This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that everyone will love! Sweet apples are topped with a crunchy mix of oats and nuts, making it a perfect finish to any meal.
And let me tell you, the smell of it baking is just heavenly! I love serving it warm with some ice cream on top—it’s like a hug in a bowl! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith is perfect for a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can mix different apples for more complexity. If apples aren’t available, pears can work too!
Lemon Juice: This brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning. If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice is a good substitute.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Both sugars enhance sweetness. For a healthier alternative, try coconut sugar, which adds a nice flavor. You can also use maple syrup, adjusting the liquid in the recipe.
Gluten-Free Oats: Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination. If oats aren’t your thing, you could try crushed gluten-free cereal or almond meal.
Butter: I like using unsalted butter for more control over the saltiness. If you prefer, coconut oil or vegan butter can easily replace it for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Oat Topping?
A great topping is key to a fantastic apple crisp! Here’s how to make it just right:
- Use cold butter—this helps achieve a crumbly texture. Cut the butter into small cubes to mix evenly.
- Combine ingredients until they form coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork it; the little butter chunks create that crispy topping.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples to ensure even cooking and crisping.
Bake until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle!
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 45 to 50 minutes of baking. Total time will be around 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes. The smell of the apples and cinnamon will have your mouth watering in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round or square baking dish and lightly grease it with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Then add the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir everything together until the apples are well coated. Spread this delicious apple mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Oat Topping:
In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free oats, almond flour, chopped nuts (if you’re using them), the remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar, and salt. Now, toss in the cold butter pieces. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix everything together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create that lovely, crunchy topping!
4. Assemble & Bake:
Now it’s time to sprinkle that beautiful oat topping evenly over the apple layer. Make sure it’s well covered. Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. You might want to set a timer so you don’t miss the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
5. Cool & Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your gluten-free apple crisp cool for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle, making it easier to scoop out portions. Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream—completely optional, but highly recommended!
Enjoy this cozy dessert that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of almond flour. Just keep in mind that almond flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and moisture, so the texture might differ a bit.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
No problem! Simply replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. Both work well and will still give you a delicious, crumbly topping.
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Yes! While apples are traditional, you can mix in other fruits like pears or berries. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the fruit’s juiciness and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.