Apple Dessert Recipe Roundup

Apples are abundant this time of year. I love them fresh, but there are so many great ways to cook them up, I can't help but make a few good apple recipes during the fall season. Here are some lighter versions of my favorite apple dessert recipes.

Apple Crisp
The traditional topping for sliced apples is a combination of brown sugar and butter, which really adds a lot of empty calories to this dish. I will make a healthier topping with oatmeal, canola oil and maple syrup.




Ingredients

• 8 to 10 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Spread apples over the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with sugar.
3. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix together until crumbly. Press over apple mixture.
4. Cover with tin foil and bake for about 45 minutes until the apples are soft. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes to brown the topping.
Serves: 12

Nutrition Content (per serving)
195 calories, 41 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 20 g sugars, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein, 2 mg sodium

Apple Pie
Many people try to avoid the pie crust when they are watching calories, but with my whole wheat crust and lower calorie filling, a portion of my apple pie will fit within your calorie needs rather than exceeding them.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 tablespoons cold water

• 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium jicama, peeled and shredded
• 1/4 cup sugar or Splenda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
1. Combine the apples, jicama, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Mix well to coat the fruit and put aside until crust is ready.
2. To make the crust combine the pastry flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is soft and crumbly. Add water until mixture forms a ball.
3. Divide in half and shape into a ball. Roll dough on a floured surface. Line pie plate with half of the dough.
4. Fill pie plate with the apple mixture.
5. Cover with the second crust. Cut slits in the top and brush with egg whites if desired.
6. Bake at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Reduce heat to 325°F and continue to bake for another 30 to 40 minutes or until the apples are soft.
Serves: 8

Nutrition Content (per serving):
235 calories, 5 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 47 g carbohydrates, 16 g sugars, 9 g fiber, 5 g protein, 186 mg sodium
Note: Using Splenda reduces the calories to 213, carbohydrates to 41 g, and sugars to 10 g.

Candied Apples
I have to admit, these were a childhood favorite of mine. Healthy apples covered with a candy coating is often a snack both mom and child approve of, but most kids don't eat much past the candy coating. In my rehab, I make sure the candy coating has protein, healthy fats, antioxidants and a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 4 small apples
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions
1. Melt the chocolate and peanut butter in the top of a double boiler over boiling water.
2. Roll the apples one at a time in the melted chocolate and then sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Repeat for additional apples.
3. Place on waxed paper to cool and harden.

Serves: 4

Nutrition Content (per serving)
308 calories, 18 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 28 g sugars, 7 g fiber, 6 g protein, 24 mg sodium

More Healthy Recipes from That's Fit
Fresh Apple Cake
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie

Readers, I would love to hear from you! Please send me your favorite fattening recipes that need a RECIPE REHAB! Everything from your mom's meatloaf to your kid's favorite dessert -- let me lighten it up.

Celebrity dietitian and motivational life coach, Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of www.ffactordiet.com and founder of www.skinnyandthecity.com and www.theskinnyondietitians.com has helped thousands of people lose weight and keep it off with her program. Her philosophy? Tanya believes you should never sacrifice taste, even when you're eating healthy foods. Have a recipe in need of rehab? Send us your recipe!