Easy Gluten Free Apple Crisp

Shhh…I’m gonna let you in on a little secret: the only dessert recipe you need is for Gluten Free Apple Crisp.

I said what I said!

Simple really is best when it comes to dessert, and there is nothing better than a scoop of this sweet-tart-crisp dessert paired with a cold scoop of ice cream. SWOON!

That said, my Gluten-Free Apple Crisp recipe is, well, EASY. Chopped apples are sweetened and spiced with cinnamon and sugar, then buried under an oat-based topping and baked until golden brown. 

Perfect, crowd pleasing, and made from fridge and pantry staples, this easy apple recipe needs to be bumped to the top of your must-make-now list ASAP!

(Looking for more gluten free apple desserts? Try my Stovetop Apple Crisp for 2 or Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip!)

Ingredients Needed

Like I said, all you need to make this easy, luscious dessert is a few fridge and pantry staples. I’ve always got these ingredients on hand so I can whip up a batch of apple crisp whenever the craving strikes. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Apples:

• Granny Smith apples – I prefer to bake with Granny Smith apples because they hold their shape and have a tart flavor which plays well with the sweet topping. Honeycrisp apples are also great. Honestly, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand.
• Sugar – Regular granulated balances out the tartness of the apples.
• Gluten free flour blend – This helps thicken the juices released by the apples. 
• Cinnamon – You can use apple pie spice, but I like my apple crisps to be cinnamon-forward.

For the Crisp Topping:

• Brown sugar – Either light brown or dark brown sugar can be used here.
• Gluten free old fashioned oats – Also known as rolled oats. See below for more information on gluten free oats!
• Cold butter – Use vegan butter/dairy-free butter to make a vegan + gluten-free apple crisp.
• Gluten-free flour blend – I like both Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour and King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour for this crisp, though you can also use almond flour to keep this dessert grain-free.
• Salt – Always add a bit of salt for balance in your baking.

What’s the Deal With Gluten Free Oats?

Hey Kristin, aren’t oats naturally gluten-free?

Technically yes, oats are a gluten free grain, but often times they’re grown in fields that are rotated with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Additionally, oats are often processed on equipment that also processes gluten-containing grains which means there’s a big risk of them becoming contaminated by the time they reach you and me, the consumer.

That said, if you have Celiac Disease or are very sensitive to gluten, it’s important to use Purity Protocol Oats in any oat-based dessert or recipe like Gluten Free Apple Crisp. This means the oats have been grown, harvested, transported, and processed with/in dedicated fields, equipment, and facilities so there’s little to no risk for cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains.

I use GF Harvest oats. Certified gluten-free oats do not necessarily follow purity protocol methods, but may be an option for you if you tolerate them well!

How to Make Easy Gluten Free Apple Crisp

I know I already promised that this recipe is simple, but I just have to say it again: it’s so dang easy. You’ll never want to fuss with pie crust again once you give this gluten free crisp a try!

Step 1: Prepare. Preheat your oven to 375ºF then spray a small or medium-sized baking dish with nonstick spray. I use a 6×9″ baking dish, but an 8×8 will work too.

Step 2: Season the apples. Toss diced apples with sugar, gluten free flour, and cinnamon, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the topping. In the same bowl, add the topping ingredients then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix and mash until it forms a crumbly paste. Sprinkle the mixture as crumbles evenly on top of the apples.

Bake. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, then cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Does Apple Crisp Need to be Covered When Baking?

I recommend checking on the Gluten Free Apple Crisp about halfway through baking. If the top is getting too brown, particularly in the corners, I like to gently place a piece of foil on top – no need to crimp – to ensure the topping doesn’t burn before the apples have a chance to soften.

Tips for Success

There’s not much to this recipe, but these tips will help you make sure your crisp turns out perfect:

• Peel the apples. I prefer to peel the apples before baking – it’s a texture thing for me! That said, if you’re not feeling it, that’s totally fine. Simply thinly slice your apples vs cutting them into cubes. That way the peels will be thin.
• Chop the apples (or not). I also prefer chopping apples for a crisp, but you can slice them instead. I do recommend that you use a firm baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady if you opt to slice them, otherwise the slices are likely to fall apart.
• Let it cool. I know it’s hard to wait, but as the apple crisp cools, the juices thicken up into an irresistible syrupy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This gluten-free apple crisp is perfection on its own, but you can take it to the next level by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream—preferably the kind with flecks of real vanilla bean—and letting it melt over the warm crisp. Whipped cream is delicious, too, or you can add a drizzle of caramel sauce (DROOL).

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover gluten free apple crisp can be stored covered in the pan or transferred to an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat it in the microwave or 350ºF oven. (It can be eaten cold or at room temperature too, but it’s best warmed up.)

Can This Recipe Be Frozen?

Yes, just like the traditional recipe, gluten-free apple crisp freezes well. Cover the baked then fully cooled dish in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge before reheating.

More Gluten-Free Apple Recipes

• Caramel Apple Crisp with Easy Caramel Sauce
• Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two
• Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
• Baked Apple Chips

Easy Gluten Free Apple Crisp

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Description

This Gluten Free Apple Crisp is the easiest and best fruit crisp you'll ever make. Perfectly sweet, with just the right ratio of topping to apples!

Ingredients

serves 3-4

• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored then chopped (~4 cups)
• heaping Tablespoon sugar
• 1 Tablespoon gluten free flour blend
• heaping 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• For the Crisp Topping:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup gluten free old fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup cold butter (or vegan butter), cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup gluten free flour blend
  • pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees then spray a small/medium-sized baking dish (I use a 6x9") with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. Add chopped apples to a large bowl then add sprinkle in with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir to coat then pour mixture into prepared baking dish. In the same bowl, add topping ingredients then mix and mash with a pastry cutter or with your fingertips until it becomes a crumbly paste. Sprinkle evenly over the apples then bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown (not too dark otherwise it will taste burnt.) Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• I recommend GF Harvest gluten free oats >

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.