Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (2024)

Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (1)

4.97 from 32 votes

Prep Time : 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time : 1 hour hour

A combination of warm spices, brown sugar, big chunks of tender apples and extra crisp topping make the best gluten free apple crisp.

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Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (2)

What makes this gluten free apple crisp recipe the best is a combination of warm spices, brown sugar, big chunks of tender apples and extra crisp topping.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (3)

How to prepare the apples for this apple crisp

This apple recipe calls for chopping your peeled and cored apples into chunks. That way, the apples in the filling remain chunky and don't turn into applesauce.

To ensure that no one bites into a crispy piece of apple, and that all the apple chunks are perfectly fork-tender, we begin by baking the filling alone in the baking dish. During this step the baking dish is covered with foil to capture the steam the apples give off, which helps them cook quickly but still gently (stirring once after 15 minutes, to make use of the liquid that forms on the bottom of the baking dish).

When the crumble topping is added, the apples are about halfway to being fork-tender. When you return the apple crisp to the oven without the foil cover, the crisp topping bakes and browns beautifully in just the time it takes for the apples to finish baking and make a delicious, caramel-style sauce.

If you'd prefer to slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices, you can follow the instructions for preparing the filling in our recipe for gluten free apple crumble. A crumble is similar to a crisp but with a chunky, nubby, coffee-cake type topping that gives when you bite into it, and it sometimes does not include oats.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (4)

How to make different gluten free fruit desserts

Gluten free apple crisp is one thing, but not all gluten free fruit dessert recipes follow the same rules. If you'd prefer to make a fruit dessert with berries, for example, you'd need a different recipe, like our master gluten free crumble recipe, which can be made with any berry or combination of berries.

Not only do berries bake differently than apples and stone fruits, but their flavor profiles are different. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and even blackberries begin to break down as soon as you apply heat on the stovetop or in the oven.

Stone fruits, like peaches and nectarines, and to a lesser extent apricots and plums, are more fibrous than berries. Apples are much more fibrous than other fruits, so they must be baked longer and often differently (like this apple crisp recipe, where we parbake them first for 30 minutes without the crisp topping).

Although all the warm spices, like cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon, are perfect for apples and even stone fruits, berries are best with a touch of sugar and salt alone.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (5)

What's in the gluten free crisp topping?

A crisp is a crustless fruit-based dessert with a warm, brown sugar topping that “crisps” really well in the oven. Unlike in a crumble, we don't want the topping to hold its shape during baking.

If you see any large clumps of topping when it’s raw, break them up! That's why we don't refrigerate the topping unless the butter was too hot and the topping is really really loose.

In this topping recipe, you'll find the simplest ingredients. They are:

  • Gluten free flour, for structure
  • Granulated sugar (for crispness and sweetness)
  • Light brown sugar (for sweetness, caramelization, and aroma)
  • Butter, for fat, crispness, and flavor
  • Certified gluten free oats, for texture (but they can be replaced if you can't have oats)
  • Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, for aroma and warmth
  • A touch of salt, to brighten the flavors
Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (6)

Other easy gluten free apple desserts

I used to consider baking with apples to be something best reserved for the chill of fall weather, when apples are in season—especially here in my home state of New York. After all, I only buy summer fruits like fresh berries and watermelon when they're in season.

But apples are like bananas these days: always available in every grocery store, and always just as good as they'll ever be. In apple season, there are more varieties available, but you'll almost always find Granny Smith apples and they're ideal for using in this recipe, and these other easy gf apple desserts:

  • Gluten Free Dutch Apple Pie
  • Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts
  • Gluten Free Apple Fritters
  • Miniature Handheld Gluten Free Apple Pies
  • Gluten Free Apple Slab Pie
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How to make gluten free crisp without oats

It is possible to make a gluten free apple crisp without oats. When properly sourced, certified gluten free oats are gluten free. However, you may still need or want to avoid them. In this recipe, making a substitute for oats is quite simple:

To replace the ½ cup (50 g) of certified gluten free old-fashioned rolled oats in the gf apple crisp topping recipe here, please use one of the following:

  • an equal amount, by weight, of quinoa flakes (buckwheat flakes would also work, but they’re not easily available in the U.S.); or
  • ¼ cup (36 g) additional all purpose gluten free flour blend. Just use more of the gf flour blend you’re already using.
Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (8)

Ingredients and substitution suggestions for this easy gluten free apple crisp

How to make gluten free dairy free apple crisp

The only dairy used in this recipe is the butter in the topping. Since we're melting the butter, and we want it to brown, I think nearly any butter substitute would work well here.

