An easy recipe for gluten-free apple crisp. The sweet flavor of baked cinnamon apples with a brown sugar oat crumble topping. This gluten-free dessert recipe also has a dairy-free and vegan option.
Recipe originally published June 2019, updated September 2021.
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
This gluten-free apple crisp is one of the easiest desserts to make! It’s a classic dessert that everyone loves, some people know this dessert as a gluten-free apple crumble.
If you have never had apple crisp, it’s much like an apple pie without the crust. I love that this apple crisp is made with a crumb topping made with oats and brown sugar!
It only takes a few simple ingredients to make a gluten-free apple crisp. You probably already have them in your pantry and refrigerator.
You can see just how easy it is to make gluten-free apple crisp in the recipe step photos and in the recipe video.
How To Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
The full ingredients are listed is below in the recipe card.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and spray an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with gluten-free nonstick cooking spray.
- To make the topping: In a medium-size bowl, combine the crumb topping ingredients and mix with a fork until it resembles chunky crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the apple filling. (photo 1)
- Peel and chop the apples. Add the chopped apples to a large bowl.
- Add the lemon juice, milk, melted butter, pure vanilla extract, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, gluten-free flour, and salt, and stir until fully combined. (photo 2)
- Pour the apple mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it to an even layer. (photo 3)
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. (photo 4)
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. (photo 5)
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
What Are the Best Apples For Baking?
There are several types of apples that I like to bake with. When choosing a type of apple to bake with, you want to make sure that the apples don’t turn into mush. The best baking apples keep their shape.
- Granny Smith Apples are a little tart and not overly sweet. They are popular for making apple pie. Granny Smith’s keep their shape.
- Honey Crisp Apples are my favorite type of apples. They are crisp and sweet. They are perfect for eating or for use in baking.
- Gala Apples are crisp and not overly sweet. They are great for baking because they are a firm apple that is also sweet.
- Golden Delicious Apples are sweet and are softer apples. A lot of times you don’t even need to peel these apples when you use them in a recipe. Golden Delicious apples are often used in making applesauce and apple butter.
Another one of my favorite ways to use apples in baking is my recipe for Gluten-Free Apple Dapple Bundt Cake.
Tips For Making the Best Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- I always peel my apples when making an apple crisp. The skins of the apples do not break down when baking and it makes for a tougher texture.
- I use a vegetable peeler and then an apple slicer to the core and slice the apples. Then I chop the apple slices into smaller pieces.
- Make sure your oats are gluten-free. Not all oats are gluten-free.
- Do not over mix the crumble topping. The crumble topping should be chunky.
- You can add nuts, raisins, or cranberries to their apple crisp.
Can I Make the Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep this gluten-free apple dessert ahead of time. When making the filling, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice to help the apples not to get too brown. Store the apple filling in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
You can make the crumble ahead of time as well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, remove everything from the refrigerator, assemble and bake as directed.
Can I Freeze The Apple Crisp?
Once the apple crisp has completely cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a microwave or in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Are Oats Gluten-Free?
This gluten-free apple crisp topping is made with certified gluten-free oatmeal. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but most oats are processed in facilities that also process wheat, barley, and rye. Cross-contamination can even happen in fields where wheat, rye, or barley are also present.
It is safest to use oats that are certified gluten-free and from purity protocol oats. Certified gluten-free oats are tested for levels of gluten. Purity protocol oats are not only tested for gluten but are also grown in a dedicated gluten-free field.
It is also important to note that not everyone following the gluten-free diet can tolerate gluten-free oats.
Gluten-Free Flour
This gluten-free apple crisp is made with Pillsbury gluten-free flour. It is a cup-for-cup all-purpose rice flour blend that already has xanthan gum.
Most gluten-free all-purpose flour blends have xanthan gum already in them. The xanthan gum helps replace the elasticity and texture of gluten.
Make sure to check to see if the brand of gluten-free flour you are using has xanthan gum in it. If it does, do not add extra xanthan gum to the recipe or you will get gummy baked goods!
