Gluten Free Apple Crisp – Easy & Delicious Fall Dessert

Gluten Free Apple Crisp is the ultimate cozy dessert for fall and beyond. Made with tender, spiced apples and topped with a buttery, crumbly gluten-free oat topping, this recipe delivers all the classic flavor without the gluten. Perfect for those with sensitivities or anyone who loves a wholesome twist on tradition, this apple crisp is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a comforting treat. It’s a must-try dessert that’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

What is Gluten Free Apple Crisp?

Gluten Free Apple Crisp is a delightful twist on the classic apple crisp dessert, specifically designed for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions. It features a layer of juicy, spiced apples baked until tender and bubbly, crowned with a topping made from gluten-free flours, oats, butter, and sugar. This topping creates a wonderfully crumbly and satisfying texture that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples. Unlike traditional apple crisps that rely on wheat flour, this version uses gluten-free alternatives. This makes it safe and equally delicious for anyone avoiding gluten.

This warming dessert is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a comforting treat, Gluten Free Apple Crisp is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, why not give it a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself?

Key Ingredients for Gluten Free Apple Crisp:

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (about 3 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Prevents browning and adds brightness to the apple flavor.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the apple filling. Adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your apples.
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour blend: Helps thicken the apple filling as it bakes.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic apple pie flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the cinnamon and adds depth of flavor.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

For the Gluten-Free Topping:

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend: Use a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour.
• 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free): Add a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the topping. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness and a chewy texture to the topping. Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Complements the cinnamon in the apple filling and adds warmth to the topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes: Use very cold butter for the best crumbly texture.

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Crisp:

This Gluten Free Apple Crisp is incredibly easy to make in under an hour! It’s delicious, features perfectly spiced apples, and a buttery, crunchy gluten-free topping. It’s definitely a satisfying fall treat. Preparation time is only about 20 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 40 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, gluten-free flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
4. Make the gluten-free topping: In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step, pulsing until the mixture is crumbly.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling. Make sure to distribute the topping so that it covers the apples completely.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Apple Crisp:

This Gluten Free Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that is sure to become a family favorite. First, the main highlight is the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors from the combination of apples and spices. It’s a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds, making each bite a memorable experience.

Secondly, making this at home not only saves you money compared to buying a premade gluten-free dessert but also allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your liking. You can choose your favorite types of apples!

Lastly, the flavorful, crunchy topping that’s made from gluten-free oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft and tender apples. This adds a layer of deliciousness to the dessert, making it irresistible.

If you’re a fan of other fruit-based desserts, you might also enjoy our Gluten Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp. It’s another delightful option that’s perfect for the spring season. Try this Gluten Free Apple Crisp today and experience the joy of a comforting and inclusive dessert right in your own kitchen!

What to Serve Gluten Free Apple Crisp With:

This Gluten Free Apple Crisp is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with complementary dishes and sides:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm crisp.
• Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds richness without being too heavy.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a decadent touch.
• Cinnamon or Chai Latte: A warm and spiced beverage that complements the flavors of the apple crisp.
• A Simple Salad: Offers a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the dessert.

Top Tips for Perfecting Gluten Free Apple Crisp:

• Use a mix of apples: Combining different apple varieties, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, adds complexity to the filling.
• Don’t overmix the topping: Overmixing can result in a dense, tough topping. Mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Use cold butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly topping. Keep the butter chilled until ready to use.
• Pre-cook the apples (Optional): If your apples are particularly firm, you can pre-cook them in a saucepan with a little water and sugar for about 5-10 minutes to help them soften before baking.
• Adjust the sweetness: Taste the apple mixture before adding it to the baking dish and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Prevent the topping from burning: If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the baking dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend: Not all gluten-free flour blends are created equal. I recommend using one with xanthan gum already added. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour or King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour are highly recommended.
• Substitute Spices: Customize the flavor by adding other spices like ginger, cloves, or cardamom.

Health Benefits of Gluten Free Apple Crisp:

While Gluten Free Apple Crisp is a dessert, it also offers some health benefits:

• Apples: Are a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. They also contain vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.
• Oats: When using certified gluten-free products, they provide soluble fiber, which is beneficial for heart health and helps lower cholesterol levels.
• Limited refined Sugar: By controlling the amount of sugar added, you can make a healthier version of the traditional crisp. Using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey in moderation can also be an option.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Gluten Free Apple Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the apple crisp. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the apple crisp in an oven-safe dish and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be aware that the topping may not be as crispy after microwaving.
• Air Fryer: Pop a portion of apple crisp into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Final Thoughts:

This Gluten Free Apple Crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. With its sweet and tangy filling and buttery, crunchy topping, it’s sure to bring joy to anyone who tries it. Whether you’re gluten-free or simply looking for a delicious and easy dessert, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of this delightful treat.

 Find more in Pinterest. and Our Pumpkin Protein Bread.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp FAQs

Evelyn

Gluten Free Apple Crisp

5 from 1 vote

This Gluten Free Apple Crisp is a comforting twist on the classic dessert, featuring juicy spiced apples topped with a buttery, crumbly gluten-free topping of oats, flour, and sugar. Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, it’s delicious served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Cooling Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Apple Filling

• 6-8 medium apples about 3 pounds, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
• 2 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum if possible
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt

Gluten-Free Topping

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
• 1 cup rolled oats certified gluten-free
• 1/2 cup brown sugar light or dark
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes (1 stick)

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or food processor

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, sugar, gluten-free flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4. In another bowl, combine gluten-free flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Add cold butter cubes and cut into mixture with a pastry blender or fingertips until coarse crumbs form.
6. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
7. Bake 35-40 minutes until topping is golden and apples are bubbly. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
8. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. Make sure oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.