The Best Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: An Easy, Cozy & Crowd-Pleasing Fall Dessert
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, especially as the crisp autumn air settles in. This gluten-free apple crisp is the epitome of fall perfection, offering a delightful blend of tender, spiced baked apples nestled under a perfectly crisp, golden-brown oat topping. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that captures all the comforting flavors of the season without any gluten.
What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible ease. While apple pie can be a labor of love, this crisp delivers all the deliciousness with significantly less effort. It’s the ideal choice for busy holiday meals, like Thanksgiving, when you’re already juggling multiple dishes. You get the same warm, inviting flavors and satisfying textures as a traditional apple pie, but with a streamlined process that leaves you more time to enjoy with loved ones. Plus, its naturally gluten-free nature ensures everyone at your table can indulge in this cozy treat.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
This gluten-free apple crisp isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe collection:
- Irresistible Texture: Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of textures. The apple slices bake down to a tender, juicy consistency, perfectly complemented by a buttery oat topping that remains wonderfully crisp and crunchy, never soggy. This contrast creates a truly satisfying mouthfeel.
- Perfectly Balanced Taste: Indulge in classic fall flavors with warm cinnamon and rich brown sugar. These spices beautifully balance the tartness of apples like Granny Smith or Jonagold, creating a cozy, nostalgic taste that’s both comforting and perfectly sweet.
- Effortlessly Easy: Forget complicated baking projects! This crisp requires minimal prep time and only about 40 minutes in the oven. It’s so straightforward, you can whip it up on a busy weeknight, yet it’s impressive enough to grace any holiday table, earning you rave reviews with little fuss.
- Dietary-Friendly & Adaptable: Made with gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Plus, with a simple swap to vegan butter, it can easily become a delicious dairy-free dessert, catering to even more dietary needs.
Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Crafting the perfect gluten-free apple crisp starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:
Apples
You’ll need approximately 6 cups of peeled and thinly sliced apples. This usually amounts to about 6 medium-sized Granny Smith apples, but the exact number will vary based on their size. For the best flavor and texture, choose firm, tart apples that hold their shape well during baking. We’ll delve deeper into apple varieties below.
Cornstarch
This humble ingredient is key to achieving a beautifully thick and luscious apple filling. Cornstarch helps bind the apple juices, preventing a watery crisp. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder as a 1:1 substitute.
Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon is the star spice, adding warmth and depth to the apple filling. Don’t hesitate to be generous with it! For an even more complex flavor profile, you can easily swap out ground cinnamon for an equal amount of pre-mixed apple pie spice, which often includes nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Butter
Butter is essential for that rich, crumbly topping. While I personally favor salted butter for a subtle contrast that enhances the sweetness, unsalted butter works perfectly fine too; just add a pinch more salt to your topping mixture. For those seeking a dairy-free option, high-quality vegan butter sticks can be used as a direct substitute, yielding a similarly delicious result.
Gluten-Free Flour
The secret to a successful gluten-free crisp topping lies in the right flour blend. Always opt for a “measure-for-measure” or “1-to-1” gluten-free flour blend that explicitly states it includes xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is crucial for providing structure and elasticity that gluten-free flours often lack. My personal recommendation is Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour, but many reputable brands offer similar blends.
Gluten-Free Oats
While oats are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination is a common concern during processing. It’s imperative to use oats that are clearly labeled “certified gluten-free” to ensure they haven’t come into contact with wheat, barley, or rye. Both rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) and quick oats will work for the topping, with rolled oats providing a chewier, more substantial texture, and quick oats creating a slightly finer crumble.
Choosing the Best Apples for Your Crisp
The success of any baked apple dessert, whether it’s my gluten-free apple pie, vegan apple cake, or these apple cinnamon muffins, hinges on selecting the right type of apples. The key is to choose varieties that maintain their structure during the baking process, preventing a mushy or watery filling. Additionally, I always lean towards apples with a good level of tartness, as this balances beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar and spices in the recipe.
My top recommendations for baking are:
- Granny Smith: These bright green apples are a classic for a reason. Their firm texture and distinctly tart flavor make them excellent for baking, as they hold their shape wonderfully and provide a tangy counterpoint to the sweet crisp topping.