I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
Pro Tip For Measuring Gluten-Free Flour
The best way to measure gluten-free flour is the “spoon & level” method. I use a spoon to scoop the flour out of the bag and into the measuring cup. Then I use the back of a knife to level off the top of the measuring cup.
Please do not scoop the flour out of the bag with your measuring cup. If you do, you could end up with more flour than is called for in the recipe.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Apple Crisp
I have also included a dairy-free and vegan option for this gluten-free apple crisp recipe. For the dairy-free and vegan version of this recipe, I used Smart Balance butter and unsweetened almond milk.
You can use your favorite dairy-free or vegan milk and butter to make this gluten-free and dairy-free and vegan apple crisp.
Most of my family, including me, is also dairy-free. So I always try and have a dairy-free option to my gluten-free recipes.
Easy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
This is the best gluten-free apple crisp recipe! It is a super easy gluten-free dessert to make.
This apple crisp can be made in less than an hour and is always a crowd-pleaser. You can take your apple crisp to the next level by topping with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce (my kid’s favorite)!
More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes To Try!
- Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake {Dairy-Free Option}
- Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies {Dairy-Free Option}
- Easy Gluten-Free Brownies {Dairy-Free Option}
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Gluten-Free Apple Crisp {Dairy-Free & Vegan Option}
Ingredients
Topping
- ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour
- ½ cup gluten-free quick oats
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup butter, diced into small cubes and softened Dairy-free/vegan use Smart Balance butter.
Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons melted butter Dairy-free/vegan use Smart Balance butter
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons milk Dairy-free/vegan use unsweetened almond milk.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and spray an 8" x 8" baking dish with gluten-free nonstick cooking spray. I like gluten-free coconut oil spray.
- To make the topping: In a medium-size bowl, combine the crumb topping ingredients and mix with a fork until it resembles chunky crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the apple filling.
- Add the peeled and chopped apples to a large bowl. Add the lemon juice, milk, melted butter, pure vanilla extract, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, gluten-free flour, and salt and stir until fully combined.
- Pour the apple mixture into a greased baking dish and spread in to an even layer. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Store in an air-tight container and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. The apple crisp can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a microwave or a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
Video
Notes
- I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
- For the dairy-free/vegan option, I used Smart Balance butter and unsweetened almond milk.
- Store in an air-tight container and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- The apple crisp can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a microwave or a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Mama says, "Check all of your labels!"
Paula says
Delicious!! I looked a so many gluten free recipes and chose this one and so glad I did. Will definitely be adding this to my favorites.
Michelle Smith says
In New Zealand we call this apple crumble. i often either just cook the apples in a little water with the cinnamon/spcies and drain any extra or if i thicken i just use cornflour, makes it very simple and the smallest amount of sugar if needed. yum yum.
Jenn Cyr says
Thank you for sharing this recipe! We baked it in my primary class and it was a huge hit! Easy to follow – even for younger students. And you never know how gluten free and dairy free dishes will turn out and this was super tasty!!!
Ruth Ann Somervell says
Thank you so much for this recipe!!! I was just recently told that in addition to avoiding acidic, spicy, bulky, sharp foods (I have Oral Lichen Planus… sores in my cheeks and gums), that I must now be gluten free, dairy free, and egg free. I’m trying to stay positive, but it can be overwhelming. This recipe was such a blessing for me tonight! Something that tastes amazing, but somehow fits all of my criteria for food restrictions. Thanks, again!!
Aimee says
I tried this recipe…just to see as it seems that many GF baked goods and desserts aren’t always the best. I ended up making it twice in a week…once for my family and for a dinner party I hosted. I never shared that it was GF and everyone raved about it. I did make salted caramel to drizzle over the ice cream and crisp. It was amazing! It was so good I ordered Audrey’s Cookbook, which by the way looks just as fantastic as her apple crisp! Thank you, Audrey…so glad I found you!
Gigi says
This was so easy and delicious. My family loved it. Thank you!
