🍎 Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

This gluten-free apple crisp is warm, cozy, and perfectly spiced with tender cinnamon apples beneath a golden, buttery oat crumble topping. It’s naturally gluten-free (using certified gluten-free oats), easy to prepare, and perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or a simple comfort dessert. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible treat.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (about 2 ½ pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
  (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats

• ¾ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  (or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size).

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl:

• Toss sliced apples with lemon juice.

• Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla.

• Mix well until apples are evenly coated.

• Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Crisp Topping

In a medium bowl:

• Combine oats, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

• Add cold butter cubes.

• Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly and pea-sized pieces form.

4. Assemble

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

5. Bake

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until:

• Apples are tender

• Filling is bubbling

• Topping is golden brown

If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

6. Cool & Serve

Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken as it cools.

🍨 Serving Suggestions

• Vanilla ice cream

• Fresh whipped cream

• Caramel drizzle

• A sprinkle of chopped pecans

❓ Q & A

Q: What apples are best for apple crisp?

A: A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness and texture.

Q: Are oats gluten-free?

A: Oats are naturally gluten-free but often cross-contaminated. Always use certified gluten-free oats to ensure safety.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes! Substitute the butter with dairy-free butter or solid coconut oil.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

A: Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

Q: Can I freeze apple crisp?

A:

• Before baking: Assemble and freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 60–70 minutes.

• After baking: Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat at 325°F until warmed through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions.

Q: Can I make this without flour?

A: Yes. Replace the gluten-free flour with almond flour for a slightly nutty flavor and crumbly texture.