This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is a warm treat with sweet, juicy apples and a crunchy topping made from oats and nuts. It’s simple to make and perfect for any dessert lover!
This dish is great when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Every bite is like a cozy hug—who doesn’t love that? I can’t resist sneaking a spoonful right out of the pan! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are perfect for this crisp. Their tartness balances the sweetness. If you can’t find them, you can use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a different flavor without losing that needed tartness.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and prevents apples from browning. If you’re out, a tablespoon of vinegar can serve as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Almond Flour: While almond flour gives a nice texture, you can swap it with oat flour, coconut flour, or even gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed. Just remember to adjust the amount slightly, as different flours absorb moisture differently.
Rolled Oats: Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. If oats are a concern, try using crushed gluten-free cereal or nuts for a similar crunchy topping.
How Do I Ensure My Apple Crisp Topping is Extra Crunchy?
The key to a crunchy topping is to mix your dry ingredients fully before adding the butter. This ensures that the fat coats every bit of the flour and oats, creating that desirable crispiness. Here’s how to nail it:
- In your second bowl for the topping, mix the oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt thoroughly.
- After adding in the melted butter, aim for a crumbly texture. Use your hands to pinch the mixture together, ensuring it’s not too wet.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over your apples. This helps to bake evenly and achieve a perfect golden brown.
Keeping an eye on the oven as it bakes will also help you catch that ideal color! Enjoy your delicious apple crisp! 🍏
Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 6 medium apples, ideally a tart variety like Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (gluten-free thickener)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or another gluten-free flour like oat flour)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
To Serve (optional):
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Time Needed:
This delightful Gluten-Free Apple Crisp takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 40-45 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’ll spend around 1 hour total to get this delicious dessert on the table!
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish or an oven-safe skillet so your crisp doesn’t stick!
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your diced apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch. Give everything a good toss until all the apple pieces are coated evenly. Once done, transfer the apple mixture into your Greased baking dish and spread them out evenly.
3. Prepare the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Once it’s well mixed, pour in the melted butter and stir until you have a crumbly texture. The mixture should feel like coarse crumbs—don’t overmix it!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Now, sprinkle the oat topping generously over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Bake everything uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbly apple filling when it’s ready!
5. Cool and Serve:
After baking, remove your crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly—it’s tempting, but allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Serve warm topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade gluten-free treat!
This recipe yields a perfect balance of tender apples and a crunchy, golden topping, all made without any gluten. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples are classic for this recipe, you can also try pears, peaches, or mixed berries. Just be mindful of the sweetness level—adjust the sugar accordingly based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this apple crisp vegan, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For the topping, you can also substitute the honey or brown sugar with maple syrup or agave syrup. Enjoy a delicious vegan dessert!
Can I Prepare This Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble and bake according to the instructions. It’s a great way to save time!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick treat!