This Gluten Free Apple Crisp is a warm, cozy dessert packed with sweet, juicy apples and a crunchy topping. Simple to make, it’s the perfect treat for any apple lover!
Nothing beats that first scoop of warm apple goodness with a crispy top! I like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—because why not add a little extra fun? 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites. Their tartness and sweetness balance well. If you want a sweeter crisp, consider Pink Lady or Fuji. Any variety you like works, just keep in mind the balance of sweetness and tartness.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and keeps apples from browning. If you’re out, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or orange juice for a different flavor kick.
Cornstarch: I use cornstarch to thicken the apple filling. If you’re avoiding it, arrowroot powder is a great gluten-free substitute. You can also use tapioca starch, just be mindful of how much you add.
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Make sure they’re certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but rolled oats give that nice chewy texture. If you can’t find oats, try using crushed nuts instead for a different crunch.
Almond Flour: For a nutty flavor, I love almond flour. You can swap it with other nut flours like hazelnut flour, or even all-purpose gluten-free flour if you prefer a milder taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Apple Crisp Topping?
The topping is key for that delightful crunch! Start by mixing the oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. When adding cold butter, it’s essential to keep it cold. Cut it into small pieces and then mix until you see coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix—it should still have some texture.
- Ensure the butter is straight from the fridge for the best crumbles.
- Use your fingers to combine the mixture—it’s the best way to gauge how it looks.
- Don’t skip the baking time! A golden brown topping means it’s nice and crunchy. Just check if the apples are bubbly.
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This helps the filling set, making it easier to serve! And trust me, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is the perfect addition.
How to Make a Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Gluten Free Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So in total, you’ll need around an hour to enjoy this warm dessert straight from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Make sure the apples are well coated. Once mixed, transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread them out evenly.
3. Make the Crispy Topping:
In another bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will give your topping that lovely crispy texture!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbly apples!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will help set the filling a bit. Serve warm, and if you’re feeling indulgent, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Enjoy your warm, comforting gluten-free apple crisp!
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Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options, you can use any apples you prefer. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala may require less sugar in the recipe.
Can I Make This Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the apple filling and the topping separately, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just combine them in the baking dish and bake as directed. It’s best to bake the crisp fresh for optimal texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack!
Can I Use Vegan Butter Instead of Regular Butter?
Definitely! You can substitute regular butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just ensure that it’s cold for that perfect crunchy topping!
