Whole30 Banana and Apple Crisp: The Perfect Healthy Dessert That Everyone Will Love

There’s something so comforting about a warm, fruity crisp fresh out of the oven. When I started my Whole30 journey, I thought desserts like this were off the table, but this banana and apple crisp proves otherwise. It’s naturally sweetened with fruit and packed with cozy flavors that feel like a hug in every bite.

I love how this recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tartness of apples. It’s simple, wholesome, and perfect for satisfying those dessert cravings without breaking the Whole30 rules. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a dish to share, this crisp is always a winner.

Whole30 Banana And Apple Crisp Recipe

This Whole30 Banana and Apple Crisp highlights one of my favorite ingredients—bananas! As someone who loves growing banana trees and experimenting with new ways to use this versatile fruit, I’m beyond excited to share this simple, naturally sweet recipe with you. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (Whole30-compliant)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced bananas and apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. The combination of bananas, rich with natural sweetness, and tart apples creates a balanced and incredibly flavorful base.

1. Create the Crisp Topping:

In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, shredded coconut, and walnuts if you’re using them. Pour the melted coconut oil over the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The coconut oil adds just the right amount of moisture to bind the topping while giving it a delicious, nutty undertone.

1. Assemble the Crisp:

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a small amount of coconut oil. Spread the banana and apple mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the crisp topping mixture over the fruit, covering it as evenly as possible. I like to mound a little extra topping toward the center for added texture.

1. Bake:

Bake the crisp in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges. The aroma of bananas and apples baking together is absolutely irresistible.

1. Serve Warm:

Let the crisp sit for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the flavors to meld. This recipe shines on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of chilled coconut cream if desired. Trust me, it’s banana bliss in every bite!

Ingredients

This Whole30 banana and apple crisp combines ripe, naturally sweet bananas with tart apples for a dessert that’s both wholesome and satisfying. I’ve carefully crafted the ingredient list to highlight the incredible flavors and textures that make bananas a star in this dish.

For The Filling

• 2 medium bananas, sliced into thin rounds
• 3 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for a warm kick)

For The Crisp Topping

• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped walnuts (optional, but I love their crunch)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

Tools And Equipment

As someone who loves working with bananas in all forms, I’ve found that having the right tools makes preparation so much easier and enjoyable. For this Whole30 Banana and Apple Crisp, here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen:

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for slicing the bananas and apples into even pieces.
• Sharp knife: Essential for clean and precise cuts while handling the fruit.
• Mixing bowls (2): One for combining the fruit filling and another for the crisp topping. I like to use medium to large bowls for plenty of room to mix without spilling.
• Citrus juicer: Perfect for squeezing fresh lemon juice to keep the fruit bright and flavorful.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for the topping ingredients like almond flour, spices, and shredded coconut.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helpful for mixing the ingredients evenly in the bowls.
• 8×8-inch baking dish: The ideal size for layering the crisp and ensuring it bakes evenly. A glass or ceramic dish works beautifully for this recipe.
• Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish once your crisp is golden and bubbling.

These tools are my go-to essentials whenever I whip up this dish. My love for bananas inspired me to refine this process with the perfect equipment, ensuring every step feels seamless and fun.

Directions

This Whole30 banana and apple crisp combines tart apples and naturally sweet bananas for a textured, flavor-packed dessert. Follow these steps to create a warm, comforting dish that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Prep The Ingredients

I started by gathering the freshest ingredients. Here’s how I prepared each one:

• Peel and slice 2 medium bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. Ensure they’re ripe but not overly mushy for the best texture.
• Core and thinly slice 3 medium tart apples. I like Granny Smith for their tangy flavor, but use your favorite variety.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon) for tossing with the fruit to enhance the sweetness and prevent browning.
• Measure out all spices and dry ingredients for easy mixing later.

Make The Filling

The filling is where ripe bananas truly shine! In a large mixing bowl, I combined:

• The sliced bananas and apples.
• A generous sprinkle of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for warm spices.
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Gently toss everything together with a wooden spoon, ensuring each piece of fruit is coated. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the bananas and pairs beautifully with the apples.

Prepare The Crisp Topping

For that crispy, golden topping, mix these ingredients in a medium bowl:

• 1/2 cup almond flour.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional but adds a lovely crunch).
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce to bind the mixture. The texture should be crumbly yet moist enough to clump together slightly.

Assemble The Crisp

Now comes the fun part—layering it all together! I took an 8×8-inch baking dish and:

1. Spread the prepared banana and apple filling evenly across the bottom.
2. Sprinkled the crisp topping over the fruit in an even layer, ensuring no gaps for full coverage. I pressed it gently so it adhered to the fruit below.

