This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe Will Make Your Mouth Water!
Is there anything that feels as warm and nostalgic as the smell of apples and cinnamon baking on a chilly winter day? Let’s talk about one of my all-time favorite winter treats: a healthy, gluten-free apple crisp that satisfies every craving without the guilt!
Whether you’re a fan of warm spiced desserts, cozy winter treats, or simply a lover of apples, this easy apple crisp recipe is a must-have in your winter dessert repertoire.
Why is This Apple Crisp the Best?
From its warm, spiced flavor to its nutty, gluten-free oat topping, this apple crisp embodies everything we love about nostalgic comfort foods. This cozy winter treat is ideal for holiday gatherings or enjoying alone on a chilly night. Plus, with vegan and low-sugar options, it’s adaptable for most dietary needs without compromising on taste.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility—it’s designed to be vegan and dairy-free without sacrificing any warmth or comfort. With ingredients like gluten-free oats and almond flour in the crumble, this apple crisp is ideal for anyone avoiding gluten but craving a traditional, hearty dessert. The oats and almond flour come together to create a topping that’s both crispy and satisfying, and the use of coconut oil or vegan butter adds a layer of richness without dairy.
Healthy Ingredients
This apple crisp is also packed with nutritional goodness. Apples provide fiber and antioxidants, while oats add whole-grain benefits. Maple syrup, a natural sweetener, brings a rich depth of flavor without the sharpness of refined sugar, and coconut sugar helps keep the topping just sweet enough without overpowering the spices.
Enjoy this dessert on its own or add a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream to make it extra indulgent. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or a weekend baking treat, this apple crisp brings warmth and joy to any occasion, all while being a health-conscious choice that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Product Recommendations
1. Apple Peeler & Slicer
Why It’s Great: This tool not only saves time but also ensures consistently sized apple slices for even baking, which helps create that perfect, tender apple texture. With an easy-to-use design, this slicer-peeler is essential for anyone who loves making apple-based desserts or enjoys prepping apples for snacks and other recipes. By having pre-sliced, uniformly cut apples, you’ll get an evenly cooked filling every time.
2. Maple Syrup (Gluten-Free & Dairy Free)
Why It’s Great: For a healthier, refined-sugar-free sweetener, organic maple syrup adds a natural sweetness with a slightly caramelized flavor that enhances the cozy, warm taste of the apple crisp. Unlike refined sugars, maple syrup provides some minerals and antioxidants, making it a better choice for health-conscious bakers. Look for grade A maple syrup with a rich, golden color and robust flavor. Plus, this gluten-free maple syrup is ideal for various recipes beyond desserts, such as breakfast toppings and marinades.
3. Cinnamon and Nutmeg Spice Set
Why It’s Great: High-quality cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to any winter dessert, especially apple crisps! Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg release aromatic oils, enhancing the flavor profile of your dessert and creating that inviting scent that fills the whole kitchen. This set is also versatile for holiday baking, warm drinks, and savory dishes, making it an all-season must-have. Having both in one set ensures you’ll always have these essentials ready for any baking adventure.
4. 8×8 Glass Baking Dish
Why It’s Great: An 8×8 glass baking dish is perfect for apple crisps as it promotes even baking and allows you to watch as the apples and topping brown to perfection. Glass dishes also retain heat longer, keeping your dessert warm for serving. Plus, they’re non-reactive, so there’s no worry about acidic ingredients (like lemon juice) altering the taste of your crisp. This durable, easy-to-clean dish is a kitchen staple that’s perfect for casseroles, brownies, and all kinds of baked desserts.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat the apples evenly, then layer them in a baking dish.
2. Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, and salt. Pour the melted coconut oil or vegan butter over the mixture and stir until everything is crumbly and well-combined.
3. Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple mixture, covering evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm. This apple crisp is perfect with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream!
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 5 medium apples peeled and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice for freshness
- 2 tbsp maple syrup for natural sweetness
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg for warmth
Crumple Topping
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour or oat flour
- ¼ cup coconut sugar or a sugar alternative for low sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Apples
- Peel and slice 5 medium apples.
- Toss slices in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg.
Make the Crumble Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of gluten-free rolled oats, ½ cup of almond or oat flour, ¼ cup of coconut sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Add ¼ cup of melted coconut oil or vegan butter, stirring until the mixture is crumbly.
Assemble
- Layer the apple mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering them evenly.
Bake
- Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, with optional dairy-free ice cream or whipped topping.
Nutritional Tips for Apple Crisps
This healthy apple crisp combines the best of both worlds: a dessert that’s delicious and indulgent yet loaded with nutrients that make it a more wholesome choice. Here’s why it’s a great option nutritionally:
- High in Fiber: The combination of apples and oats makes this apple crisp naturally high in fiber, which helps support digestion and keeps you feeling full. Fiber also aids in blood sugar control, making it a great dessert option if you’re looking for more balanced energy.
- Lower Sugar Content: Traditional apple crisps can be heavy on sugar, but this version uses maple syrup and coconut sugar as alternatives to refined sugar. Both of these sweeteners have a lower glycemic index, which may help prevent blood sugar spikes while adding a caramel-like flavor. If you’re aiming for a low-sugar dessert, you can also swap out the coconut sugar for a low-glycemic alternative, like monk fruit or stevia.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Apples are a great source of antioxidants, especially polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Cinnamon and nutmeg also contain antioxidants that boost immune health, which is especially beneficial during the colder months.
- Healthy Fats: Coconut oil or vegan butter provides a source of healthy fats that support brain function, hormonal balance, and satiety. If you want to make the dessert even richer in omega-3s, consider adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the crumble topping.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Using almond flour and gluten-free oats means this dessert is naturally free from gluten, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Plus, with plant-based ingredients, this recipe is ideal for a dairy-free, vegan lifestyle without sacrificing any of the indulgent flavors we all love.
Variations and Tips
The beauty of this apple crisp is how customizable it is! Here are some delicious variations and tips to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Caramel Apple Crisp: For a decadent twist, drizzle a light layer of vegan caramel sauce over the apples before adding the crumble. This adds a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices and makes the dessert feel extra special for holiday gatherings.
- Cinnamon Apple Cake Base: If you love the idea of a layered dessert, make a simple cinnamon-flavored gluten-free cake batter and pour it into your baking dish as a base. Top it with the apple mixture and crumble for a delicious apple crisp cake that’s perfect for parties or a more filling dessert.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: For extra texture and a protein boost, consider mixing in pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds with the oats in the crumble topping. They add a nutty crunch that complements the soft, spiced apples. Alternatively, you could sprinkle crushed pecans (if not nut-free) for added flavor.
- Low-Sugar Apple Crisp: If you’re watching sugar intake, swap the coconut sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol in the crumble. You can also reduce or omit the maple syrup and rely on the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Mixed Fruit Crisp: While apple is the star, this recipe works well with other winter fruits! Try mixing in sliced pears, cranberries, or even frozen berries for a vibrant, tangy twist. The added flavors make for a more dynamic dessert that’s colorful and antioxidant-rich.
- Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of bolder spice flavors, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the apple filling. These spices pair well with cinnamon and add an extra layer of warmth and depth to the crisp.