If you use Earth Balance buttery sticks or another margarine-type dairy free butter alternative, you may have to reduce the second baking time, so just watch it carefully for browning. If you're using vegan butter, like Melt brand or Miyoko's Kitchen brand, there shouldn't be any difference in baking.

How to make gluten free oat free apple crisp

In brief, if you can't have or would prefer to avoid even certified gluten free oats, try replacing them with 50 grams of quinoa flakes, or an additional ¼ cup (36 g) of your all purpose gluten free flour blend. For a more complete discussion of making gluten free apple crisp without oats, please see that heading above.

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A personal apple-adjacent note

When I first published this post in 2011, my three children were 9, 7, and 6 years old. Each year, they would run down through the orchard, just like they did in this photo from 2011.

They're all teenagers and beyond now (the oldest is even in her early 20's). Sometimes, when the stars align, one or two of them will still agree to go apple picking with us, as a family.

Even if they're just in it for the crisps, pies, and muffins that I always bake for weeks afterward, I'll take it. I'm certain, when we were in the thick of those young ages, I didn't take it in enough. You never do, really.

GF Apple Crisp FAQs

Why didn't my apple crisp get crispy?

If some parts are crispy and others are dry, you probably didn't mix the melted butter into the other crisp topping ingredients well enough. The butter is what helps it all crisp in the oven!
Your oven also may not have been hot enough, so the crisp bakes too gently to become, well, crispy!
If you didn't finish the dish by baking it uncovered, the topping will be surrounded by steam and that will cause a soggy crisp.

How do I know when my apple crisp is finished baking?

When your crisp is done baking, the topping will be golden brown, the apples fork tender, and the filling gently bubbling.

Do I have to bake the apple filling alone first?

If you'd like to skip that step, you can cook the apple filling first on the stovetop at medium-low heat. Start out with the pan covered for about 15 minutes, then uncovered for another 5 minutes or until the apples are fork tender. Then, pile the warm filling into the baking dish, cover with the prepared crisp topping, and follow the last 2 instructions in the recipe to finish the dish.

Can I make this crisp ahead of time?

For the best results, you should only make the filling ahead of time either in the oven or on the stovetop. Cool it completely, then store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Then, proceed with the recipe as written from the start, ignoring the instructions to cook the apple filling until fork tender.

How can I store leftover gf apple crisp?

Leftovers of this crisp keep surprising well, although the topping will soften as it sits on top of the wet filling. Pile the leftovers into a sealed storage container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm it in a heat-safe dish in the toaster oven at 300°F until heated through.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (10)

Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (11)

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Gluten Free Apple Crisp

A combination of warm spices, brown sugar, big chunks of tender apples and extra crisp topping make the best gluten free apple crisp.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Yield: 10 servings

Author: Nicole Hunn

Ingredients

For the crisp topping

  • 1 ½ cups (210 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend (I used Better Batter)
  • ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum omit if your blend already contains it
  • ½ cup (50 g) certified gluten free old-fashioned rolled oats See Recipe Notes for substitute
  • cup (67 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg optional
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup (109 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 12 tablespoons (168 g) unsalted butter melted and cooled

For the apple filling

  • 2 tablespoons (18 g) gum-free gluten free flour blend See Recipe Notes for substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 pounds (about 6 large apples) Granny Smith apples (or other tart and firm apple) peeled, cored and chopped into 3/4-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup (2 fluid ounces) lukewarm water
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For serving (optional)

  • 1 pint gluten free vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Prepare the crisp topping.

  • In a medium-sized bowl, place the flour, xanthan gum, oats, granulated sugar, cinnamon, optional nutmeg and salt, and mix to combine. Add the brown sugar, and mix again, working out any lumps.

  • Add the melted butter, and mix to combine well. The mixture will be thick. Chill only briefly if at all loose or warm. Set the topping aside.

Prepare the apple filling.

  • In a large bowl, place flour, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar, and toss to combine well, breaking up any lumps in the brown sugar. Add the apples, and toss to coat the apples completely.

  • Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish, add the 1/4 cup lukewarm water and vanilla extract, and stir to combine again. Spread the apple chunks into an even layer.

  • Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and place it in the oven to begin to soften the apples. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and uncover the dish to stir the apples. Cover again, return to the oven, and continue to bake for another 15 minutes.

  • Remove the baking dish from the oven and place on a heatproof surface. Remove the foil, stir the apples and spread them again into an even layer.

  • Scatter the crisp topping evenly on top, breaking up any larger clumps of topping, and press gently on top to help the topping adhere to the apples.

  • Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the topping is golden brown (about 25 minutes). Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving warm, topped with the optional vanilla ice cream.

Notes

To replace the oats: Try 50 grams of quinoa flakes, or an additional ¼ cup (36 g) of your all purpose gluten free flour blend. Proceed with the rest of the recipe as written. To replace the gum-free gluten free flour blend: Try an equal amount, by weight, tapioca starch/flour.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (12)

Print Pin Save

Gluten Free Apple Crisp

A combination of warm spices, brown sugar, big chunks of tender apples and extra crisp topping make the best gluten free apple crisp.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Yield: 10 servings

Author: Nicole Hunn

Ingredients

For the crisp topping

  • 1 ½ cups (210 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend (I used Better Batter)
  • ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum omit if your blend already contains it
  • ½ cup (50 g) certified gluten free old-fashioned rolled oats See Recipe Notes for substitute
  • cup (67 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg optional
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup (109 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 12 tablespoons (168 g) unsalted butter melted and cooled

For the apple filling

  • 2 tablespoons (18 g) gum-free gluten free flour blend See Recipe Notes for substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 pounds (about 6 large apples) Granny Smith apples (or other tart and firm apple) peeled, cored and chopped into 3/4-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup (2 fluid ounces) lukewarm water
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For serving (optional)

  • 1 pint gluten free vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Prepare the crisp topping.

  • In a medium-sized bowl, place the flour, xanthan gum, oats, granulated sugar, cinnamon, optional nutmeg and salt, and mix to combine. Add the brown sugar, and mix again, working out any lumps.

  • Add the melted butter, and mix to combine well. The mixture will be thick. Chill only briefly if at all loose or warm. Set the topping aside.

Prepare the apple filling.

  • In a large bowl, place flour, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar, and toss to combine well, breaking up any lumps in the brown sugar. Add the apples, and toss to coat the apples completely.

  • Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish, add the 1/4 cup lukewarm water and vanilla extract, and stir to combine again. Spread the apple chunks into an even layer.

  • Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and place it in the oven to begin to soften the apples. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and uncover the dish to stir the apples. Cover again, return to the oven, and continue to bake for another 15 minutes.

  • Remove the baking dish from the oven and place on a heatproof surface. Remove the foil, stir the apples and spread them again into an even layer.

  • Scatter the crisp topping evenly on top, breaking up any larger clumps of topping, and press gently on top to help the topping adhere to the apples.

  • Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the topping is golden brown (about 25 minutes). Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving warm, topped with the optional vanilla ice cream.

Notes

To replace the oats: Try 50 grams of quinoa flakes, or an additional ¼ cup (36 g) of your all purpose gluten free flour blend. Proceed with the rest of the recipe as written. To replace the gum-free gluten free flour blend: Try an equal amount, by weight, tapioca starch/flour.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp Recipe | Simple, Delicious GF Fruit Crisp (2024)

FAQs

What are the best apples for making apple crisp? ›

What Makes A Good Apple For Apple Crisp? The best apples for baking keep their structure under heat, which prevents the chunks of fruit from turning into mush after baking. The firm and crisp Granny Smith and Honeycrisp varieties are popular apples to use in apple pies and apple crisps.

How do you keep apples from getting mushy in apple crisp? ›

How do you keep Apple crisp from getting soggy? You need enough butter in your topping, try both melted or cold cut into the dry ingredients. Also, there needs to be enough texture to keep it from just flattening into the fruit below.

What's the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp? ›

Like an apple crisp, an apple crumble is a baked fruit dessert with a layer of topping. But unlike the crisp, the crumble topping rarely includes oats or nuts. Instead, a crumble's topping is more like streusel, made with flour, sugar and butter.

