Even though I’m personally finished my 10-day detox I’m still continuing to eat mostly gluten-free and dairy-free along with doing my herbal detox tea every single morning. This is why I created this dairy-free, gluten-free apple crisp because I LOVE dessert.
The other night, Walker and I went to a friends house for dinner and I brought this quinoa flake apple crisp. It was a crowd-pleaser and lucky for me I had one serving left for breakfast the next day.
You may be wondering why I used quinoa flakes for the crust instead of raw oats. Well as healthy as oats are, when “raw” they contain anti-nutrients including phytates and enzyme inhibitors that actually prevent absorption of minerals and are hard to digest. This can result in a variety of problems when consumed regularly including digestive problems and skin issues (typical food sensitivity symptoms). If you properly soak and ferment oats, they can be very delicious and healthy. From time to time I eat granola that likely has not been properly soaked, but it’s certainly not the norm.
If you are eating one minute or quick oats, definitely ditch those if you want to keep insulin in check, blood sugar balanced and reduce your chances for belly fat, despite those handy packages being under 200 calories. That is NOT real food. To learn more, read this really great article from Mark’s Daily Apple on Are Oats Healthy?
The topping on this dish was crispy, sweet and you won’t miss your dairy/sugar/oat-filled crisp one bit — that’s my personal promise to you!
Desserts
Best Quinoa Apple Crisp
PrintTopping
- 1-1/2 cups quinoa flakes (You can buy these at the health food store).
- 1/4 cup sulfite-free dried cranberries or 6 medjol dates, pitted and chopped
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (this is sooo worth adding if it's not a regular in your kitchen pantry, go get it! 🙂
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (use any. I used a mixture of pecan, almonds, cashews)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- Optional: 1 tbsp coconut palm sugar
- Drizzle of real maple syrup (about 1-2 tbsp)
Filling
- 5-6 organic apples, washed and thinly sliced (leave the peel on, most of the fibre and phytonutrients are contained within the peel)
- 2 tbsp water or apple juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Optional: 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all in ingredients into a large bowl and mix together, excluding the coconut sugar and maple syrup. Give it a little taste test and add the coconut sugar if you think it needs it. Hold off on the maple syrup till the end -- see below.
Serve with some coconut milk vanilla ice cream or for breakfast with some coconut milk.
15 thoughts on “Best Quinoa Apple Crisp: Dairy-free & Gluten-free Recipe”
Thank you for this recipe, I was looking for a recipe to make that used quinoa flakes. Can’t wait to try this.
This looks delicious! I just have a question though, I make oatmeal from rolled outs myself, what is your thoughts on those? (They’re not the instant kind) As these wouldn’t be considered raw right? Your thoughts would be appreciated 🙂
That’s so great you are making them yourself. I would however, still soak them. Yes, they would be considered raw. I have a recipe for muesli and that would be a great start: http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/11/18/homemade-energizing-breakfast-muesli-recipe/
You are most welcome. Let me know how it turns out. Here is another recipe with quinoa flakes you might like: http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2012/12/20/maple-chocolate-chip-cookies-gluten-free-recipe/
I like this recipe because this is very healthy.
I am pretty much pleased with your good work. You put really very helpful information
Thanks for this recipe! I’m going to make it this weekend for sure! Dessert and breaky love it!
Great recipe. Thanks for posting. Love the use of cinnamon and cardamom. More people need to get on board with this versatile spice. I would also suggest adding a hint of freshly ground clove for a little extra depth. I use the the three spices together every morning in my breakfast oatmeal.
[…] Quinoa flake apple crisp. Not your traditional apple crisp but delicious nonetheless! Great for breakfast, snack or dessert. […]
I have this in the oven right now. I am addicted to cinnamon so I added a bit more. I am in love with quinoa flakes!
[…] 1. Quinoa: this ancient (and delicious) grain…. or seed (???) is so amazing for many reasons like… it’s gluten-free….. it has a high protein content- it contains essential amino acids making it a complete protein which can be paired optimally with many foods. And it has this sneaky ability to be transformed successfully into both a sweet or savory dish. It goes well with seasoned vegetables and in salads. I also love having quinoa for breakfast- cooked and mixed with some applies, cinnamon, and vanilla almond milk! One of my fav bloggers, Joyous Health, transforms quinoa into some of the most delicious treats and soul-warming meals on her site. Check out her delish Quinoa Apple Crisp here! […]
How do you properly soak and ferment oats?
Hi! I am very interested in what you said about oatmeal. I give my son 1 minute oats with fresh fruit several times a week for breakfast. Is there a healthier option? He is 20 months. He has trouble with really chewy things.
Thanks
Hi Kerry,
We really like quinoa flakes as an alternative to oats.
Kate – Joyous Health Team
Thank u Joy for this recipe. This is really going to help me out. Its my alternative for oats.☺