This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is a warm and tasty treat that will make your home smell like an apple orchard. It’s packed with juicy apples and a crunchy topping made from oats and nuts!
Honestly, who can resist that sweet, cinnamon aroma wafting from the oven? I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Choose Granny Smith for tartness, or mix with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you don’t have apples, pears work well too, just adjust the sugar since they are sweeter.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice helps balance sweetness. If you’re out, you can use vinegar (like apple cider) or skip it, though it adds a nice tang!
Butter: I use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter can be used instead.
Almond Flour: It’s great for a nutty flavor and gluten-free texture. However, you can substitute it with oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend if allergies are a concern.
Nuts: I love adding walnuts for crunch, but pecans or even sunflower seeds are fantastic substitutes if you’re allergic or just don’t have any on hand.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
Getting the topping just right is key to a great apple crisp! Aim for a nice crumbly texture to give that satisfying crunch. Here’s how:
- Mix your dry ingredients first, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Cut in the cold butter until you have small pea-sized pieces. This ensures it stays crisp instead of becoming a mushy topping.
- Don’t overwork your mixture; you want it to stay crumbly. If it starts sticking together too much, you might have used too much moisture.
- Spread it evenly over the apples but don’t press it down; this helps it stay crispy while baking.
Once it’s baked, let it cool a bit before serving. This allows the topping to set nicely!
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 5 medium apples, like Granny Smith, or a mix of tart and sweet)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 3/4 cup almond flour (or any gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving (optional):
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 40 to 45 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for this scrumptious dessert to be ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your apple crisp bakes evenly and becomes nice and golden brown.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. Pour the apple mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased 9-inch pie dish or 8-inch square baking dish.
3. Make the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, light brown sugar, salt, and chopped nuts. This combination gives you that delicious crunchy topping.
4. Add the Butter:
Next, add the cold butter pieces to your oat mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix everything until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture, with small pea-sized butter bits throughout. It’s okay to have some larger chunks for extra crunch!
5. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oatmeal topping evenly over the apples in your baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and bubbly, tender apples underneath.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take your apple crisp out of the oven and let it cool slightly. This makes it easier to serve. You can enjoy it warm on its own or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy your cozy, naturally gluten-free apple crisp! Happy baking! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use any apples you like. Granny Smith apples are great for a tart flavor, but mixing them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji adds depth and balance to your crisp.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might want to add a little butter on top before reheating for extra moisture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately the day before. Just keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble and bake as directed; it might take a few extra minutes if everything is cold.
Can I Substitute the Nuts?
Yes, you can skip the nuts if you prefer! If there are allergy concerns, consider using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch, or simply leave them out entirely for a nut-free option.
