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Best Quinoa Apple Crisp: Dairy-free & Gluten-free Recipe

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
Jan 29, 2013 | Joy McCarthy

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
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Topping
  • 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
Instructions
  1. 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.

Notes

Serve with some coconut milk vanilla ice cream or for breakfast with some coconut milk.

Jan 29, 2013 BY Joy McCarthy
14 Comments
Nichola Reid   •   January 29, 2013

Thank you for this recipe, I was looking for a recipe to make that used quinoa flakes. Can't wait to try this.

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   January 30, 2013

Corinne   •   January 29, 2013

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 :)

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   January 30, 2013

Gluten Free Foods   •   February 4, 2013

I like this recipe because this is very healthy.

Reply

Broker Consultant Personal   •   February 4, 2013

I am pretty much pleased with your good work. You put really very helpful information

Reply

Healthnut Nutrition   •   February 26, 2013

Thanks for this recipe! I'm going to make it this weekend for sure! Dessert and breaky love it!

Reply

The Fair Seas Spice Co.   •   March 4, 2013

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.

Reply

March Recipe Challenge: surprise ingredients and the Harvest Box | Life in Vancouver, My Kitchen and Other Adventures   •   March 19, 2013

[...] Quinoa flake apple crisp. Not your traditional apple crisp but delicious nonetheless! Great for breakfast, snack or dessert.  [...]

Reply

Mindy   •   April 20, 2013

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!

Reply

My Top 5 Must-Have Veg Items | Very Mich   •   June 28, 2013

[...] 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! [...]

Reply

Kerry   •   May 21, 2014

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

Reply
Kate McDonald-Walker   •   May 22, 2014

kenishia A.   •   October 31, 2017

Thank u Joy for this recipe. This is really going to help me out. Its my alternative for oats.☺

Reply

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