This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is a warm, cozy dessert that combines sweet apples with a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for fall or any time you want a tasty treat!
What I love most is how easy it is to make! Just toss some apples with spices, cover them with the yummy topping, and bake. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. You can also try Fuji or Braeburn if they’re available. If you’re short on fresh apples, pear slices can be a great substitute!
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works well too. You can also use apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: A quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend will work best. If you want to avoid xanthan gum, look for blends that already include it. Almond flour or coconut flour can be used too, but might change the texture.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over sweetness and saltiness. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try coconut oil or a non-dairy butter substitute!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
The topping is what makes this apple crisp so delightful! For a great texture, ensure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces. This helps create crumbly bits instead of a smooth batter.
- Mix the dry ingredients first, then add butter pieces.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Avoid overmixing, as you want those buttery chunks to remain for that crunchy topping.
Baking until golden brown is key! If it’s browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking until the apples are tender. Enjoy this tasty dessert!
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples; such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For The Crisp Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, if not included in flour blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious gluten-free apple crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 45-50 minutes of baking time. Once it’s in the oven, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your apple crisp cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden topping. Lightly grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking dish or a similar sized skillet so that nothing sticks!
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the apple slices are well coated. Once mixed, spread the apple mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
3. Mix the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine gluten-free rolled oats, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, xanthan gum (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix it all together until well combined.
4. Add the Butter:
Now, add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork, work the butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. You want those delightful chunks that create a nice crispy topping!
5. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure the topping covers the apples nicely to create that scrumptious crisp layer.
6. Bake It Up:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown, and the apples are tender and bubbly along the edges. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked to perfection, remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. This allows the juices to thicken a bit. Serve it warm, and don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top if you like!
Enjoy your cozy gluten-free apple crisp! 🍏✨
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Apples?
Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for apples, you can substitute them with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this gluten-free apple crisp vegan, simply replace the cold unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. You can also use a flax egg or a commercial egg replacement if you prefer to include a binder.
What Size Baking Dish Should I Use?
A 9-inch (23 cm) square dish works perfectly for this recipe. If you have a larger dish, you can double the recipe or keep an eye on the baking time as it may cook faster in a larger pan.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick treat!
