Paige Harris Warm chai spices, a hint of sweetness, and a subtle crunch come together in this refined sugar free, gluten free, and vegan friendly dessert that’s healthy enough for breakfast.
What do you do when you pick a half a peck of apples? Bake with them, duh!
But I do need to take just a second and complain here. Why is it that everyone always just makes the same recipes over and over again with their apples? They’re incredibly versatile fruits, but we only ever make pies and crisps.
But then again, here I am making a crisp, so I guess I shouldn’t be the one to talk.
Instead of sticking with just plain ol’ cinnamon, I beefed up the spice blend for this dish with some cardamom, cloves, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg so that this dessert is packed full of chai flavor. And by putting the mix in the apples and the crisp, you’re sure to taste it in every bite!
The powerful taste of chai also makes it unnecessary to load up this dessert with refined sugars. The natural sugars in the apples combined with some coconut sugar and a touch of honey balance so well with the spices: it’s like a fall party in your mouth!
I’ve had this dish on repeat for the last two weeks and I’m still not sick of it. And since I still have three apples remaining from my trip to the orchard, I guess I’ll have to whip it up a few more times.
If you’re looking to feed a few more than two, head over to this post for a southern twist on this recipe that’s sure to thrill!
But until then, I’ll be over here eating my chai spiced apple crisps for dessert until the final apple is no more.
Chai Spiced Apple Crisp for Two
Warm chai spices, a hint of sweetness, and a subtle crunch come together in this refined sugar free, gluten free, vegan friendly dessert that’s healthy enough for breakfast.
Ingredients
For the apples:
- 1 large apple cored and chopped
- 1 Tbsp melted unsalted butter (coconut oil if vegan)
- 1 tsp homemade chai spice* see notes
- 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
For the crisp:
- 3 Tbsp (GF) oats (I used quick oats here)
- 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 Tbsp cold unsalted butter (coconut oil if vegan)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp honey (maple syrup if vegan)
- 1 tsp homemade chai spice* see notes
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 and lightly grease two ramekins/au gratin dishes.
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In a small bowl, toss the chopped apple with the butter, coconut sugar, and chai spice until coated. Separate the mixture evenly into the two dishes.
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Place the dishes on a baking sheet (for easier moving) and lightly tent with foil. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes.
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While the apples are cooking, mix the oats, coconut sugar, COLD diced butter, vanilla, honey, and chai spice in a small bowl until the pieces are coated. You should have a few clumps — those are the most delicious part!
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After 20 minutes have passed, take the dishes from the oven and remove the foil. Evenly sprinkle the crumble over both dishes.
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Put the uncovered ramekins back into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and crispy.
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped coconut cream on top! (You MUST pick one — non-negotiable 😉 )
Recipe Notes
Homemade Chai Spice Blend
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
This will make more than needed for this recipe, but it’s so tasty I’m sure you won’t mind. Add a little into your next latte!