How do you thicken apple crisp filling? ›

Adding cornstarch and flour to the apple mixture will help bring your crisp's filling together. You want to make sure you have a nice balance of the sweet and tart in your dessert.

How do you make Martha Stewart apple crumble? ›

In a large bowl, toss together apples, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; transfer to prepared dish. In a bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in 1 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt until large pieces form. Scatter over filling.

Which apples stay crisp the longest? ›

Thicker skinned and harder apples tend to keep longer; 'Arkansas Black', 'Stayman Winesap', 'Rome', 'Fuji' or 'Pink Lady' can last five months or more when conditions are right. Softer skinned varieties like 'Gala' and 'Golden Delicious' may only last a few weeks even in the best environment.

Should I cover my apple crisp while baking? ›

Baking: Start baking the apple crisp covered with foil. This allows the apples to soften without any risk of the topping over-browning. After about 20 minutes, remove the foil and let the crisp finish cooking uncovered. Once the juices are bubbling, the topping is golden brown, and the apples are tender, it is done!

Why didn't my apple crisp get crispy? ›

How can I make my apple crisp crispy? If your butter to flour to sugar ratio is off, it will result in a less crispy topping. You want to be careful not to add too much flour or too little. Also, we love adding old fashioned rolled oats to our crumble because it really gives it a nice crunch.

How do you know when apple crisp is done baking? ›

Bake the apple crisp until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp, about 45 minutes. Serve the crisps warm with vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream, if desired.

What is the secret to good crumble? ›

❓FAQ
  • Use cold butter. This will help to create a crumbly texture that will not stick together when baking.
  • Use a mix of flour and oats. The oats will add a bit of crunch and texture to the topping.
  • Don't overmix the ingredients. The crumble topping should be made with a "coarse" crumb.
Jun 5, 2023

Why is it called Brown Betty? ›

This has led some historians to believe that Betty was the name of the cook and creator of the recipe and that brown was in reference to her skin color.

Is Apple Brown Betty the same as apple crisp? ›

Both are very similar apple desserts, but the difference mainly comes down to the crumble topping: Instead of the flour and oat mixture used in an apple crisp, an apple brown betty uses breadcrumbs for its crumbly, delicious topping.

What can I use instead of cornstarch in apple crisp? ›

Cornstarch- I used cornstarch to help bind the apples. You could also substitute with all-purpose flour, but I prefer the texture with cornstarch. Cinnamon- I added a little bit of cinnamon because it pairs so nicely with the apples. Nutmeg- The nutmeg is optional, but gives this apple crisp a nice touch and spice.

Why is it important to use cold butter when preparing apple crisp? ›

Use cold, cubed butter.

Making the crumble with room temperature or melted butter will cause the topping to spread as it bakes, rather than creating a landscape of craggy, crunchy sweet pieces. Using cold butter will help all the crumble ingredients bind together before baking and then saturate them evenly in the oven.

Why is my fruit crisp runny? ›

As fruit cooks, it releases its juices, becoming saucy and soupy. This is partially what makes a crisp so delicious—but also what can turn it from a casserole-style dessert into fruit soup. (Some fruits, like red berries, contain very low amounts of pectin, meaning they won't "set up" without help).

Which apples are the most crisp and sweet? ›

Fuji: Fuji is the sweetest apple variety that Stemilt grows. Each crisp bite will remind you of the sweet taste of apple juice due to its naturally high sugar levels! Fuji apples are ideal for fresh applications like snacking, juicing, or freezing.

Are Gala apples good for baking apple crisp? ›

Gala apples are my favorite variety for this recipe – I like their sweet/tart flavor and firm texture. But if you have a favorite baking apple, feel free to use it here. Granny smith apples, Honeycrisps, Jonagolds, or a mix would all be excellent.

Which apples are Crispier Fuji or Gala? ›

Texture & Use in Recipes: In terms of texture, Fuji apples are also a lot crisper, and less dense than Gala apples. So, they result in a firm bite with juicy flesh while Galas are softer and creamier. Their texture also means that Fujis are better for baking as they hold their shape better than Galas when cooked!

Are Honeycrisp apples good for baking? ›

Honeycrisp. One of the sweetest apples around, this Midwestern favorite is good for anything—including baking. It boasts a distinctive juicy crispness and is firm enough that it won't cook down much. It complements just about any other apple variety to make a stellar pie.

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