Bursting with warm, sweet, comforting flavors, this Gluten-Free Apple Crisp recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect anytime. From cozy family gatherings to festive holiday dinners, its delightful combination of tender, spiced apples, and a crunchy, crumbly topping will surely be a hit at your table.

A gluten-free apple crisp made with a bowl of oatmeal, apples, and granola.

❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe

Gluten-Free Goodness: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities, this recipe uses certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy it without worry.
Simple and Easy: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, this apple crisp is a breeze to make, even for novice bakers.
Any Apples: You can use various apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, allowing you to tweak the flavor from tart to sweet.
Customizable Sweetness: Whether you prefer maple syrup or honey, this recipe adapts to your taste.
Warm Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuses this dessert with the cozy, comforting flavors of fall and winter.
Delicious Texture: The crumbly oat topping, made with butter and brown sugar, offers a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy apples.
Dairy-Free Option: Easily substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative to cater to those with dairy restrictions.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special holiday feast, this apple crisp fits right in.

Gluten-free apple cinnamon granola in a bowl with a gold spoon.

🗒️ Ingredients and Substitutes

For The Filling:

Apples: The star of the dish. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a different balance of sweetness and tartness.

Maple Syrup or Honey: These natural sweeteners add a rich depth of flavor. Maple syrup gives a distinct, warm taste, while honey offers a milder, floral sweetness.

Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: This adds a slight tanginess, enhancing the apples’ natural flavors and preventing them from browning.

Ground Cinnamon: A key spice in apple desserts, cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice.

For The Topping:

Rolled Oats (Gluten-Free): They provide a lovely texture and are essential for that classic crumble feel. Ensure they are certified gluten-free if you’re catering to those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: This acts as a binding agent for the topping. You can choose blends with or without xanthan gum, depending on your preference.

Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar is a great option for its caramel-like flavor, but you can use any granulated sugar.

Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: These spices add complexity and warmth, enhancing the overall flavor of the crisp.Butter: It brings everything together, creating a crumbly, golden topping. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative.

Two bowls of gluten-free apple crisp with apples and granola topping.

🥣 How to Make a Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Gluten-free apple slices in a metal bowl with a blue spatula served alongside an apple crisp.

Gluten-free apple crisp with oats, cinnamon, and other ingredients in a bowl.

Gluten-free oats in a bowl with a blue spatula.

Gluten free apple crisp with oats and butter served in a bowl with a blue spoon.

A person putting gluten-free granola into a bowl.

Gluten-free apple crisp with sliced apples in a white bowl.

A gluten-free bowl of granola and a bowl of oats next to each other.

Gluten-free oats in a white bowl on a table.

Gluten free apple crumble in a white baking dish.

Start by preheating your oven to 375℉.
In a large bowl, combine your chosen apples, sliced or chopped, with maple syrup or honey for sweetness. Add either apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a bit of tang, and sprinkle in ground cinnamon for that warm, spiced flavor. Mix these well to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
Transfer this apple mixture into a 9-inch casserole dish or baking pan. This size is perfect for a crisp that’s not too thick or thin.
In the same bowl (no need for extra dishes!), mix together the gluten-free oats, gluten-free flour blend, your choice of sugar, and the spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves. This blend of spices will give your crisp that irresistible autumnal aroma.
Now, cut in the butter. You can cube it and then use your fingers to rub it into the oat mixture. This process is key to getting that crumbly, streusel-like topping.
Sprinkle this crumbly mixture evenly over your apple filling. Then, place it in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and those delightful bubbles around the edges that tell you the apples are perfectly cooked.
Let it cool slightly before serving. This gluten-free apple crisp is best enjoyed warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (dairy-free if needed) or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.

A bowl of gluten-free apple crisp granola with a gold spoon.

🍎 Variations

Fruit Variations

Mix Fruits: Combine apples with other fruits like pears, berries, or peaches for a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Seasonal Twists: Incorporate seasonal fruits for a twist that fits the time of year, like adding cranberries during the winter for a festive touch.

Topping Twists

Nuts and Seeds: For added crunch and nutrition, mix in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds into the topping.
Oat-Free Topping: For those who prefer an oat-free version, try a mixture of almond flour, coconut, and a gluten-free flour blend.

Spice It Up

Experiment with Spices: Beyond cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, consider adding spices like allspice, ginger, or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.

Dietary Adjustments

Low-Carb Version: For a lower carbohydrate option, reduce the amount of sugar and substitute the flour with almond or coconut flour.
Vegan and Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative in place of regular butter in both the filling and the topping.

A bowl of gluten-free apple crisp granola.

🥡 Storing and Reheating Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

If you’re planning to eat the apple crisp within a day, it’s fine to cover it and leave it at room temperature. This method keeps the topping crisp.

For longer storage, place the crisp in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last up to 4-5 days. Be aware that the topping may soften a bit in the fridge.

To reheat it in the oven, preheat your oven to 350℉ and place the apple crisp in an oven-safe dish. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s warmed through. This method helps to crisp up the topping again.

If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Heat it in short intervals, checking frequently to make sure it doesn’t become too mushy.

Gluten-free apple granola in a bowl with a gold spoon.

💭 Top Tips

Consistent Slicing: Make sure your apple slices are of even thickness. This makes sure they cook uniformly, preventing some pieces from becoming too mushy while others remain too crunchy.

Cold Butter: Use cold butter for the topping. This helps to create those delightful, crumbly pieces that make the crisp so enjoyable.

Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the butter into the dry ingredients, aim for a coarse, crumbly texture. Overworking the dough can lead to a denser, less crumbly topping.

Correct Pan Size: Use the right size pan (a 9-inch pan as recommended) to ensure even cooking and the right balance between the apple filling and the crisp topping.

Watch the Oven: Ovens can vary, so start checking your apple crisp a few minutes before the suggested baking time ends. The perfect point is when the topping is golden brown, and the apples are bubbling.

Two bowls of gluten-free apple crisp granola.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this apple crisp nut-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free. Just ensure that the ingredients, especially the gluten-free flour blend and oats, are processed in a nut-free facility if cross-contamination is a concern.

Can I freeze gluten-free apple crisp?

Yes, you can freeze the apple crisp. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the apple crisp for a minute or two after baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer a more rustic feel or want to add extra fiber, you can leave the skins on. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly.

A gluten-free bowl of granola with fresh apples and a spoon.

🍏 More Delicious Apple Desserts

Air Fryer Apple Chips

Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Apple Strawberry Crisp

Slow Cooker Apple Butter