Apple Crisp and Banana Nice Cream Recipe (without oil or butter)

Ok so I never said I was the best blogger out there, I know I don't put too much on here too often but I am pretty awesome on Facebook and Instagram if you want to follow me there :) Now that I got that out in the open did you survive the bulk of winter? I did pretty good here in Minnesota, I didn't get the winter blues too bad, and you know... took a million pictures of my cat...

 I was able to get in a couple bike rides recently with some warmer spring weather hinting at it's arrival, but as I'm writing this it has begun to snow unfortunately, but it shouldn't stay for long with spring hot on it's heels, we will feel warmth again!

    Without further ado here is an awesome Apple Crisp recipe if I do say so myself! It is in fact crispy on the top without the use of any oils or butters which I find amazing, however it is still an occasional treat since it does incorporate some sugar, you could use something like dates but it's hard to get a "crisp" top that way, it is almost fat free other than the small amount from oats and flour, and that is pretty cool in my book ;)

You can use whatever apple you love, however most prefer something on the tart side like a granny smith, other apples like red delicious can turn out really mushy, so whatever it is make sure it's a crispy apple!

Apple Mixture:
6 apples peeled and sliced
1 Tbs flour*
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbs vegan brown sugar (usually brown organic cane sugar)

Topping:
2/3 cup regular rolled oats
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/3 cup flour*
2/3 vegan brown sugar (usually brown organic cane sugar)
4 Tbs maple syrup

-Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees, and lightly oil/spray an 8x8 baking dish (greasing the pan is optional but recommended)

- Place apples in a large bowl and sprinkle in remaining apple mixture ingredients and mix well.
- Add apple mixture to the baking dish

-Put the oats in a food processor or blender and pulse about 5 times, making some smaller pieces, it doesn't have to be oat flour, just trying to make some smaller pieces, this helps make the top more crispy but not necessary.

-Add oats and the rest of the dry topping ingredients into a medium sized bowl, mix well.

-Add in the maple syrup and mix until it becomes darker and everything seems incorporated, some larger chunks are just fine and will be nice and crispy when cooked.

Bake for 30-35 mins uncovered, let cool 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with some *Banana nice cream :)

*I have not tried other flours but feel free to use another type, it will most likely turn out just as delicious.

This recipe was adapted from recipe4living.

*To make Banana Nice Cream: simply freeze some peeled bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for a few hours until frozen, thaw for 10-15 mins, break into pieces and blend in a good blender or food processor splashing small amounts of vanilla plant milk as needed until smooth. You can also add cinnamon, cocoa powder, or carob powder etc.. there are endless variations :)