This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s packed with juicy apples and a crunchy topping. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and sour. You can also mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor. Just keep the balance right!
Lemon Juice: This helps keep the apples from browning and adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have lemon juice, a bit of vinegar or orange juice can work in a pinch.
Gluten-Free Oats: Essential for that crunchy topping, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you’re strictly avoiding gluten. You can swap them with nuts or seeds for added crunch if you like.
Almond Flour: This gives the crisp a nice texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with any other gluten-free flour like coconut flour or a gluten-free all-purpose mix, but adjust for moisture as needed.
Butter: Cold butter is ideal for creating that crumbly topping. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter works well too, just keep it cold!
How Do I Make Sure My Crisp Topping is Perfectly Crunchy?
Getting that topping just right is crucial for a delicious apple crisp. Here’s how to ensure it’s crunchy and delightful:
- Make sure the butter is cold and cut into small pieces. This will help it blend into the flour and oats but still create those crunchy bits when baked.
- Don’t overmix when combining the topping ingredients. You want some chunks for that texture!
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples, but avoid pressing it down too much. This keeps it airy.
- Check for doneness—look for a golden-brown topping and bubbly apples underneath. Let it cool a bit before serving to help it set!
Enjoy every bite of this lovely dessert! 🍏✨
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 3/4 cup almond flour (or your preferred gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Gluten-Free Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool for a few minutes before serving, especially if you’re pairing it with ice cream. It’s a quick and satisfying dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Skillet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9-inch cast iron skillet or a baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Preparing the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced apples and drizzle them with lemon juice. This not only prevents browning but adds a nice flavor! Next, sprinkle in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss everything together gently until the apples are well coated.
3. Arranging the Apples:
Now, transfer your apple mixture into the prepared skillet or baking dish. Spread the apples out evenly to ensure they cook nicely while baking.
4. Making the Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together. Then, add the cold butter pieces into the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter in until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will give you that delightful topping!
5. Assembling the Crisp:
Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apple mixture, ensuring all the apples are covered with that crunchy goodness.
6. Baking Your Crisp:
Place the skillet or baking dish in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it bakes!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help it set a bit more and make it easier to serve. For a delightful dessert, serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Enjoy your comforting, gluten-free apple crisp! 🍏✨
Can I Use Other Types of Apples for This Crisp?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, you can also mix in sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a more complex flavor. Just keep the balance of sweetness right!
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Crisp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick treat!
What Can I Use Instead of Almond Flour?
If you need an alternative to almond flour, you can use any other gluten-free flour like coconut flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just note that the texture may vary slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure that your sugar is also vegan (some sugar is processed with bone char), and you can use a flax egg or applesauce if you’d like to substitute any egg products.
