Sugar-Free Apple Crisp (Made with Chayote Squash or Zucchini)
A brilliant low-carb dessert that tastes just like the real thing!
KEY INFO:
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Dietary: Vegetarian, Can be Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Large saucepan
- Mandolin or sharp knife
- 9-inch baking dish
- Food processor (or mixing bowl)
- Alternative: Regular knife can replace mandolin
INGREDIENTS:
For the “Apple” Filling:
- 6 Chayote squash or 10 medium zucchini (peeled and cored)
- 1 cup granulated sweetener (Swerve or Truvia)
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1½ cups almond flour (or ground oats for non-keto)
- ½ cup sliced almonds or pecans
- ⅓ cup granulated sweetener
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 113g (½ cup) cold butter, cubed
METHOD:
- Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C
- Slice squash/zucchini into thin, apple-like pieces (about 1/4 inch thick)
- In saucepan, combine sliced squash, sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice
- Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until tender but not mushy
- While filling cooks, prepare topping:
- Combine almond flour, nuts, sweetener, and cinnamon
- Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly
- Transfer cooked filling to baking dish
- Sprinkle topping evenly over filling
- Bake for 45 minutes until topping is golden brown and filling bubbles
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Don’t overcook the squash – it should hold its shape
- Drain excess liquid before baking
- Let cool 15 minutes before serving
- Taste filling and adjust sweetener if needed
STORAGE & VARIATIONS:
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Reheat at 300°F for 15 minutes
Common Mistakes:
- Cutting pieces too thin
- Skipping the pre-cooking step
- Using warm butter in topping
Variations:
- Add apple extract for more authentic flavor
- Use zucchini for a softer texture
- Mix in real apple for a hybrid version
- Replace nuts with seeds for a nut-free version
This recipe delivers all the comfort of traditional apple crisp without the sugar spike. Perfect for diabetics, keto dieters, or anyone watching their sugar intake!
