Comfort food for breakfast.
Is there something your mom made when you were growing up that you always looked forward to? For me, one of those special “mom” dishes was homemade apple crisp. I loved the soft, almost creamy-centered apples, the way the butter and brown sugar melted into syrupy goodness, and of course the crispy sweet oat topping! It was pure, comforting, heaven in a pan, I tell you! And when the weather starts getting chilly (yes, it does get chilly in the south), nothing warms me up like a nice hot plate of comfort food for breakfast.
Unfortunately, after leaving home I came to realize that I was allergic to one of the most important parts of apple crisp… the oats. Sad, isn’t it? There’s just something about the makeup of oats that my body confuses for gluten, so I react to it almost exactly the same! (Fun side note: I react to rice and corn the same way, too… #thejoysofceliac)
So it became a little goal of mine to figure out how to make an easy and delicious apple crisp I could eat and not get sick from.
Honey Walnut Apple Crisp.
This grain-free version is perfect for people like me who are intolerant to everything, or folks cutting back on their starch intake, or following a paleo or GAPS style diet. The walnuts make an excellent substitution for oats in the topping, perhaps making the crisp even better than “normal.” You can add in other nuts, too, if you like. I’ve used almonds, and they’re delicious, and I’ve had readers tell me they’ve used cashews with success, as well.
For the apples I like to use either Jazz or Gala, or a combo of both. If you can’t get your hands on either of those, any sort of apple will probably work. I’m sure Honey Crips or Johnagold would taste amazing!
Just beware that you may need to make a double batch of this honey walnut apple crisp… Husbands and kiddos can’t get enough of it!
More delicious grain-free breakfasts.
I’m not sure I’ve ever met a soul who didn’t enjoy a good, homemade apple crisp, but if you happen to be one of those people, here are some other delicious grain-free breakfast recipes you’ll be sure to enjoy!
- Banana Lemon Chia Seed Muffins
- 3-Ingredient Grain-Free Bagels
- Easy, French-Style Omelette
- Apple Pie Smoothie Bowl
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins
In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks!
Honey Walnut Apple Crisp
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.
INGREDIENTS
- 6-8 cup chopped apples (I like to use Jazz and Gala, but any kind would work)
- 2 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 6 tablespoons honey, divided
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, in solid state
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400.
Place chopped apples in 9×13 inch greased baking dish or cast iron skillet.
In small bowl, whisk together spices and salt. Sprinkle over apples and stir to evenly coat. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of the honey and stir to evenly coat apples.
In same small bowl, cut coconut oil in to walnuts until no chunks of oil remain. Stir in honey, then sprinkle mixture over apples, breaking it up with your hands as you go.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until apples are tender. If walnuts seem like they’re going to burn, cover with tin foil for the last 10 minutes of baking time.
thanks for sharing.
This was so yummy! I doubled the topping portion 🙂
I'm SO glad you liked it! Thank you for letting me know. : )
I bet this would be delicious over some ice cream too. Thanks for sharing this on Merry Monday. Hope you can come over and link-up again tonight at 6pm PST.
For sure, Erlene! That’s a fantastic idea. 😉
Love healthy recipes
I love how simple and easy this recipe is! Smells like fall!
Yes! Thanks, Suzy. 🙂
What a delicious breakfast to start the day with! This has me excited for the arrival of fall!
Thanks, Taylor! I’m pretty excited for all the fall foods…
Honey, walnuts, and apples…sign me up! What an easy recipe and I always love an iron skillet dessert. Thanks for sharing!
Glad to share, Traci! 🙂
I could eat this for breakfast or dessert! Such a great recipe!
Haha! It’s definitely good for both!