In this easy gluten-free apple crisp, a glorious bed of caramelized apples is finished with a crunchy oat topping. This is the perfect dessert for fall or anytime you want a sweet treat! Dairy-free and vegan too.
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Jump to:
- Fall Means Apple Season
- Apple Crisp – The Perfect Apple Dessert
- Why This Recipe Works:
- Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Recipe Notes + Substitutions:
- How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp (Step by Step):
- Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Recipe FAQs:
- Other Fall Recipes to Make:
- Desserts to Indulge In:
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe (Dairy-Free, Vegan)
Fall Means Apple Season
As the intense heat of summer slowly gives way to shorter days and cooler evenings, and the greens and yellows inch their way to warmer tones of ocres and auburns, we know that fall is coming.
Along with everything that represents autumn, apples are particularly significant of this magical season.
Each fall, we make plenty of apple recipes – such as warm homemade applesauce, to fresh apple and fennel salad, to a delightful apple crumble, or apple pie.
Without a doubt, apples are definitely centerpiece during the fall.
Apple Crisp – The Perfect Apple Dessert
And of course, since we’ve been making plenty of fruit crisps (such as this peach crisp, blueberry crisp and mixed berry crisp), we can’t forget about using apples to make a glorious crisp.
So here we have one to use up all the abundant apple bounty that this fall season is about to pour generously over us.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for this easy gluten-free apple crisp recipe is easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required)!
- Easy to Make: Preparing the filling and the oat topping is fast and simple (just 15 minutes hands-on time) and you can let the oven do the rest of the work!
- Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: The gluten-free apple dessert is also 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances, or those simply on a gluten-free or vegan diet can enjoy this easy apple crisp without issues.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this easy gluten-free apple crisp recipe.
(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Recipe Notes + Substitutions:
- Fresh Apples: I like tart apples, so I’m using granny smith apples for their tartness, but go ahead and use sweet apples if you prefer. I didn’t peel the apples, but feel free to peel the apples if you like them better without the skins.
- Sugar: I used a mix of white sugar and dark brown sugar, but you may also use cane sugar, light brown sugar, or coconut sugar. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).
- Spices: To enhance the flavor of the apples and add fall vibes, I’ve added a bit of warm spices such as ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. You may also add ground cardamon if you enjoy the taste.
- Gluten-Free Flour: For this gf apple crisp recipe, I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is made up of lighter flours and starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch). I do NOT recommend using a gluten-free blend that is made up of heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour).
- Oats: You can use quick cooking oats or rolled oats. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure you use certified gluten-free oats (this is because most oats are processed in the same facilities that process gluten-containing grains such as wheat).
- Butter: I used unsalted dairy-free butter (vegan butter) to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan. You may also use coconut oil if you prefer (if so, I recommend using refined coconut oil which has a more neutral flavor as opposed to extra virgin coconut oil which has a stronger coconut smell and taste). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular unsalted butter instead.
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp (Step by Step):
1. Preheat and Grease
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a small 6-inch cast iron skillet with dairy-free butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. Prepare Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, place the sliced apples, add the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Use a spoon to toss together until the apple slices are completely coated.
Set aside and let the apple juices and dry ingredients mix together.
3. Prepare Oat Crumble Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and then stir until the butter is melted.
Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, gluten-free oats, salt and brown sugar, and mix thoroughly until combined.
4. Cook Until Oats Are Browned
Stir this mixture every few minutes until slightly melted together and the oats have browned.
5. Transfer Apple Mixture to Pan
Transfer the apple filling mixture to the prepared cast iron pan (make sure to scrape all the juices and sugars into the pan).
6. Top with Crumble Topping
Distribute the oat crumble mixture on top of the apples, leaving some of the apples exposed.
7. Bake Until Golden
Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve this delicious gluten free apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or Greek yogurt) and a drizzle of caramel sauce and enjoy!
Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Type of Apples: I like using granny smith apples for their tartness, but go ahead and use whichever apples you prefer (such as pink lady apples, honeycrisp apples, red delicious apples etc).
- Skin On or Off? I didn’t peel my apples, but you can peel the apples if you prefer them without the skins.
- Swap Out Apple for Other Fruits: Not a fan of apples? Feel free to make this crisp by swapping out the apples for pears or quinces, stone fruit (such as peaches, plums, or apricots) or even berries!
- No Cast Iron Skillet? If you don’t own a cast iron pan, go ahead and use a small pie dish or a ramekin to make this crisp instead.
Recipe FAQs:
To store, place the cooled apple crisp in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the gluten-free dairy-free apple crisp in the oven for a few minutes until the topping is crispy again before eating.
Other Fall Recipes to Make:
- Easy Homemade Applesauce (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Apple Crumble (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- 20-Minute Cranberry Sauce (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Pear Custard Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Desserts to Indulge In:
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!
PrintGluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe (Dairy-Free, Vegan)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
In this easy gluten-free apple crisp, a glorious bed of caramelized apples is finished with a crunchy oat topping. This is the perfect dessert for fall or anytime you want a sweet treat! Dairy-free and vegan too.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 granny smith apples, cut into thin, even slices
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
For the Oat Crumble Topping:
- 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup gluten-free oats
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons softened unsalted dairy-free butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a small 6-inch cast iron skillet with dairy-free butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, place the sliced apples, add the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Use a spoon to toss together until the apples are completely coated. Set aside and let the apple juices and dry ingredients mix together.
- Prepare Oat Crumble Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and then stir until the butter is melted. Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, gluten-free oats, salt and brown sugar, and mix thoroughly until combined.
- Cook Until Oats Are Browned: Stir this mixture every few minutes until slightly melted together and the oats have browned.
- Transfer Apple Mixture to Pan: Transfer the apple filling mixture to the prepared cast iron pan (make sure to scrape all the juices and sugars into the pan).
- Top with Crumble Topping: Distribute the oat crumble mixture on top of the apples, leaving some of the apples exposed.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve this gluten-free apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Notes
Apples: I like using granny smith apples for their tartness, but go ahead and use whichever apples you prefer. I didn’t peel my apples, but you can peel the apples if you prefer them without the skins.
Sugar: I used a mix of white sugar and dark brown sugar, but you may also use cane sugar, light brown sugar, or coconut sugar. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).
Spices: To enhance the flavor of the apples and add fall vibes, I’ve added a bit of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. You may also add ground cardamon if you enjoy the taste.
Gluten-Free Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is made up of lighter flours and starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch). I do NOT recommend using a gluten-free blend that is made up of heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour).
Oats: You can use quick cooking oats or rolled oats. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure you use certified gluten-free oats (this is because most oats are processed in the same facilities that process gluten-containing grains such as wheat).
Butter: I used unsalted dairy-free butter (vegan butter) to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan. You may also use coconut oil if you prefer (if so, I recommend using refined coconut oil which has a more neutral flavor as opposed to extra virgin coconut oil which has a stronger coconut smell and taste). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular butter instead.
Storing: To store, place the cooled apple crisp in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the gluten-free dairy-free apple crisp in the oven for a few minutes until the topping is crispy again before eating.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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