If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy, tender apples are lovingly cooked with just the right hint of spice, then topped with a perfectly crunchy, golden crumb that’s naturally gluten-free. It’s simple, satisfying, and a perfect way to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall or anytime you want a little indulgence without gluten worries.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a comforting classic. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s adding moisture, natural sweetness, a buttery crumb, or a pop of texture and warmth from spices and nuts.
- 3 lbs. apples: Choose crisp, firm apples for the best texture and taste as they hold up nicely when baked.
- 2 Tbsp. butter (or vegan butter substitute): Melts into the apples, enriching their flavor with buttery goodness.
- ½ cup coconut sugar (or white sugar): Adds natural sweetness with a subtle caramel note that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1 tsp. apple pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to give that quintessential apple dessert warmth.
- ¼ tsp. salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling by adding a touch of acidity.
- 6 Tbsp. butter (softened, or vegan butter substitute): Key for the crisp, crumbly topping that bakes to golden perfection.
- â…“ cup coconut sugar (or white sugar): Sweetens the topping just right for that delightful contrast with the tart apples.
- â…” cup gluten-free 1-to-1 flour: The gluten-free foundation that keeps this crisp perfectly tender yet structured.
- ½ cup old-fashioned gluten-free oats: Adds chewy texture and rustic charm to the topping.
- ½ cup pecans (coarsely chopped): Brings crunchy nuttiness that contrasts wonderfully with soft apples.
- ½ tsp. cinnamon: Offers warm spice in the topping to complement the apple pie spice in the filling.
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into even 1/4-inch slices to ensure uniform cooking. Then, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples along with coconut sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the apples soften slightly and their natural juices mingle with the butter and spices. Stir in lemon juice off the heat to brighten the filling with a fresh tartness that will elevate every bite.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
While the apples are cooking, create the crumbly topping that makes this dish so irresistible. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter and coconut sugar. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend them until creamy and smooth. Then, add the gluten-free flour, oats, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Continue cutting these ingredients together until coarse crumbs form. This careful blending ensures your topping will be perfectly crunchy and full of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the warm apple mixture evenly into the dish, then generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and develops that signature crispness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let it cool just slightly before serving so the filling can set but remains warm. This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe is divine served alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top for added texture and spice. Fresh mint leaves can bring a subtle herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm apples and crumb topping.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or spicy chai tea to balance sweetness with a little kick. For gatherings, consider serving alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar or creamy brie to create a well-rounded flavor experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of the traditional baking dish, try serving individual portions in ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You could also spoon the warm crisp onto small plates and drizzle with caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, maintaining both its tender filling and crunchy topping.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! You can freeze the entire baked crisp or just the unbaked mixture. To freeze, cover the pan tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Frozen apple crisp lasts up to 3 months and is perfect for busy days when you want a quick, heartwarming dessert.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the topping regains crispness. Avoid overheating as that can dry out the apples.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a mix of berries can work beautifully in this Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe. Just adjust cooking time depending on the fruit’s moisture content so the filling doesn’t become too watery.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for this recipe to create a smooth, tender filling. However, if you prefer extra texture and fiber, you can leave the peels on; just choose apples with thinner skins and cut slightly smaller slices.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter substitutes in place of butter and coconut sugar to keep things natural and dairy-free. The flavor and texture will remain deliciously the same.
What kind of gluten-free flour should I use?
Choose a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed to substitute regular flour without altering taste or texture. Avoid single-ingredient flours like almond or coconut flour unless you adjust the recipe, as their properties differ significantly.
How do I make sure the topping is extra crunchy?
Using cold, softened butter and mixing just until crumbly prevents the fat from melting too soon. Also, spreading the topping evenly and not compressing it helps it crisp nicely during baking. Toasting the pecans beforehand can add even more crunch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe is a heartwarming celebration of apples and spice that you can feel confident sharing with family and friends, no matter their dietary needs. It’s approachable, dependable, and bursting with all the cozy, comforting flavors you want from a classic dessert. Give it a try and let this crisp become a favorite that you return to again and again.
Print
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, fruity treat with a crunchy topping. Made with fresh apples, a buttery spiced filling, and a crisp oat and pecan topping, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to vegan diets with butter substitutes. Baked to golden perfection, this apple crisp pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 3 lbs. apples (peeled, cored, cut into 1/4-inch slices)
- 2 Tbsp. butter (or vegan butter substitute)
- ½ cup coconut sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 tsp. apple pie spice
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Crumb Topping
- 6 Tbsp. butter (softened, or vegan butter substitute)
- â…“ cup coconut sugar (or white sugar)
- â…” cup flour (gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend)
- ½ cup oats (old-fashioned, gluten-free)
- ½ cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while preparing the apple mixture and topping.
- Cook Apple Filling: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced, peeled, and cored apples along with ½ cup coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the apples are tender but still slightly firm.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and prevent browning.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 6 tablespoons softened butter with ⅓ cup coconut sugar using a fork or pastry cutter until mixed. Add ⅔ cup gluten-free flour, ½ cup gluten-free oats, ½ cup chopped pecans, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and cut or mix until coarse crumbs form.
- Assemble Dish: Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the cooked apple filling into the dish and evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crunchy.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for a delicious dessert experience.
Notes
- You can substitute white sugar for coconut sugar if preferred, though coconut sugar offers a richer flavor and lower glycemic index.
- Using vegan butter substitutes makes this recipe suitable for a vegan diet.
- Ensure oats and flour are certified gluten-free to maintain gluten-free status.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the crumble topping.
- Apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well due to their balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is highly recommended for a traditional pairing.