Nicole says
Received rave reviews from everyone who tried it!
Deb says
Awesome dessert
Siobhan Brown says
Oh my goodness! Absolutely great recipe…followed it to a tee and it was so delicious! This is now my go to dessert!!
Dana says
Used one pan dark sweet cherries and one pan blueberries, yu-ummmm-y! I ALWAYS look for “Mama Knows Gluten Free” when baking! She has THE best flavors and NOONE can tell it’s gluten free!! I thank all the stars in the sky for stumbling upon her recipes!! God Bless!!
Renee says
Love your Recipes! Made with brown monkfruit sugar (1/3 cup in topping rather than 1/2 cup and 1/6 cup in filling because unrefined sugars are far sweeter) to make this an unrefined sugar recipe/lower glycemic index version (apples have a lot of natural sugar so it isnt “keto” but a great option). It was amazing. Thank you!
Amy Velasquez says
I love this recipe as written, but I also love it (maybe more) as a mixed berry crisp. In place of 4 cups apples, I use 2 cups blueberries, 1 cup blackberries, and 1 cup raspberries. It is a delicious variation that is a little more tart— and, no chopping and peeling apples! Audrey, your recipes are my favorite for sure!
Lea says
Absolutely delicious. We used Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 gluten free flour and it turned out perfect. We will make this again! Thanks for a great recipe!
Stephanie Welch says
Seriously so good. Family couldn’t even tell it was gluten free. First homemade dessert I’ve made since being diagnosed with Celiac. Thank you for making these amazing recipes available.
Meg says
Great recipe. Have made this one several times. Very easy and always turns out great. We add dairy free topping or ice cream.
Susan K Kment says
Oh my my…this is the best apple crisp recipe I’ve tasted! Makes just the right amount.!
Sherry says
Just made this recipe for the first time, gluten and dairy free and it is amazing!! Our new go to dessert for sure! Gonna have to keep apples on hand at all times 👏🏻👏🏻
Sara says
Made this gluten and dairy free. Was delicious. Used the flour without xanthan and was just fine.
When shopping in my grocery store there was no gluten free oats that were plain. But, had gluten free with maple and brown sugar.and tasted just fine in the reicipe. I used a little more apple also.
Patricia Tessier says
The very best apple crisp I have ever made! This recipe is a keeper.
Angel Torres says
This came out great
Britt says
I absolutely ADORE this recipe! My sister is celiac and I am lactose-intolerant, so it’s my go-to crisp for family gatherings; I’ve made it four times in the last three months, and typically double the recipe! I also halve the amount of diced apples and add chopped frozen strawberries, cherries, and rhubarb to compensate. My 5-year-old niece also helped prep her own mini baking dish while I filled the larger casserole. Thank you so much for the perfect treat fresh for spring/summer and comforting for fall/winter. I give it six stars!
Iria says
Delicious healthy option! I didn’t have gluten free flour, so I used spelt. It worked well. Also used stevia instead of brown sugar in the apple mixture.
Jennifer says
I made this yesterday to share with my gluten free friend and her husband. We all LOVED it! We warmed it up slightly and put whipping cream on top. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better apple crisp. I used Pink Lady apples and I added about 1/8 cup almond flour just because. Wonderful recipe!!!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Jennnifer for the awesome 5-star recipe review, it really made my night! I am so happy that you and your friends loved the apple crisp. Thank you for sharing that you used Pink Lady apples, as I know it will help others. Thanks again!
Christy says
Yummy! Apple crisp is my favorite. I didn’t have apples so I used blueberries. It was so good and so easy! The dessert was a huge success.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Christy for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the crisp. Thank you for sharing you were able to use blueberries because I know it will help others. Blueberry crisp is super yummy too. Thanks again!
KB says
Awesome!! It was a hit with everyone – They had no idea it was gluten free – This one is a winner!~
Audrey says
Thank you so much KB for the awesome 5-star recipe review, it really made my night! I am so happy that everyone enjoyed the apple crisp and they had no idea that it was gluten-free. Thanks again!
