Name: Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¾ cup rolled oats; ½ cup white whole wheat flour; ⅓ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup coconut oil or unsalted butter (melted); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch of salt

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Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that reimagines comfort food in the most wholesome way: Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat}. Imagine juicy, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled under a dreamy, nutty oat topping, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Each bite is pure autumn joy, yet the whole wheat twist and natural sweeteners make this bowl of cozy entirely feel-good. Whether you’re serving it up at a special gathering or sneaking a forkful for breakfast (no judgment!), this Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} brings a blend of nostalgic flavor and modern healthfulness you’ll crave all year long.

Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} keeps things simple, letting each ingredient shine for scrumptiously good reasons. Every element adds its unique flavor, creates delicious texture, and brings a dash of color to your baking dish—no fillers, only real, recognizable pantry stars!

Apples (5 cups, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Choose your favorite tart or sweet variety—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith all work beautifully for a tender, juicy filling.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A splash brightens the apples and keeps them from browning.
Maple Syrup or Honey (2 tablespoons): Natural sweetness enhances the fruit and adds subtle floral notes.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Essential for that comforting, spiced aroma we all crave in apple desserts.
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers an extra layer of warmth and depth to the apple filling.
Rolled Oats (3/4 cup): For a hearty, chewy topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
White Whole Wheat Flour (1/2 cup): Adds wholesome nuttiness and structure to the crumble without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Brown Sugar (1/3 cup): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the crispy oat topping.
Creamy Peanut Butter (1/4 cup): The magic ingredient—rich, nutty, and perfectly complementary to apples.
Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter, melted (1/4 cup): Either option melts into the topping, promoting a golden, crunchy finish.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the cozy flavors and brings them together beautifully.
Pinch of Salt: A tiny bit sharpens and balances all the sweetness for a well-rounded bite.

How to Make Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat}

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} bakes evenly from the first minute. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent any of the gooey goodness from sticking and to make serving a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss your thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture smells like a cozy autumn day and infuses each apple slice with sweet-tart flavor and warmth. Once everything is coated, arrange the apple mixture in an even layer in your baking dish.

Step 3: Mix the Oaty Peanut Butter Topping

Grab a separate bowl and combine the rolled oats, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Give it a quick stir to blend. Next, add the creamy peanut butter, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together—the mixture should look crumbly yet hold together when squeezed. This topping is where the magic really starts to happen!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the oaty, nutty topping evenly over your apples, making sure every corner gets some love. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling happily underneath. Your kitchen will smell unbelievable at this point—don’t be surprised if everyone comes running!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set (and saves you from molten apple burns!). The crisp is wonderful enjoyed warm on its own, but if you want to take it over the top, add a scoop of vanilla yogurt or ice cream.

How to Serve Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat}

Garnishes

Dress up each serving of Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts for an irresistible finishing touch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of warm peanut butter can also add extra flair.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or robust coffee. For a lighter touch, serve alongside tangy Greek yogurt, which both cools and balances the warm spices and sweetness in each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or layer leftovers into a yogurt parfait with crunchy granola for a wholesome breakfast treat. A decorative drizzle of additional maple syrup or peanut butter always earns rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Once completely cooled, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the crisp to an airtight container to lock in freshness.

Freezing

This crisp freezes wonderfully—perfect for prepping ahead! Cool completely, wrap tightly in a double layer of foil (or place in a freezer-safe container), and freeze for up to three months. When the craving strikes, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked flavor and texture, warm individual portions in the microwave for a minute or two, or reheat the whole dish in a 325°F oven until hot and the topping crisps back up. Add a splash of milk or a scoop of ice cream right before serving for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture to the topping and a few extra peanut bits for serious fans. If you prefer a smoother finish, stick to creamy, but both work beautifully in this Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat}.

What apple varieties work best for this recipe?

Firm, baking apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, or Braeburn are excellent choices. Mixing a few varieties can add complexity and a good balance of sweetness and tartness to your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat}.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the white whole wheat flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. The flavors and textures will stay just as amazing.

Is there a way to reduce the sugar for a healthier version?

You can absolutely use less brown sugar or swap in coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option, and opt for unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the sweetener if you like—it will still yield a delicious Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} with plenty of natural sweetness.

How do I know when the crisp is done baking?

Look for a bubbly filling and a deeply golden, crisp topping. The apples should feel tender when pierced with a fork—the aroma alone will be a good clue that your Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} is ready to come out of the oven!

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for homemade comfort that feels both nostalgic and a little bit new, you’ll fall head over heels for Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat}. The perfectly spiced apples, cozy oat topping, and that nutty peanut butter magic come together for a treat you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your favorite apples, a jar of peanut butter, and let this crisp become your next kitchen tradition!

Apple Peanut Butter Crisp {Whole Wheat} Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet apples, warm spices, and a crunchy peanut butter topping with this delightful Apple Peanut Butter Crisp. This wholesome dessert is a comforting treat for any occasion, especially during the fall season.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apples:

5 cups apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Topping:

¾ cup rolled oats
½ cup white whole wheat flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup coconut oil or unsalted butter (melted)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add peanut butter, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract. Stir until crumbly.
Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping over the apples. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or ice cream.