Vegan Cinnamon Apple Crepe Dessert Recipe

Introduction:

Indulge in a delectable, plant-based treat with our Vegan Cinnamon Apple Crepe Dessert. This elegant dessert features light, tender crepes filled with a warm, spiced apple mixture. Perfect for brunches, cozy dinners, or a sweet finish to any meal, this dessert combines wholesome ingredients with delightful flavors. Not only is it vegan, but it is also designed to be light on SmartPoints, making it a smart choice for those following Weight Watchers or simply looking for a healthier dessert option.

Ingredients:

For the Crepes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Apple Filling:

  • 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Additional maple syrup or vegan whipped cream

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Flax Egg: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. This will act as the binder in our vegan crepe batter.
  2. Make the Crepe Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk, maple syrup, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the prepared flax egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to ensure the crepes are tender and pliable.
  3. Cook the Crepes: Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of vegetable oil or cooking spray. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the center of the pan, tilting and swirling the pan to spread the batter evenly into a thin layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is golden brown. Flip the crepe and cook for another 1 minute. Transfer the cooked crepes to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  4. Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Filling: In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add the maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the syrup has thickened slightly.
  5. Thicken the Filling: Mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the apple mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this point. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  6. Assemble the Crepes: Lay one crepe on a serving plate. Spoon a generous amount of the cinnamon apple filling onto the center of the crepe. Fold the crepe in half or roll it up, depending on your preference. Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.
  7. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of additional maple syrup or a dollop of vegan whipped cream. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving (1 crepe with filling, without garnish):

  • Calories: Approximately 250
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 4g

SmartPoints:

  • Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 7 points per serving (1 crepe with filling, based on current WW guidelines)

Useful Tips:

  1. Flour Alternatives: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  2. Sweetener Options: Adjust the sweetness of the apple filling to your taste. You can use less maple syrup or replace it with a low-calorie sweetener if desired.
  3. Crepe Cooking Tip: Ensure the pan is properly heated before adding the batter to prevent sticking. Non-stick pans work best for making crepes.
  4. Storage: Store leftover crepes and filling separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the crepes in a skillet over low heat and warm the apple filling in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion:

This Vegan Cinnamon Apple Crepe Dessert is a versatile and satisfying treat that delivers on flavor while keeping SmartPoints low. Its combination of tender crepes and spiced apple filling creates a delightful experience that’s both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as an everyday dessert, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-kissed apples wrapped in soft crepes, and savor every bite of this guilt-free pleasure.