Low Carb Keto Apple Crisp - Wholesome Yum (2024)

This keto apple crisp tastes just like the real thing… and before you protest, “but apples aren’t keto!”, rest assured that there are no actual apples in here. And you’d never know it! We’re using a secret ingredient that tastes so much like apples when it’s cooked, but with much fewer carbs. Top it with a scoop of keto ice cream for low carb apple crisp a la mode. And if you prefer your keto “apples” in a pie, I’ve got you — here’s my keto apple pie.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Apple Crisp Recipe

• Warm cinnamon apple flavor
• Soft “apples” and a crunchy topping
• Takes just 10 minutes to prep
• Only 6.2 grams net carbs per serving
• Low carb, keto, and gluten-free
• Secret way to enjoy veggies as a summer or fall dessert!

A BIG part of the flavor in filling comes from the sweetener… Besti Brown Sugar Replacement has all the same flavor AND moisture of real brown sugar, without the carbs or sugar. It leaves the keto apple filling for this crisp truly caramelized, unlike other brown sweeteners out there. Give it a try and see the difference compared to other sweeteners!

Get Besti Brown Here

Is Apple Crisp Keto?

No, typical apple crisps are made with apples, flour, and sugar, so would not be considered keto.

This is a keto mock apple crisp, or mock apple crumble. That means we make some swaps (for the apples, flour, and sugar) to get all of the traditional warm and cozy apple flavors and textures, without all the carbs.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this keto apple crisp, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

Mock Apple Filling:

• Gelatin Powder – This helps to thicken the filling. Make sure you are using unflavored gelatin, with no sugar or other ingredients added! If you don’t have any gelatin, you can also thicken the filling by adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum instead. Make a slurry with a bit of water, then add to the filling while cooking.
• Lemon Juice – Either bottled or fresh lemon juice will work.
• Butter – I prefer grass-fed for best flavor and nutrition, but you can use any unsalted butter. Coconut oil also works for a dairy-free option.
• Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – This keto, low carb, and sugar-free sweetener tastes and acts just like brown sugar. Two key characteristics that make it different from other brown sweeteners are that it dissolves like sugar and caramelizes like sugar, so I don’t recommend substituting it.
• Seasonings – Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, sea salt, and vanilla extract. You could also use an apple pie seasoning in place of the cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, as that usually contains these.
• Zucchini – Our secret ingredient to replace the apples! I know it sounds odd, but once you cook it with spices, the flavor and texture is just like cooked apples. Yellow squash will work as well, which is what I used in my keto apple pie recipe, or you can try chayote squash.

Keto Apple Crisp Topping:

• Almonds – Use unsalted almonds; they can be roasted or unroasted. This is what provides the crunch! You can also substitute pecans or walnuts here, but they turn out softer and a little less crunchy. If you need a nut-free option, you can try pumpkin or sunflower seeds, but their flavor is less mild than almonds.
• Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – See above for all the details and why I recommend this one in particular!
• Butter (Or Coconut Oil) – The same unsalted kind you’re using for the filling.
• Seasonings – Vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt.

How To Make Keto Apple Crisp

This section shows how to make low carb apple crisp with zucchini with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

1. Prep the zucchini. Peel the zucchini and dice into 1/2 inch pieces.
2. Bloom the gelatin. In a small bowl, whisk together gelatin powder and lemon juice. Set aside to bloom.

3. Bloom the spices. Melt the butter in a dutch oven. Stir in Besti Brown sweetener, more lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and sea salt.
4. Thicken the sauce. When gelatin has thickened, whisk it into butter and spices in dutch oven.
5. Cook the squash. Add the diced squash to the pan and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 30-60 minutes, until the squash is very soft, most of the moisture has evaporated, and sauce starts to thicken. Stir in the vanilla extract and transfer mixture to an oval baking dish (this one is the perfect size!).

See Also

Keto Candy Bars | The Best Low Carb Chocolate Candy Bar RecipeKeto Lemon Curd- Just 4 Ingredients! - The Big Man's World ®One Pot Chicken and Vegetables Skillet (Healthy & Low Carb)Almond Flour Crepes (Low-Carb, Gluten-Free)

6. Make low carb apple crisp topping. Pulse almonds, Besti Brown sweetener, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt in a food processor.

7. Bake. Crumble topping over the mock apple filling, and bake until the filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Keep leftover keto apple crisp in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can cover it in the same baking dish, or transfer to an airtight container.
• Reheat: Reheat in a 350 degree F oven, or in transfer to bowls and heat in the microwave until warm.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then cover tightly or portion into zip lock backs, then freeze for up to 3 months.

What To Serve With Keto Apple Crisp

This low carb apple crisp dessert is delicious on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurt. Here’s how to keep it keto:

• Keto Ice Cream
• Low Carb Mason Jar Ice Cream
• Keto Whipped Cream
• Sugar Free Caramel Syrup

More Keto Summer Dessert Recipes

If you like this low carb apple crisp recipe, you might also like some of these other keto desserts to make in the summer and early fall:

• Keto Apple Pie
• Keto Blueberry Cobbler
• Almond Flour Lemon Cake
• Keto Peach Cobbler
• Low Carb Zucchini Bread