Bake The Crisp

Finally, I baked the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns golden brown and the fruit juices bubble around the edges. The aroma of baked bananas, apples, and warm spices will fill your kitchen—pure bliss! Be sure to let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this Whole30 Banana and Apple Crisp, I love to let the natural flavors of the bananas and apples shine. After all, as someone who cherishes growing my own banana trees, I can’t help but savor every bite of their sweetness and bring that joy to my table. Here’s how I like to serve it for maximum enjoyment:

• Serve At Room Temperature or Warm: I recommend letting the crisp cool for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This gives the filling enough time to set while the topping remains delightfully golden and crisp. You can enjoy it warm for a cozy treat or at room temperature for a lighter dessert.
• Add Coconut Cream: For an indulgent, Whole30-compliant twist, I love to add a dollop of chilled coconut cream on top. The creamy texture complements the crunch of the topping and the soft bananas perfectly. To make it extra special, try sprinkling a dash of ground cinnamon over the cream.
• Pair with Fresh Fruit: Alongside the crisp, I sometimes serve slices of fresh banana or apple wedges for an added Burst of freshness. This not only elevates the dessert but also reminds my guests of the vital role these fruits play in creating this dish.
• Perfect for Breakfast: While it’s a show-stopper dessert, this crisp also works wonderfully for breakfast. Pair it with a cup of black coffee or herbal tea. For those not strictly on Whole30, it can be served with a drizzle of almond butter for an energizing start to the day.
• Share Around the Table: This is a dish best enjoyed with friends and family. I adore placing the baking dish right on the table so everyone can serve themselves. The communal experience of diving into a homey dessert like this is something I always cherish.

Using my fresh bananas in a dish like this always brings me joy, and I hope my serving ideas make the experience as delightful for you as it is for me.

Make-Ahead Instructions

As someone who loves working with bananas and creating recipes that celebrate their natural versatility, I understand the importance of preparing ahead to make life in the kitchen easier. This Whole30 Banana and Apple Crisp is a fantastic make-ahead dish without losing any of its vibrant flavors or comforting textures. Here’s how I suggest you tackle this.

Preparing the Filling in Advance

You can slice the bananas and apples ahead of time and store them properly. Start by tossing the sliced fruit with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Once mixed with the spices as per the recipe, transfer the filling to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 day before assembling the crisp.

Assembling and Storing the Crisp

If you’d like to assemble the entire dish in advance, layer the filling into your baking dish and then add the crisp topping mixture. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, simply remove the cover and proceed as per the baking instructions. You might need to add 5 extra minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold.

Freezing Option for Extended Prep

For a longer make-ahead option, freeze the assembled but unbaked crisp. First, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, ensuring it is well-sealed. It can be stored this way in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If baking directly from frozen, increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling.

Crisp Topping Storage Tip

The crisp topping can also be made on its own and stored separately. Mix those almond flour, shredded coconut, walnuts, and spices together, then freeze the mixture in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. This topping will keep well for up to a month, making it easy to whip up a fresh crisp at a moment’s notice.

Reheating Instructions

If you’ve baked the crisp in advance and need to warm it up, simply preheat the oven to 300°F and cover the dish with foil for moisture retention. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps both the fruit filling deliciously tender and the topping wonderfully crisp.

Tips For Success

Creating the perfect Whole30 banana and apple crisp requires just a little expertise and attention to detail—and as someone who loves growing banana trees and experimenting with banana recipes, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned to help you succeed.

Get the Ripe Bananas Right

Using ripe bananas is key to naturally sweetening this dish. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on their skin—these are not only softer for baking but also lend a caramel-like sweetness without needing added sugar. Avoid overly mushy bananas as they can make the filling overly watery.

Thin, Even Slices for Fruit

When slicing bananas and apples for the filling, aim for thin, uniform slices. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from being too mushy while others remain firm. I like to use a sharp knife and a steady hand or, if you prefer, a mandoline slicer for precision.

Balance the Lemon Juice

Too much lemon juice can overwhelm the natural sweetness of the bananas and apples. Use just enough to coat the fruit and prevent browning while maintaining the crisp’s flavor harmony. I recommend measuring out the juice rather than eyeballing it.

Toast the Nuts for Enhanced Flavor

If you’re using walnuts in the crisp topping, lightly toast them before mixing. This simple step brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor, taking the topping to a whole new level. Place them in a dry skillet on medium heat for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.

Use Freshly Ground Spices

Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are essential to this recipe’s warm and cozy flavor. Whenever possible, grind your spices fresh or use the best-quality pre-ground spices you can find. Trust me—this small detail makes a big difference in the final taste.

Don’t Skip the Cooling Time

I know it’s tempting to dive right in once the banana and apple crisp comes out of the oven, but waiting 10-15 minutes is crucial. This allows the juices to set slightly, making serving easier and the flavors even more delicious. The topping also crisps up further as it cools.

Customize for Your Palate

I love using shredded coconut and almond flour to make this crisp topping Whole30-friendly, but feel free to experiment. You can swap the walnuts for pecans or even omit the coconut for a more traditional feel. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, so make it your own.

Keep an Eye While Baking

Oven temperatures can vary slightly, so check on your crisp at the 25-minute mark. The topping should be golden brown, and you’ll notice the fruit juices bubbling along the edges. If needed, add an extra 5 minutes for that perfect finish.

I hope these tips help you achieve a wholesome, flavorful dessert that highlights the charm of ripe bananas. The kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll marvel at how simple ingredients can come together so beautifully.

Conclusion

I hope this Whole30 banana and apple crisp inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy a dessert that’s both wholesome and satisfying. There’s something so rewarding about turning simple, natural ingredients into a dish that feels like a treat without compromising on your goals.

Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it solo, this crisp is sure to bring a little extra warmth and joy to your day. Don’t forget to make it your own with the tips and serving ideas I shared. Happy baking!