By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On January 19, 2023
Learn how to make the perfect gluten-free apple crisp using only 7 ingredients for a great Fall dessert. With a crunchy sweet topping and tender tart apples, this gluten-free apple crisp recipe is quick and easy to make. This apple crisp is egg-free, nut-free, and has a refined sugar-free option. It should be a dessert on top of your Thanksgiving recipe list.
This gluten-free apple crisp has the perfect balance of spices baked on top of delicious, tart apples. It's easier to make than an apple pie and you can double or triple the recipe if you need to feed a crowd. This apple crisp recipe does not freeze well.
If you love crisps, you'll want to make my gluten-free blackberry crisp. If you're a fruit pie person, you'll want to check out my gluten-free cherry pie. If you're looking for more crisp recipes, you might like this gluten-free strawberry nectarine crisp. This gluten-free peach crisp and gluten-free cranberry apple crisp are also scrumptious. If you have an excess of apples these gluten-free apple muffins are a treat.
Love apple desserts? Try my gluten-free apple pie next. Want a dairy-free option? Try this gluten-free apple crumble.
GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP RECIPE
We've been making this gluten-free crisp recipe for about 20 years now. We bring it to parties and potlucks and everyone, including people who eat gluten, says it's the best gluten-free apple crisp. It is a quick and easier alternative than apple pie.
What makes it the best? The filling is just apples, sweet and tart granny smith apples. And the topping is crunchy, sweet, and full of spices and it has only 6 ingredients. This gluten-free apple crisp recipe comes together quickly and bakes up in 30 minutes.
Lots of people add extra ingredients to the filling, but the best apple crisps are the ones that highlight the apples and compliments them with a crunchy, spicy topping.
WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP
Only 6 ingredients - Making this dessert for a party or potluck you will only need 6 ingredients.
Bakes in just 30 minutes - This GF apple crisp bakes up in just 30 minutes.
It's the best - According to friends and family, both gluten and gluten-free, they love it and ask for it for all special occasions.
Eat it as is or add to it - You can enjoy this gluten-free apple crisp as-is, with vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream. If you are dairy-free, you can top this yummy crisp recipe with your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream of dairy-free whipped cream. It goes down a treat!
INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP
Apples - I use Granny Smith apples. They need to be cored, peeled, and sliced apples for the apple filling. You can also use honeycrisp and golden delicious apples for the apple mixture.
Flour - For this recipe I used Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Flour Blend. I've also used my homemade gluten-free flour blend. Xanthan gum is usually in a gluten-free flour blend. But if your blend doesn't have xanthan gum, please add it in.
Oats - This recipe also calls for gluten-free oats. Please double-check to make sure that your oats are gluten-free. Purity protocol oats are recommended.
Sugar - I have used brown sugar. To make this gluten-free apple crisp recipe refined sugar-free, replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar. You can also make my Paleo Apple Crisp. I haven't tested this recipe with sugar-free sweeteners yet, but if I do, I'll be sure to update this recipe post.
Spices - Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
Butter - Softened butter.
I have not used lemon juice in this recipe.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP
Apple peeler - I like to use this apple peeler. It makes peeling the apples so much faster and easier.
Baking dish - I have used an 8x8x2 glass baking dish.
If you have any questions about making gluten-free apple crisp, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP
- Core, peel and slice your apples and arrange them in an 8x8x2 glass baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients.
- Add your cold butter (room temperature works too) to the dry ingredients.
- Using a pastry blender, or two forks, work your butter into your dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spoon your crisp topping on top of the apple filling. If desired, press down on the filling.
- Bake as directed.
These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in gluten-free apple crisp, please see the complete recipe below.
TIPS FOR MAKING THIS EASY GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP
Work the butter in correctly - You need to work the butter into the dry ingredients until a fine crumb. This ensures the topping is crispy.
Measure the flour correctly - New to gluten-free flour? Then read the section below on working with gf flours.
Use an apple peeler - An apple peeler makes peeling the apples so much easier. Especially if you are making this dessert all Fall long!
Frequently Asked Questions
CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE CORNSTARCH FOR FLOUR IN APPLE CRISP?
Yes, I have not used cornstarch in this recipe, I have used gluten-free flour.
WHY IS MY APPLE CRISP TOPPING NOT CRISPY?
You may have added too much butter, or the butter has not been worked into the dry ingredients enough for the gluten-free apple crisp topping.
HOW DO I STORE THIS GF APPLE CRISP?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP TOPPING
In order to get a great apple crisp topping, you need to use the 7 ingredients suggested. I do not use corn starch, but I have used gluten-free flour. Some have used almond meal, but I have not tried this yet.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPLE CRISP AND APPLE CRUMBLE?
The apple crumble rarely includes oats or nuts and whereas apple crisp does. The apple crumble is more like a streusel too.
WORKING WITH GLUTEN-FREE FLOURS
When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.
The best method really is to weigh the gluten-free flour, but I don't have the ingredient weights for all my recipes yet.
HOW DO I MAKE THIS A GLUTEN-FREE DAIRY-FREE APPLE CRISP?
To make this apple crisp a gluten-free dairy free apple crisp simply swap out the butter with your favorite dairy-free butter. You can also use coconut oil.
Be sure to freeze the coconut oil and chop it into pieces before you add it to the dry mixture. This will ensure it doesn't melt too quickly when baking.
