By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On November 21, 2023

Master the perfect gluten-free apple crisp with only 7 ingredients. This quick gluten-free dessert recipe delivers a crunchy, sweet topping over tender tart apples. It's egg-free, nut-free, and has a refined sugar-free option. This is a must-have dessert for your Thanksgiving table.

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 delicious.

If you have an excess of apples, these gluten-free apple muffins are a treat.

Love apple desserts? Try my gluten-free apple pie and cinnamon apple gluten-free galette next. Want a dairy-free option? Try this gluten-free apple crumble and the Best Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts.

Elevate your culinary skills with Udemy's selection of gluten-free courses. Tailored to enhance your cooking expertise, these courses are designed for you to take your skills to the next level.

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 effortless alternative to 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, with 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 complement them with a crunchy, spicy topping.

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP

Only 6 ingredients - To make this dessert for a party or potluck, you will only need 6 ingredients. 

Bakes in 30 minutes - This GF apple crisp bakes up in 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 with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. If dairy-free, you can top this yummy crispy recipe with your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream or dairy-free whipped cream. It goes down a treat!

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP

Apples - I use Granny Smith apples. They must be cored, peeled, and sliced apples for the filling. You can also use Honeycrisp and golden delicious apples for the apple mixture. Apples also offer significant health benefits, so it is a great ingredient.

Flour - I used Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Flour Blend for this recipe. 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 or certified gluten-free oats.

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 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.

Large mixing bowl - Use a large bowl so you can mix the ingredients together.

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

1. Core, peel, and slice your apples and arrange them in an 8x8x2 glass baking dish.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients.
3. Add your cold butter (room temperature works, too) to the dry ingredients.
4. Using a pastry blender or two forks, work your butter into your dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Spoon your crisp topping on top of the apple filling. If desired, press down on the filling.
6. Bake as directed.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. Please see the complete recipe below for the full list of ingredients and instructions for gluten-free apple crisp.

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS EASY GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP

Work the butter correctly - You must work it into the dry ingredients until it is 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!

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.

Do I Need To Peel The Apples?

No, use your preference for peeling the apples based on your taste and texture preferences. 

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.

Do I Need To Refrigerate The Apple Crisp?

Yes, it's advisable to refrigerate the apple crisp. Since it contains fruit, particularly apples, which can spoil at room temperature, storing the apple crisp in the refrigerator helps maintain its freshness and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Refrigeration also extends the shelf life of the dessert.

GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRISP TOPPING

You need to use the 7 ingredients suggested to get a great apple crisp topping. I do not use cornstarch, 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, whereas apple crisp does. The apple crumble is more like a streusel, too.

WORKING WITH GLUTEN-FREE FLOURS

Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level when working with or measuring gluten-free flour. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.

The best method is to weigh the gluten-free flour, but I don't yet have the ingredient weights for all my recipes.

HOW DO I MAKE THIS A GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE APPLE CRISP?

Swap out the butter with your favorite dairy-free butter to make this apple crisp a gluten-free, dairy-free apple crisp. 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 granny smith apples, but you can use your tart apple. Some other favorites are Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious apples.

How Do You Make Gluten-free Apple Crisp Without Oats?

Use ¾ cup of almond flour instead of ½ cup of flour and ½ cup of oats. If you want to add some extra texture, add ¼ cup of shredded coconut.

What Are the Best Apples to Use for Baking?

When it comes to baking, certain apple varieties work exceptionally well due to their flavor, texture, and ability to hold up during the baking process. Here's a list of some of the best apples for baking:

• Granny Smith - Known for their tartness and firm texture, Granny Smith apples hold their shape well during baking. They add a delightful tart flavor to pies, crisps, and other baked goods.
• Honeycrisp - Honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. They maintain their juiciness and crispness even after baking, making them versatile.
• Golden Delicious - With a sweet and mellow flavor, Golden Delicious apples are great for pies and crisps. They soften when baked, creating a luscious texture in desserts.
• Fuji - Fuji apples are sweet and firm, holding their shape when baked. They bring a natural sweetness to baked goods and work well in pies and crisps.
• Cortland - Cortland apples are slightly tart and have a tender texture, making them suitable for pies and applesauce. They are also less likely to brown quickly, making them ideal for fresh slices in baked dishes.
• Braeburn - Braeburn apples offer a sweet and slightly spicy flavor. They hold up well in baking and add a unique taste to pies and crisps.
• Jonagold - A cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, Jonagold apples are sweet and tangy. They maintain their texture and flavor when baked, making them suitable for various desserts.
• Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) - Pink Lady apples are known for their sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture. They hold up in baking and taste refreshing to pies and crisps.
• Crispin (Mutsu) - Crispin apples are sweet with a hint of tartness. They remain firm when baked, making them a good choice for pies and other baked treats.
• Baldwin - Baldwin apples have a balanced sweet-tart flavor and firm texture. They were traditionally used in pies and baked goods and are still a good choice for classic recipes.

Click here to view our step-by-step recipe on YouTube.

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Yield: 8 servings

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

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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.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

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

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the oven rack in the center of oven. Lightly spray or grease an 8x8x2” square pan.
2. Core apples, peel and slice them.
3. Arrange apple slices evenly on the bottom of the pan.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and nutmeg.
5. With a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. 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.
  

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
• 
  GF Harvest Gluten Free Quick Oats, 20 Ounce
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22-ounce (Pack of 4)
• 
  Pyrex 222 Basics Square Glass Baking Dish (8in x 8in x 2.5in)
• 
  Cast Magnesium Apple/Potato Peeler Corer by Spiralizer, Durable Heavy Duty Die Cast Magnesium Alloy Peelers

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

½ cup
Amount 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 your thoughts.