Pin RecipeMy absolute favorite part of fall is picking fresh apples, and using them in delicious, autumn inspired desserts like this one! These Apple Pie Parfaits are an incredibly easy and sweet alternative to a traditional apple pie.
With 3 mouth-watering layers of caramel, spiced crumble, and pan-fried apples topped with ice cream, nothing satisfies a sweet tooth quite like these! Oh, and did I mention they’re made with all clean ingredients? They’re paleo, SCD, vegan modifiable, vegetarian, and AIP. Seriously…what do you have to lose?
Apple Pie Parfaits
I’ve experimented with this recipe numerous times, and I’ve picked up some tips and tricks along the way to optimize the flavor. While these are by no means necessary, implementing these small changes will make a huge difference in taste!
Use Fresh-Picked Apples
I never thought fresh-apples would make that big of a difference in flavor, until I tasted fresh apples. Whether you decide to pick them yourself, or get them from a local farmers market, I promise, it’s so worth it!!
Feel free to use whatever apples you prefer, but personally, I love ambrosia, or fuji for this recipe.
Use Small Shredded Coconut Flakes
Later in this article, you’ll learn how to make the crumble component of this recipe. While it turns out just fine with regular sized coconut flakes, the very small shredded ones are the very best for this recipe.
Once baked with honey, the small shreds take on a crunchy, yet perfectly chewy texture that just take this recipe over the top!
Top With A Healthy, Dairy-Free Ice Cream
Again, while ice cream is not required for this recipe, it’s my personal favorite finishing touch to this dessert. Daily Harvest recently came out with an ice cream line called “Scoops”. While they’re dairy-free, vegan, gum-free, and refined-sugar free, I promise, you’d never know the difference!
Thick, creamy, and perfectly sweet, their Vanilla + Salted, Swirled Black Sesame is the perfect way to top off this parfait. Find their Scoops here!
Ingredients
The ingredients in this recipe are incredibly minimal, and like mentioned above, totally clean! Here’s all the ingredients you need for the recipe!
Apples
Like I talked about earlier, fresh-picked are best, but any apples will do just fine! You’ll need around 6 small apples, or 3-4 large apples to make enough to serve 3.
Coconut Flakes
Coconut flakes and honey (plus apple pie seasoning) are what make the delicious crumble in this parfait. The smaller, the better when it comes to this recipe!
Caramel
This isn’t just any caramel you can find on a grocery store shelf. This caramel requires only 2 ingredients, and is totally clean! With just coconut cream, and honey, you can make this delicious caramel in only around 40 minutes.
As an alternative, you can buy this clean, pre-packaged version from The Date Lady!
Ice Cream
Like I talked about earlier, not totally necessary, but….you’re gonna want the ice cream! Both Fronen and Daily Harvest are great choices for clean, pre-packaged ice cream. However, you can always make your own “banana nice-cream” at home with only frozen bananas, vanilla extract, and nut milk!
Apple Pie Parfaits
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 3 Servings
Ingredients
Apple Layer
-6 Small Apples
-1 tsp Cinnamon (or more to taste)
-1 Tbsp Coconut Oil (we love Barlean’s)
Coconut Crumble
-2 Cups Shredded Coconut
-2 tsp Cinnamon
-1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
-3-4 Sprinkles Nutmeg
-4 Tbsp Honey (or maple for vegan)
Caramel
-1 Cup Coconut Cream
-1/2 Cup Honey (or maple for vegan)
Vanilla Ice Cream
-Clean brand (like Daily Harvest), or homemade banana “nice-cream”
Instructions
- Begin by combining coconut cream and honey (or maple) in a saucepan on medium heat (as this will take the longest). Allow to achieve a mild boil, and reduce to low heat. Stir every 5 minutes until caramel reduces to half its original amount, and begins to thicken (this should take anywhere from 25-40 minutes). Remove from heat, and let cool. *see notes for additional information*
- Preheat the oven to 350º f, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ingredients for coconut crumble. Spread in a thin layer on the baking sheet, and allow to bake until the crumble achieves a light, golden color (this should take between 5 and 10 minutes). Set aside to fully cool until sticky, and crunchy. *See notes*
- Begin by peeling, and slicing apples (can slice, or cube). Coat evenly in cinnamon. Melt coconut oil in a skillet, and saute apples for 5-10 minutes, or until crisp, and tender. Remove, and let cool.
Assembly
- Begin by drizzling the inside of your cup with caramel drizzle.
- Next, add a small layer of coconut crumble, and then a small layer of pan-fried apples. Repeat until 3/4 of the cup is filled.
- Top with ice cream or whipped cream, and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
Once removed from heat and allowed to cool, caramel will thicken exponentially. For rapid cooling, place in a glass container in the freezer while finishing the rest of the recipe.
*It is better to remove coconut crumble early than a little too late, as baking will continue for a few minutes outside of the oven, and over baking will dry out the crumble.
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