Keto Apple Crisp

If there’s one dessert that screams warm hugs and cozy evenings, it’s apple crisp. Growing up, it was a staple in my home—especially during the holidays. My mom’s version was legendary, and when I started eating low-carb, I knew I had to create a version that felt just as comforting.

This Keto Apple Crisp hits all the right notes. It’s buttery, spiced, and has that golden, crunchy topping we all love… but here’s the twist: it’s got zero apples in it. Sounds wild, I know. But trust me, you won’t miss them. Instead, we’re using a clever little swap that keeps this dessert low in carbs but full of that classic flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

Tastes just like the real thing – It’s got all the apple crisp flavor, but with no actual apples involved. Magic? Not quite—but close.

Perfectly cozy texture – The “apple” filling is soft and buttery, and the topping is crisp and golden. Just like the real deal.

Naturally gluten-free – No need for special flours or substitutions. It fits right into any gluten-free or low-carb lifestyle.

Great for making ahead – I love prepping the filling in advance and baking it fresh when I’m ready to serve. Perfect for dinners with friends or holiday gatherings.

If you love keto-friendly comfort desserts, you’ll probably enjoy this one as much as we do. And yes, even my mom said this might be better than hers. Don’t tell her I said that.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down—this is what makes the magic happen:

For The Filling

Chayote squash – This is the game-changer. It’s the perfect low-carb stand-in for green apples. Can’t find it? Yellow squash or zucchini work too.

Unsalted butter – We’ll melt it to bring richness to the filling.

Water – Helps the squash cook down and keeps things juicy.

Keto brown sugar – I use a homemade brown sugar substitute that mimics the flavor and texture of the real thing—without the carbs.

Powdered sweetener – Adds just the right amount of sweetness and smooth texture.

Fresh lemon juice – Cuts through the richness and adds a lovely brightness.

Cinnamon – A must. No crisp is complete without it.

Apple extract – This is the secret to getting that apple flavor with no apples.

Xanthan gum – Just a pinch to thicken everything up.

For The Topping

Chopped almonds – They give the topping that satisfying crunch.

Almond flour – Go for blanched or superfine for best results.

Shredded coconut – Unsweetened and finely shredded. Skip the large flakes—they burn too quickly.

Granulated sweetener – I stick with my keto brown sugar here too, but any granulated low-carb sweetener works.

Coconut oil – Melted so it mixes easily into the crumble.

How To Make Keto Apple Crisp

Step 1: Make The Filling

Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add your chopped squash and a splash of water. Cover and let it simmer for about 7–8 minutes until it’s nice and tender.

Then, stir in the rest of the filling ingredients—sweeteners, lemon juice, apple extract, cinnamon, xanthan gum—and simmer for another 3 minutes to let all the flavors come together.

Step 2: Bake The Filling

Transfer the filling into a greased baking dish and bake it at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. This helps it firm up and get that warm, saucy feel.

Step 3: Make The Topping

While the filling is baking, mix all the crumble ingredients in a small bowl. When the filling’s done, take it out of the oven, sprinkle the crumble on top, and pop it back in for 10–15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crisp top.

Tips For The Best Apple Crisp

• Use real apples (if you want) – If you’re okay with a few more carbs, try a 50/50 mix of chayote and Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples.
• Adjust the moisture – Squash can vary. If your filling looks a bit dry, just add a couple extra tablespoons of water.
• Taste before baking – Everyone’s sweet tooth is different. Taste the filling before baking and tweak the sweetness if needed.
• Add more spices – Cinnamon is great, but a little nutmeg or apple pie spice can take it up a notch.
• Serve it right – This is incredible with a scoop of keto vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of sugar-free caramel, or a big dollop of whipped cream.

How To Store Leftovers

To refrigerate – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
To freeze – Let it cool completely, then store in a shallow container or freezer bag for up to 6 months.
To reheat – Warm it in the microwave in 20-second bursts, or pop it into the oven to crisp it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Granny Smith apples keto-friendly?
Not really. While they’re lower in sugar than other apples, they still have around 20g of carbs per fruit. That’s why we use squash or just a small portion of apple, if any.

How many carbs are in a green apple?
A medium green apple has about 22–25 grams of total carbs, which is quite a lot if you’re aiming to stay under 20–30g net carbs a day.

More Keto Desserts To Try

• Keto Pecan Pie
• Keto Blueberry Pie
• Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Keto Pumpkin Pie
• Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies (for when the crisp is gone but the cravings remain)

This Keto Apple Crisp is a little bit nostalgic, a little bit clever, and a whole lot of delicious. Whether you’re celebrating something or just need a cozy dessert to end the day, this one is always a hit.

Try other crisp recipes:

• Crispy Belgian Waffles
• Sugarfree Apple Crisp
• Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato