Flourless Apple Crisp is so easy to make and it’s delicious, but let’s be honest, the main reason you’ll make this recipe is because it has no flour and therefore no carbs. The crisp topping on this is unsweetened, which takes it to another level. Out of this world. The crisp topping is a variation of a kitchen sink cookie recipe (meaning it has a little bit of everything in it) and is not overly sweet.
Gluten Free Apple Crisp
This gluten-free apple crisp, which has a buttery, crumbly oat topping, is the ideal fall dessert. When you serve this quick recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it becomes even more delicious.
Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe
The pumpkin pie and apple pie are two of the most popular fall sweets. Let’s be honest, even while I do enjoy a tasty slice of gluten-free apple crumble pie. I won’t even miss the crust if I just eat the buttery crumb toppings and the sweet, cinnamon apples instead.
I enjoy a good gluten-free apple crisp because of this. There is no need to mess with a crust because it is all apples and all crumbs. This actually makes this dessert healthier. On their own, the apples are sprinkled with a little sugar. And there are plenty of almond flour and traditional rolled oats in that topping. So yes, it is a delicious delight that also has fiber and protein. That seems to warrant a second serving.
The ice cream scoop must not be overlooked!
Do Oats Contain Gluten?
You might be asking whether oats are gluten free since I mentioned that this is a gluten-free apple crisp recipe. Oats do not contain gluten like wheat, barley, or rye, which may cause confusion. However, you will find packets and containers of oatmeal in the grocery store that don’t have labels and some that are marked as gluten-free.
Where, how, and how they are processed raise questions. Oats are frequently produced in fields that are close to or have previously been used for the production of grains containing gluten. Additionally, they can frequently be sorted and processed using machinery that is also used for these grains. This possibility of cross-contamination might be problematic for people who have celiac disease or who have strong intolerances or allergies. As a result, you might discover and your doctor might suggest that you should only consume gluten-free oats.
Recipe Ingredients
For the apple filling
- Apples: Peeled and sliced. As I will mention below, I like to use Golden Delicious, but use your favorite.
- Granulated sugar: Just a bit. Feel free to use another sweetener.
- Cinnamon: Always makes aples taste better.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from turning brown and the acid brightens the flavors.
What are the Best Apples to Use?
In general, you want to use an apple that is firm enough to not fully degrade when baking for baked apple desserts. If not, your crisp will turn out to be mushy. And no one desires that.
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious apples are all excellent selections since they are crisp. Many people prefer the Granny Smith, but I usually go with Golden Delicious because it seems to be less tart. However, as each brings a somewhat distinct flavor and texture, feel free to select what you like most or try a mixture.
You can even try Pink Lady, Crispin, Fuji, or Jonagold for something unique.
For the oat topping
- Old fashioned oats: Not quick or instant. As discussed above, be sure they are certified gluten free if needed.
- Almond flour: Adds a little texture, protein, fiber, and a nice, nutty flavor.
- Gluten free flour: I used a 1:1 blend. For this recipe, somethign like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 or Cup4Cup work great.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens and adds a nice molasses flavor.
- Cinnamon: For nice, warm spice.
- Unsalted butter: Holds everything together.
How to Make Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Let’s get started now that you have all of your materials.
Get the apples ready:
350°F oven temperature. Use nonstick cooking spray to lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish glass baking dish (this is often around 711-inches or 811-inches, depending on the manufacturer). Apples should be peeled and cut into uniform slices before being combined with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl. Place in the baking pan that has been prepared.
Creating the topping
Oats, almond flour, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon should all be combined in a medium basin. Use a fork or spatula to combine everything. Add the melted butter and mix everything together until well incorporated. It will be fairly crumbly and thick. Overlay the apples with the topping.
Bake the apple crisp for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling. 5 minutes should pass before eating.
Serving Suggestions
Powdered sugar: If you want to keep it really simple, a little sprinkle of powdered sugar is all your need.
Whipped cream: Whether you get it from a can or container or make your own freshly whipped cream, it’s delightful to add a creamy element to the sweet-tart apples.
Ice cream: Personally, this is the only way I go. You can stick with vanilla from the store, or double up on the apple flavor by making No-Churn Caramel Apple Ice Cream.
Yogurt: Either frozen yogurt or a dollop of sweetened Greek yogurt will give you that creamy contrast in a healthier way.
Tips for the Best Crisp
To ensure consistent baking, cut the apples into slices that are roughly the same size. When cutting apples into wedges, I like to use one of those apple corers and slicers. I divided each of those slices into halves next. The apple can alternatively be sliced into quarters, the core removed, and then each quarter divided into three or four slices.
Avoid overmixing the topping ingredients; while you want to blend them, you still want to be able to spread them over the apples so that they bake up with a wonderful crumbly topping.
Feed a crowd: You may double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish if you need more servings.
Variations
Use unrefined sugars: For the topping, use coconut sugar or a low-carb sweetener like Serve Brown. The filling will taste much better if you substitute raw honey or maple syrup for the sugar.
