This gluten-free apple crisp is a warm, cozy dessert that’s easy to make. With sweet, tender apples and a crunchy topping, it’s simply delightful!
Every bite feels like a hug from grandma’s kitchen. I love topping mine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat! 🍏🍦
Making this dish is a breeze! Just slice the apples, mix with cinnamon, and sprinkle the topping on. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat without the gluten hassle!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for that tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too. You can mix and match or use any apples you have on hand.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a nice tartness, but you can skip them or use raisins in their place if you prefer a sweeter dish.
Brown Sugar: If you want a lighter option, coconut sugar is a great alternative. It has a similar flavor and is often less processed.
Flours: Almond flour lends a lovely flavor, but you could also use gluten-free all-purpose flour or even oat flour if you’re looking for more fiber.
Butter: Melted coconut oil is a fantastic dairy-free option that still provides amazing flavor and richness.
How Do I Make the Topping Perfectly Crunchy?
The key to a crunchy topping is all in the mixing and baking. Make sure the oats and flour are well combined, and don’t skip the melting step for your butter or oil. This helps everything bind together for that satisfying crunch.
- Combine the oats, flour, and butter well to create a crumbly texture.
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on it while baking. If it starts browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil.
Letting it cool a bit before serving helps everything set up nicely, making every scoop a delicious experience! Enjoy your bake! 🍏✨

Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful gluten-free apple crisp can be prepared in about 15 minutes, with an additional 40-45 minutes for baking. You’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting dessert in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples and cranberries (if using) with the lemon juice, half of the brown sugar (1/4 cup), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is well coated and the aromas are heavenly!
3. Assemble the Fruit Layer:
Transfer the prepared fruit mixture to your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure every scoop is filled!
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, almond flour, the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and nuts if you’re using them. Pour the melted butter over this mixture and stir until the mixture is moist and crumbly, resembling sand.
5. Layer the Topping:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit layer. Make sure to cover all the apples so they stay nice and sweet while baking!
6. Bake It Up:
Now, bake your apple crisp in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and bubbly fruit underneath—a sure sign that it’s ready to enjoy!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat!
Enjoy your delicious homemade gluten-free apple crisp!
img src=”https://tastyhomejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gluten-free-apple-crisp.webp” alt=””>
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Apple Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can mix in other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure you adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this apple crisp vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly!
What If I Don’t Have Almond Flour?
No worries! You can replace almond flour with more gluten-free rolled oats, or use any gluten-free all-purpose flour. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy!
