Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Apples: I love using a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji for sweetness. If you can’t find these, other good choices are Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Pick apples that are firm to the touch for the best texture.

Gluten-Free Flour: Look for a brand that includes xanthan gum for better structure. If you’re in a pinch, almond flour or coconut flour can work too, but they may change the texture a bit.

Butter: If you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. You won’t lose the delicious flavor, and it’ll still melt perfectly over the topping!

Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar are used for balanced sweetness. If watching sugar intake, feel free to use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia if you’re familiar with how they aim up in recipes.

How Do I Get My Crisp Topping Extra Crunchy?

The key to a crunchy topping is in how you mix the butter with dry ingredients. You want a coarse crumb texture, not a paste. Start by cutting the butter into the flour and oats until you see pea-sized pieces. This will help keep it light and crispy.

• Use cold butter from the fridge. This helps keep the topping crumbly.
• Don’t overmix! Just mix until incorporated; it’s okay to have some small, visible chunks of butter.
• Spread the topping evenly over the apples for a uniform bake.

Considering giving it a little broil for the last few minutes—keep an eye on it, though, to avoid burning!

How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (about 3 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced (mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Fuji)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (to thicken the apple filling)

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 3/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Estimated Time:

This delicious gluten-free apple crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow for a few minutes to cool before serving. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour for a warm and delightful dessert!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to bake your apple crisp perfectly. Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or ovenproof skillet so that your delicious dessert doesn’t stick.

2. Prepare the Apples:

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the apples from browning. Next, mix in the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Stir until everything is well combined and the apples are evenly coated.

3. Assemble the Apple Layer:

Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that every bite has that juicy apple goodness.

4. Make the Crisp Topping:

In another bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, gluten-free flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add the cold butter cubes to this mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a coarse crumb texture, similar to small peas.

5. Add the Topping:

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple layer. This crunchy topping is what makes the apple crisp so special!

6. Bake to Perfection:

Bake the dessert in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender when pierced with a fork.

7. Cool and Serve:

Take the apple crisp out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help it set just a bit more. For the grand finale, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, if you like.

Enjoy your warm, crunchy, and naturally gluten-free apple crisp!

Can I Use Different Types of Apples?

Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness create a delicious balance. Feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand; just make sure they’re firm for the best texture!

What Can I Substitute for the Butter?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or any vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s cold, similar to how you would use butter, to maintain that crumbly topping texture.

Can I Prepare This Apple Crisp in Advance?

Yes, you can! Assemble the apple filling and the topping separately, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply layer and follow the baking instructions. You may need to add an extra few minutes to the bake time if you bake it cold.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or the microwave until heated through. A scoop of ice cream on top will make it feel fresh again!