients and mix well, until combined. 

Next, transfer the crumble mixture into a large baking dish and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until warm. While it is baking, prepare your crisp topping. Combine all your ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix well. 

Now, remove the filling from the oven and cover it with the crisp topping. Bake for a further 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes, before serving. 

Tips to make the best recipe

• If your squash isn’t producing much moisture, add a few extra tablespoons of water before adding the other ingredients.
• Taste the filling before you transfer it to the baking dish, to ensure it is sweet enough. 
• Do not overbake the crumble topping. Once it is mostly golden brown, remove it from the oven. 

Storing, freezing, reheating and serving tips

• To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered. It will keep well for up to 1 week.
• To freeze: Place the cooled crisp in a shallow container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
• Reheating: Apple crisp should never be microwaved. Place the crisp in a preheated oven and heat up until warm. 
• To serve: Serve the apple crisp with a scoop of keto ice cream, some whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel syrup for the ultimate dessert. 

More keto crumbles, cobblers, and crisp recipes to try

• Blueberry cobbler
• Peach cobbler
• Blackberry cobbler

Frequently Asked Questions

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram for all of the latest updates.