Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

There’s something magical about a warm apple crisp fresh out of the oven. With tender, spiced apples swimming in a jammy sauce and a buttery oat-almond crumble on top, this dish captures the essence of fall in every bite. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds layers of cozy warmth, making this dessert perfect for crisp autumn evenings. Even better, this Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is incredibly simple to make. With naturally gluten-free ingredients like almond flour and oats, it’s a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you top it with vanilla ice cream or enjoy it with a drizzle of caramel sauce, this apple crisp is sure to become a household favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Apple Filling:

• 6 cups Honeycrisp apples (about 6 medium apples), peeled and sliced into ½-inch wedges
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves

Crisp Topping:

• 2 cups (200g) old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup (100g) almond flour
• ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (regular or plant-based)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine all of the apple filling ingredients and toss to evenly coat the apples.
3. Transfer the apples to an 11-inch cast iron skillet (or a deep pie dish or baking pan).
4. Bake the apples for 10 minutes to soften them slightly.
5. While the apples bake, prepare the crisp topping. In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, almond flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture holds together when squeezed.
7. Remove the apples from the oven and evenly distribute the crisp topping over them.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.
9. Let the apple crisp cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Cooling Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6-8 servings

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: A Cozy, Classic Dessert for Every Season

Apple crisp is a timeless dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a crispy, golden crumble topping. It’s a dish that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and comfort, making it a staple in many households, especially during the fall. This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp takes the traditional recipe and makes it accessible to those who follow a gluten-free diet, using almond flour and oats for a rich, nutty, and crunchy topping. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or just as a cozy treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Stands Out

There are many apple crisp recipes out there, but this one is special for several reasons:

1. Naturally Gluten-Free: Instead of using regular flour, this recipe uses almond flour and oats, which are naturally gluten-free and add a deliciously nutty texture to the crumble.
2. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The apple filling is sweetened with a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples without making it overly sugary.
3. Warm and Cozy Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves work together to create a depth of flavor that complements the apples beautifully. The spices bring out the natural fruitiness of the apples and add that signature autumnal warmth.
4. Thick and Jammy Apple Filling: The apples are pre-baked for a short time before adding the crisp topping. This step allows the apples to soften slightly and release their juices, creating a thick, jam-like consistency once fully baked.
5. Crispy, Buttery Crumble: The crisp topping is made with cold butter, which melts into the almond flour and oats as it bakes, forming golden brown clusters that contrast beautifully with the soft apple filling.

The Best Apples for Apple Crisp

Choosing the right apples can make a significant difference in the outcome of your apple crisp. Since this recipe requires the apples to hold their shape while baking, it’s best to use a variety that is firm, slightly tart, and naturally sweet. Some of the best apples for this recipe include:

• Honeycrisp – Crisp, juicy, and sweet with a slight tartness.
• Fuji – Firm and very sweet, great for baking.
• Jazz – A balanced mix of sweet and tart with a crisp texture.
• Granny Smith – Tart and firm, often used in traditional apple desserts to balance sweetness.
• Pink Lady – A good balance of sweet and tart with a firm texture.

Using a combination of different apples can add complexity to the flavor and texture of your apple crisp, making it even more delicious.

Why Almond Flour and Oats Work Perfectly

Since this recipe is gluten-free, it uses almond flour and oats in place of traditional flour for the crumble topping. This combination works wonderfully for several reasons:

• Almond Flour: It adds a slightly nutty flavor and a tender texture to the crisp topping. Almond flour is also naturally higher in protein and healthy fats, making it a great alternative to traditional wheat flour.
• Oats: They provide a chewy, hearty texture that makes the crisp topping even more satisfying. Oats also absorb some of the apple juices while baking, ensuring the filling remains thick and not overly runny.

For those who are strictly gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as some oats can be processed in facilities that handle wheat products.

The Secret to the Perfect Crisp Topping

The best part of an apple crisp is, of course, the crisp topping. Achieving the perfect texture golden brown, crunchy, and buttery requires a few key steps:

1. Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential because it prevents the topping from becoming too dense. As it bakes, the butter melts, creating little pockets of crispiness throughout the crumble.
2. Mix the Ingredients by Hand: Using your fingers to work the butter into the almond flour and oats helps create the perfect crumbly consistency. You want to mash the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Don’t Overpack the Topping: When spreading the crisp mixture over the apples, do so gently. Pressing it down too firmly can create a dense layer rather than a light, crumbly topping.

Serving Suggestions

This apple crisp is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The crisp topping is at its peak texture when freshly baked, offering a delightful contrast to the soft apple filling. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic combination of warm apple crisp and cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is unbeatable. The ice cream melts into the apples, creating a luscious sauce.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that enhances the apple flavors.
• With Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a nice balance to the warm, spiced apples.
• As a Breakfast Treat: This apple crisp pairs wonderfully with Greek yogurt for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast.

Storing and Reheating Apple Crisp

If you have leftovers (which might not happen because it’s so good!), you can store your apple crisp in a few different ways:

• At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat it within 2-3 days, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Keep in mind that the topping may soften slightly over time.
• In the Freezer: Apple crisp can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

To reheat apple crisp, simply bake it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 30-45 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about apple crisp is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can add extra crunch and flavor to the crisp topping.
• Use Different Fruits: Instead of just apples, try a mix of pears, peaches, or berries for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter for a fully vegan-friendly version.
• Reduce Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the apple filling or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar.

Conclusion:

This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delicious combination of tender, spiced apples and a crunchy, buttery oat-almond topping. It’s naturally gluten-free, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying, whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day.

With simple, wholesome ingredients and a foolproof method, this apple crisp is a recipe that everyone gluten-free or not can enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a holiday celebration, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this dessert is guaranteed to become a favorite.