Coffee and Dessert - Mouth-Friendly Sugar-Free Apple Crumble

You can give in to your cravings for sweets without sacrificing your overall health. This recipe from nedental.com is considered mouth friendly as it is also easy on your teeth and gums. Hard to believe a sugar-free and gluten-free dessert can taste great but your taste buds will be delighted with the flavor. This is a classic dessert with the wonderful flavors of autumn and whole fruit. I'm sure your friends and family will love this once they give it a try.

Sugar-Free Apple Crumble

Filling:

1 large banana, thinly sliced

2 large apples, chopped

2 dates, chopped

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon ground)

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Crumble Topping:

1-1/2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1-ounce walnuts, crushed

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

Make the Filling:

1. Preheat oven to 375 ℉. Spray a small baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place sliced banana, apples and dates in a medium-size bowl.
3. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and lemon juice; toss until everything is evenly coated with the spices.
4. Transfer the filling mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fruit starts to bubble.

Make the Crumble Topping:

1. In the same medium-size bowl, combine rolled oats with the applesauce, walnuts, vanilla extract and salt; mix well with a spoon.

Assemble the Apple Crumble:

1. Top the baked filling mixture evenly with the crumble topping.
2. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the oats are slightly golden and crisp.
3. Let the apple crumble cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm. Enjoy!