Apple Oat Crisp

At 85 calories a serving, this apple crisp doesn’t feel like a compromise. Sliced apples get layered with applesauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, a teaspoon of sugar, and cinnamon. The applesauce adds body and moisture to the filling without added fat, creating a saucy, thick base that the topping sits on rather than sinking into.

The oat topping is stripped down to what it needs to be: quick oats, whole wheat flour, two tablespoons of brown sugar, cinnamon, and just over a tablespoon of margarine. It’s not the buttery crunch of a full-fat crisp, but it crisps up and browns properly and delivers the textural contrast you want.

This is a Weight Watchers-friendly dessert that works as a weeknight finish or a lighter holiday option. Four servings, 8-inch dish, one hour total.

Kitchen Tips

• Use applesauce without added sugar in the filling. Sweetened applesauce tips the balance and the crisp can turn too sweet.
• Rub the margarine into the oat mixture with your fingers until it clumps into small, crumbly pieces. That’s what crisps up in the oven.
• Don’t skimp on the bake time. The full 35-40 minutes lets the apple filling bubble and thicken properly.
• The lemon zest is small in quantity but significant in effect. It brightens the filling and keeps the apple flavor from tasting flat.

Variations

• Pear version: Swap the apples for thinly sliced ripe pears and reduce the sugar in the filling since pears are naturally sweeter.
• Add spice: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon adds warmth without adding calories.