This Gluten Free Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert made with sweet, tender apples and a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for any season and super easy to make!
Every bite has that delicious mix of sweet and spice. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can mix different types for a more complex flavor. If these varieties are unavailable, Fuji or Braeburn are good alternatives, too.
Sugar: I love using a mix of granulated and brown sugar for deep flavor. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid ingredients in the recipe slightly.
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour can be swapped with gluten free all-purpose flour. If you’re aiming for grain-free, almond flour or coconut flour works great, but remember to adjust the amount as they absorb moisture differently.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness, but for dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter. Just make sure it’s solid for the crumbly topping!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
A crunchy topping is key to a delicious apple crisp. Here’s how to nail it:
- Keep the butter cold. This helps create that flaky texture.
- Use a pastry cutter, forks, or your fingers to mix the cold butter into the dry ingredients until you see pea-sized clumps.
- Don’t overmix! You want a few larger pieces for that lovely crunch.
- Spread evenly over the apple filling without pressing down too hard—this keeps it nice and light.
With these tips, your crisp topping will be perfectly crunchy and golden every time!
Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp gluten free all-purpose flour (or arrowroot starch)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Optional for Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious apple crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 40-45 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at around 1 hour total before you can enjoy this warm, comforting dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, lightly grease a 9-inch square (or similar sized) baking dish to ensure your crisp doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine your sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and gluten free flour. Mix everything well so that the apples are evenly coated. Once they’re all combined, pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, stir together the gluten free oats, gluten free flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Next, add the cold butter pieces to this mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until everything looks like coarse crumbs. This means you have the perfect topping!
4. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish, making sure to cover all the apples with the yummy crunch.
5. Bake It Up:
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender when poked with a fork.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top if you prefer. Enjoy your delightful, gluten free apple crisp!
Dig into this comforting dessert that combines sweet apples with a crunchy topping—so simple and so delicious!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Absolutely! You can substitute other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness. For example, you might need less sugar for ripe berries.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or you can microwave a single serving for a faster option!
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil. You can also replace the sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar if preferred—though this might alter the texture slightly.
Can I Freeze This Apple Crisp?
Yes, you can freeze the baked apple crisp! Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