WHAT APPLES ARE GOOD FOR MAKING CRISPS?
We like to use granny smith apples, but you can use your tart apple of choice. Some other favorites are Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious apples.
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Learn how to make the perfect gluten-free apple crisp using only 7 ingredients for a great Fall dessert. It has a crunchy sweet topping and tender tart apples.
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled and sliced
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (I used Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1)
- ½ cup gluten-free quick oats (make sure they are gluten free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the oven rack in the center of oven. Lightly spray or grease an 8x8x2” square pan.
- Core apples, peel and slice them.
- Arrange apple slices evenly on the bottom of the pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- With a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Sugar Free Option: To make this gluten free apple crisp recipe sugar-free, replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this apple crisp and gluten free dairy free apple crisp simply swap out the butter with your favorite dairy-free butter.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
½ cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 251Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 66mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 4gSugar: 27gProtein: 2g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
Did you make this gluten-free apple crisp? Please leave a starred rating and a comment below letting me know what you thought.
Natalie
I simply love apple crisp! Looks so delicious and perfect for dinner parties!
Carolina
Ho thick do we cut the apples? It doesn't say in the recipe. I cooked for 30 min at 375 in a 8x8x2 pan as directed. The topping was great but the apples turned to apple sauce. I'm assuming I sliced the apples too thin. I couldn't tell in the picture how thick they were sliced. I was also thinking about maybe doing thick cubes instead of slices to help the apple hold up... thoughts?
chrystal
I slice the apples to about 1/2 inch thick.
Best,
Chrystal
Peggy
What can I substitute for the oatmeal? Can I add more gluten free flour?
chrystal
Hi Peggy. I'm not sure if you can do nuts but almond meal, sliced almonds, even shredded coconut are super yummy with this recipe and would make a great replacement.
Best,
Chrystal
Char
I love this recipe. I only used 1/2 cup of brown sugar, otherwise it's the same. Its rainy out now, I think I should make some right now. Thanks for reminding me.
chrystal
Hi Char,
I'm so glad you like it! Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Bete Primm
I can’t eat any grains. Can I make this with almond flour? If so, how would the flour measurement change?
Thanks!
chrystal
Hi Bete,
I am working on a grain free version for my grain free readers :-). But for now, go ahead and use 3/4 cup of almond flour in place of the 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of oats. If you want to add some extra texture, you can add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut. Let me know how it turns out!
Best,
Chrystal
Lisa Browning
Hmm. I'm not sure what happened with this one. I doubled the recipe and used a 9 x 13 dish. The apples turned to mush. Good flavor with the topping but I was disappointed with it overall. I used Granny Smith apples so I'm not sure why the apples wouldn't hold up. Any thoughts?
chrystal
Hi Lisa,
They can cook quicker if the apples were sliced too thin, or the apples weren't as fresh (meaning, if they were picked a while ago). Also, if they are overcooked.
I hope that helps,
Chrystal
Pamela
Made this last night with honey crisp apples and added chopped walnuts in the topping. My husband really enjoyed it. He said it was good without being too sweet. Will make this again. Thank you!
chrystal
I am so glad you both liked it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Terri
I would like to use coconut sugar do you use the same measurements of brown sugar for coconut sugar?
chrystal
Hi Terri,
Yes, use the same amount of coconut sugar.
Best,
Chrystal
Terri Heard
Do you think it would be good with Fuji apples that’s all I have but I can pick up some green apples if that will make it much better making this today for a dinner tonight
chrystal
Hi Terri,
You can use your fuji apples (they are a tad sweeter) and yes, you can add chopped nuts. I'd add it in with the topping. Enjoy!
Best,
Chrystal
Terri Heard
Have you ever added walnuts or pecans to the topping or inside
Jamie
I don't know what happened to my topping, but there is no crisp. It's just how it went in the oven.
chrystal
Is there a chance you left out an ingredient like the butter? Or didn't incorporate the butter enough?
Best,
Chrystal
Heather Darcy
This was great. I added a pinch of salt to offset the sweet, but otherwise wonderful. Will make a double-batch next time - it went fast!
chrystal
So glad you liked it!
Best,
Chrystal
Jennifer Bennett
If i wanted to make this is my cast iron (dutch style sounds sooooo yum!) would my cook time change, oven temp, or anything change? thoughts?! can't wait to try!!
chrystal
You can cook it at the same temperature but the apples will cook a little quicker due to the heat transfer of the cast iron skillet, so watch the time about the 22 minute mark and check after that.
Best,
Chrystal
Brenda
I loved this recipe! I will make it again but use 5 or 6 apples since the cooked up more than I thought. I served it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream & drizzled caramel sauce over the top.
chrystal
I am so glad you love it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Jenn
Love this recipe!! I’ve made it a million times and it’s a household favourite!
chrystal
I am so glad you like it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Karen
This is the best apple crisp I’ve ever had!! My husband is gluten sensitive so I use Bob’s 1-1 flour as well as Bob’s gf oats. The recipe is perfect. I do slice the apples thicker as per your suggestion. I also added chopped pecans into the topping as we adore nuts. Thanks so much for a delicious, easy recipe.
Wendy Stoltz
Thanks Karen, I like the addition of nuts!
Leslie
I will be making this recipe soon. Your recipe calls for GF Quick oats. Would the recipe work with Bob's Red Mill GF Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (not quick cooking)?
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Leslie,
Yes, you can.