This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is a warm, sweet treat that everyone can enjoy! Made with juicy apples and a crunchy topping, it’s perfect for any day.
I love how this dessert fills my house with the smell of baked apples and cinnamon. It’s simple to whip up and a great way to use up extra apples. Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options for this recipe. They provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. If you want a sweeter crisp, try Fuji or Gala apples.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the apple flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. If you need an alternative, try apple cider vinegar for a similar effect.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars are used, but you can substitute coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option. This will give your crisp a slightly different flavor and darker color.
Gluten-Free Flour: A good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will work well, but look for one that contains xanthan gum for better results. If you’re experimenting, you can also use almond flour for a nutty taste.
Oats: Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid any cross-contamination. If you don’t have oats on hand, you can use crushed nuts or a mixture of ground nuts for added texture.
How Do I Get the Topping Just Right?
Achieving the perfect topping is key for a delightful apple crisp. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with cold butter. It helps create that desirable crumbly texture in your topping.
- Mix the flour, oats, and sugar first, then add in the butter. Use your fingers to blend until it’s coarse—this takes just a couple of minutes.
- Avoid overmixing, as you want visible butter pieces that will melt and create crunch as it bakes.
- Don’t skip the vanilla! It adds depth to the flavor of the topping.
With these tips, your topping will be nicely textured and golden brown, complementing the tender apples underneath. Enjoy! 🍏✨
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for topping)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Time Needed:
This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake, for a total of about 1 hour. The aroma of baked apples will fill your kitchen while it cooks, making the wait so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to bake the crisp perfectly. Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or a cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice. This keeps the apples from browning and adds a nice zing! Then, add granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Spread the Apples:
Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure the apples are nice and flat so they cook evenly.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar. These ingredients will form the crunchy topping!
5. Mix in the Butter:
Add the cold butter pieces to the oat mixture. Using your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small bits of butter will melt while baking, creating that delicious crispiness.
6. Add Vanilla:
Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully mixed into the topping. This gives an extra layer of flavor that enhances the whole dish!
7. Sprinkle the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apple filling, covering it well. This will create a gorgeous, crunchy layer on top of the soft apples as it bakes.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbly apple filling. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set a little! Serve it warm and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like.
10. Enjoy!
Your delicious, gluten-free apple crisp is ready to enjoy! Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors and crunchy topping. Perfect for a cozy evening or a special gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are popular for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or any other favorite apple varieties. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might require less sugar in the filling!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this gluten-free apple crisp dairy-free, simply substitute the cold unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. This will still give you that desired crumbly topping while keeping it dairy-free!
Can I Prepare This Apple Crisp in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping ahead of time. Just store the filling and topping separately in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, assemble them in the baking dish and follow the instructions for baking as usual.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick treat!