- Jonagold: A cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, Jonagold apples offer a fantastic balance of sweetness and tartness, with a juicy, firm flesh that bakes up beautifully without turning to mush.
Sometimes, to add a delightful depth of flavor and complexity, I like to incorporate a blend of apple varieties. Mixing in sweeter apples with your tart base can create a more nuanced taste. Consider adding:
- Honeycrisp: Known for their incredibly crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor, Honeycrisp apples are a popular choice that holds up well in the oven.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): These apples offer a sweet-tart taste and firm flesh, contributing a lovely flavor and maintaining their bite after baking.
Experimenting with different combinations can lead to your ultimate apple crisp! Just remember to stick mostly to firmer, tart varieties for the best structural integrity and flavor balance.
Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe
Dessert
American
15 minutes
40 minutes
55 minutes
6
423
kcal
Ai Willis
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
Filling
-
6
cups
sliced apples -
¼
cup
granulated sugar
-
¼
cup
brown sugar
-
2
tablespoons
cornstarch
-
½
teaspoon
ground cinnamon
Topping
-
½
cup
butter -
½
cup
gluten-free flour -
¾
cup
gluten-free oats -
¼
cup
granulated sugar
-
¼
cup
brown sugar
-
¼
teaspoon
fine salt
-
½
teaspoon
ground cinnamon
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking and a perfectly crisp topping.
-
Carefully peel and slice the apples. Aim for slices about ¼ to ½ inch thick to ensure they cook evenly and become tender but not mushy. Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Toss everything gently until all the apple slices are thoroughly coated with the sweet and spiced mixture. Set this aside while you prepare the topping.
-
In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, certified gluten-free oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, fine salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This can also be achieved quickly by pulsing the ingredients a few times in a food processor until just combined.
-
Transfer the seasoned apple slices to a suitable baking dish (a 9×13 inch pan or a similarly sized oval dish works well). Pour any accumulated juices from the mixing bowl over the apples. Evenly distribute the prepared streusel topping over the apples, making sure to cover them completely.
-
Bake the apple crisp in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. This indicates the apples are tender and the flavors have melded. Once baked, let it cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the filling to set properly, preventing it from being too runny.
Love this recipe?
Snap a photo and share tagging @aimadeitforyou or tag #aimadeitforyou!
Nutrition
Serving:
1
serving
|
Calories:
423
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
70
g
|
Protein:
3
g
|
Fat:
17
g
|
Fiber:
5
g
|
Sugar:
49
g
|
Vitamin C:
6
mg
Tips for the Perfect Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- Don’t Overmix the Topping: When combining the butter with the dry ingredients for the crisp topping, avoid overworking it. You want a crumbly texture, not a smooth dough. Small pieces of butter are key to achieving that satisfying crispness.
- Slice Apples Evenly: Uniformly sliced apples (¼ to ½ inch thick) will ensure that they cook at the same rate, resulting in a perfectly tender filling without any hard, undercooked bits or mushy sections.
- Cool Before Serving: While tempting to dig in right away, allowing the crisp to cool for at least 20 minutes helps the apple filling set and thicken. This prevents a watery mess and allows the flavors to deepen.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your chosen apples are on the very tart side, you can slightly increase the amount of sugar in the filling. Conversely, if you’re using sweeter apples, you might reduce the sugar slightly.
- Don’t Skimp on Certified GF Oats: For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free is non-negotiable to avoid cross-contamination.
Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Crisp
While this gluten-free apple crisp is undeniably delicious on its own, a few additions can elevate it to an even more divine dessert:
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm crisp is a match made in heaven. The temperature contrast and creamy texture are simply irresistible.
- Other Ice Cream Flavors: Don’t limit yourself to vanilla! Caramel, cinnamon, or even a spiced chai ice cream would complement the apple flavors beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch. You can even infuse it with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon.
- Caramel Drizzle: A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes this crisp to a new level of indulgence. Homemade or high-quality store-bought caramel works wonders.
- Chopped Nuts: For extra crunch and a nutty flavor, sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before serving.
