This warm gluten-free apple crisp is a cozy treat that everyone will love! Made with sweet apples, crunchy oats, and a touch of cinnamon, it’s simply delicious.
I swear, the smell of this baking fills the house with happiness! 😍 Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top, and you’ve got the best dessert for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect for this recipe due to their tartness and crispness. If you can’t find them, feel free to use any baking apples you have on hand, like Fuji or Braeburn.
Lemon Juice: This keeps the apples fresh and adds a nice zing. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of apple cider vinegar can work too, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Granulated Sugar: White sugar sweetens the filling, but you can use coconut sugar for a more natural option. If you like your apple crisp less sweet, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
Oats: Gluten-free rolled oats are essential for the topping. If you can’t find them, try using crushed gluten-free granola as a quick substitute!
Almond Flour: I love using almond flour for a nutty flavor, but you can swap in gluten-free all-purpose flour if you prefer. Just ensure it has a good mix of binders for the best texture.
How Do I Make the Crispy Topping Just Right?
Getting that perfect crunch on the topping is key! It’s all about incorporating the butter correctly. To achieve this:
- Make sure your butter is cold. This helps to form that crumbly texture.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the oat and flour mixture until you see coarse crumbs with a mix of small and pea-sized pieces.
- Don’t overmix! You want some larger chunks to create a crunchy topping when baked.
After baking, let your apple crisp cool for a few minutes. This will help the juices set, ensuring a great texture when you serve it!
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and 40-45 minutes to bake. This means you can enjoy your delicious gluten-free apple crisp in about an hour! Perfect for a cozy evening at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, grease an 8-inch square baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will help (even more!) with easy serving later on.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Make sure the apples are evenly coated. Once mixed, transfer this tasty filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Then, using your fingers or a pastry cutter, incorporate the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Aim for some larger pieces, as they will create nice, crispy chunks when baked!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Now pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes! You’re looking for a bubbly filling and a golden-brown topping—just the way it should be!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s perfectly baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the filling set a bit. Serve it warm, and don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
Enjoy your cozy gluten-free apple crisp! 😋
Can I Use Other Types of Flour in the Topping?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond flour, you can substitute it with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a good blend of binders for the best texture.
What Kind of Apples Work Best?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are perfect for baking due to their balance of tartness and sweetness. However, you can use any firm apples that hold up well while cooking, such as Fuji or Braeburn.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by replacing the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. For the sugar, make sure to use vegan-friendly options like coconut sugar or maple syrup.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It can also be enjoyed cold for a delicious snack!