Make it nutty: For added crunch, try mixing in 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
Mix something in: If raisins or dried cranberries are more your style, feel free to add a few to the apple filling mixture. Pears can alternatively be used in place of part or all of the apples.
Healthy Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Whether it’s healthy or not, this recipe for apple crisp is the BEST! With a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, it tastes great and has a rich apple flavor.
PREP: 10 MINS
COOK: 50 MINS
TOTAL: 1 HR
Ingredients
APPLES:
- ▢5 large honeycrisp apples see notes
- ▢¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ▢¼ cup coconut or brown sugar
- ▢¼ cup apple sauce
- ▢1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ▢¼ tsp nutmeg
- ▢2 tsp vanilla extract
- ▢1 tbsp cornstarch can sub tapioca or arrowroot if preferred
TOPPING:
- ▢⅔ cup quick oats
- ▢⅔ cup rolled oats
- ▢½ cup almond flour sub for oat flour for nut free
- ▢1 tsp cinnamon
- ▢½ tsp salt
- ▢½ cup melted refined coconut oil can also use butter
- ▢⅓ cup coconut or brown sugar
Instructions
- Set the oven’s temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Apples should be peeled, cored, and cut into thin strips. I normally peel them first, cut them into four sections going around the center, and then thinly slice each section to a thickness of between 1/8 and 1/4 inch. If you prefer, you can slice with a mandoline.
- In a very large bowl, combine the apples with the remaining filling ingredients. Combine by tossing.
- The crumble topping ingredients should be mixed thoroughly in a separate bowl after being placed there. It should just be crumbly and not moist or dry.
- Toss the apples with about a third of the crumble mixture.
- Spread the apples evenly in a 9-inch cast iron skillet or an 8 or 9-inch standard baking dish. Although it appears to be slightly overflowing, the apples actually shrink slightly as they bake.
- The remaining crumble mixture should be distributed evenly using your fingertips.
- Add the ingredients to the oven, leaving the door open, and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. I normally place a cookie sheet underneath the pan or baking dish to catch any drips because it can occasionally get messy. It’s not always necessary, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your pan will have a minor impact on the bake time. When the apples bubble and the top turns golden, the dish is finished. Cover with foil and let bake until the inside is done if the top begins to brown too much sooner.
- Take out of the oven, then cool for ten minutes. Serve warm with homemade vegan caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.
Notes
There is no right or wrong apple to use for apple crisp; nonetheless, honeycrisp apples are my go-to choice for all apple recipes. Braeburn and Pink Lady are both excellent choices.
Although it is not required, peeling the apples makes for a better eating experience.
If you only have one type of oat, you can use that, but I prefer the texture of a mixture of rolled and quick oats.
You are welcome to reduce the coconut sugar to just a few teaspoons in both the apple section and the crumble part. But I advise keeping the maple syrup the same. This obviously won’t make it as sweet, but it will still be great!
Use refined coconut oil for the greatest results as it has no coconut flavor.
Use the crumble recipe from my gluten-free peach crisp instead of the one mentioned here if you want an oat-free variation.
Serving: 1CUP / Calories: 274KCAL / Carbohydrates: 37G / Protein: 3G / Fat: 15G / Saturated Fat: 10G / Fiber: 4G / Sugar: 18G
WHAT IS A “CRISP”?
A crisp is a baked delicacy made with seasonal fruit and streusel that is crunchy and crumbly on top. Sliced apples are used as the filling in this recipe, and they are combined with apple butter, lemon juice, and sugar. A gluten-free cinnamon oat streusel is then added on top.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Filling: apple, lemon, brown sugar, butter, apple butter, gluten
Topping: gluten-free flour, gluten-free rolled oats, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and walnuts or pecans (optional).
RECIPE STEP BY STEP
STEP 1. ASSEMBLE THE FILLING
Toss the apples with the other filling ingredients—apple butter, brown sugar, cubed butter, and the juice and zest of one lemon—in a large bowl. Fill the baking dish with the mixture.
MAKE THE “CRISP” TOPPING IN STEP 2
To prepare the topping, combine the salt, sugar, cinnamon, oats, and gluten-free flour in a bowl. Use clean fingertips to work the butter into the mixture after adding it until it forms little crumbles. Over the apple mixture, drizzle the topping. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to chill.
SECTION 3. COOK AND SERVE
Until the top of the apple crisp is golden brown and the apples are soft when poked with a knife, bake it for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm with lots of vanilla ice cream scoops!
FAQS AND EXPERT TIPS
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake this apple crisp a day ahead. Let it cool completely then cover and refrigerate. Reheat in a 350 oven for 10-15 minutes.
What are the best types of apple for apple crisp?
Granny Smith is my go-to apple for baking. You can also use Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
What is the best gluten-free flour?
My favorite gluten-free flour is from the brand Cup4Cup best. Bob’s Red Mill is good too.