Storage Instructions for Leftover Apple Crisp
Planning ahead or have delicious leftovers? Here’s how to store your gluten-free apple crisp to keep it fresh and tasty:
Storing: Once the apple crisp has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a warm, comforting treat.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy your crisp even longer, it freezes wonderfully. Allow the entire dish or individual portions to cool completely. Transfer the leftover apple crisp to a freezer-safe, airtight container, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept in the freezer for up to a month. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven until warmed through and the topping regains some crispness.
Can This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This gluten-free apple crisp is perfect for making ahead, which is a huge time-saver, especially during busy holidays or when entertaining. You can prepare various components of the recipe in advance, then easily assemble and bake it on the day you plan to serve it for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Here’s how to prepare it in stages:
- Crisp Topping: Make the streusel topping completely. Once prepared, you can store it in an airtight freezer bag or container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or you can freeze it for up to a month. No need to thaw before sprinkling on the apples.
- Apple Filling Prep: Peel and slice your apples as directed. To prevent them from browning, toss them lightly with about 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Store the sliced apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the dry ingredients for the filling (sugars, cornstarch, and cinnamon) mixed together in a separate small bowl or bag on your kitchen counter.
On the day of serving, simply combine the pre-sliced apples with the dry filling mixture, tossing well to coat. Transfer the seasoned apples to your baking dish and top with the pre-made crisp topping. Bake it in your preheated oven, and voilà – a sensational, fuss-free dessert is ready to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crisp
No, peeling the apples is entirely optional and depends on your personal preference. I usually peel my apples for a smoother filling texture, but leaving the peels on adds extra fiber, nutrients, and a rustic touch. If you choose to keep the peels, ensure you wash the apples thoroughly before slicing.
While apple crisp is absolutely delicious on its own, it truly shines when paired with a complementary topping. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm crisp is a classic choice. You could also try cinnamon or caramel ice cream for added flavor. For a lighter option, whipped cream is always a crowd-pleaser, or a decadent drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce makes it extra special.
The main distinction between an apple crumble and an apple crisp lies in their toppings. Apple crisps, like this recipe, characteristically include oats in their topping, which provides a delightfully crunchy, streusel-like texture when baked. Apple crumbles, on the other hand, typically feature a topping made only with flour, sugar, and butter, creating a more uniform, dense, and “crumbly” texture without the added chewiness of oats.
Absolutely! This versatile gluten-free oat crisp topping is fantastic with a variety of fruits. It’s a tried-and-true formula that works wonderfully beyond apples. In fact, I use this very same topping for my popular gluten-free rhubarb crisp recipe, and it would also be delicious with peaches, berries, or a mixed fruit filling. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonal fruits!
Yes, this recipe can easily be made dairy-free! Simply substitute the regular butter in the crisp topping with your favorite high-quality vegan butter sticks. Ensure your chosen vegan butter has a similar fat content and behaves like dairy butter for best results. All other ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
A few key tips prevent a soggy topping. Firstly, ensure your butter for the topping is very cold and cut into small cubes, which helps create steam and crispness. Secondly, don’t overmix the topping; you want distinct crumbs. Lastly, make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature. A high initial heat helps set the topping quickly. Cooling the crisp for at least 20 minutes after baking also allows the moisture to redistribute and the topping to fully set, maintaining its crunch.
More Easy & Delicious Gluten-Free Desserts to Try
If you loved this gluten-free apple crisp, you’ll definitely want to explore these other effortless and delightful dessert recipes:
- This peach cobbler is incredibly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of canned peaches. Its buttery, biscuit-like topping pairs beautifully with the sweet, jammy peaches for a truly comforting treat.
- My gluten-free rhubarb crisp is a fantastic early summer indulgence. It features the exact same, beloved oat crisp topping as this apple crisp recipe, ensuring you get that perfect crunch with a tart, vibrant rhubarb filling.
- For an easy yet impressive dessert suitable any time of year, try this icebox cake recipe. No oven required, and it’s simple enough to make with kids, creating layers of creamy goodness and crisp cookies.
Happy baking, and enjoy these wonderful gluten-free creations!