Lisa P LaGrou says
I just made this today and my kids and I loved it! I too used coconut sugar in place of the brown sugar and it worked great. Thank you for the recipe!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Lisa for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you and your kids loved the apple crisp. Thank you for sharing that you used coconut sugar, as I know it will help others. You are so welcome, I love sharing the recipes that I make fo my family. Thanks again!
Renee Kerby says
So yummy! I have tried several gluten free mama recipes and they have all been 5 star. Looking forward to the cookbook!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Renee for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you have enjoyed all of the recipes you have tried. Thank you so much for supporting me and buying my cookbook. I hope you enjoy the recipes as well. Thaks again!
Tracy says
Amazing results. I mean, best thing I’ve ever eaten. Prep time is a bit….conservative? Lol. Took me waaaaayy longer than 10 minutes,. Maybe I’m slow
Audrey says
Thank you so much for the awesome for recipe review Tracy! I am so happy that you had amazing results and the apple crisp is the best thing you’ve eaten. I use an apple peeler and slicer, which helps with the prep time. The pre-time is really just an estimate.?Thanks again!
Joyce Gutterman says
Love ? it. Gluten free and dairy free.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Joyce for the awesome recipe review! I am so happy that you love the apple crips. Thanks again!
Tammy says
This is the BEST apple crisp I have ever made! The topping has the perfect crispness to it which compliment the apple filling perfectly. I had it without any ice cream after it cooled a tad from the oven.
I enjoyed a serving right from the refrigerator this evening and oh my! Delicious…
I use a different flour so didn’t have to add the xanthum gum as it was in the flour.
You will not be disappointed with this recipe.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Tammy for the awesome 5-star recipe review Tammy! I am so happy that you enjoyed the apple crips and is’t the best you have ever made. You really made my day, thank you again!
Valerie says
This is a family favorite! Easy and delicious!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Valerie for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the apple crisp and it was easy to make. Thanks again!
Di says
I just made this today for a fall party and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it! I used half Granny Smith and Honey Crisp, almond milk, soy free dairy free butter, and replaced the sugar with coconut sugar (one of my friends is allergic to sugar), I also added pecans to the topping. Most people didn’t even realize it was a gluten free vegan dessert. This is one recipe that I’m definitely saving!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Di for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that everyone loved the apple crisp. Thank you for sharing your modifications, as I know it will help others. Thank you again!
Christal Platt says
We LOVED this recipe!!! I have made MANY apple/pear crisps and this one blows them all away. My two kids and I had a serving each and my husband finished the dessert. I am well known for making delish desserts and he said it was the best one yet!…also been married for 20 years so that says a lot!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Christal for the awesome 5-star review! I am so happy that you all LOVED the apple crisp, you really made my day!? Thank you again.
Bonnie Matthews says
My teenager granddaughter made this recipe, using Honeycrisp and Jonagold apples (mixed) . It was awesome. She took it to a dinner at a friend’s house and it was devoured. She was the only one that needed to eat GF.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Bonnie for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that everyone enjoyed the apple crisp. This really made my day! Thanks for sharing what type of apples you used, as I know it will help others. Thank you again!
Amy says
DELICIOUS!!!! I only had Red Delicious apples and it still worked out amazingly. I also made a homemade butterscotch glaze to top this. Will make again for sure!!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Amy for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the apple crisp. Homemade butterscotch glaze sounds amazing! Thank you again!
Bev says
My son who is not gluten free gave this dish a “two thumbs up”.
I also took it to a luncheon with relatives and they all loved the recipe.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Bev for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that everyone loved the recipe. That really makes my heart happy, thanks again!
Catherine says
Oh my, this apple crisp looks so heavenly, I can just smell it baking in the oven now!! And I love that it can be made ahead of time, pinning!!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Catherine for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! This apple crisp is one of my family’s favorite and I love how easy it is to make. I hope everyone enjoys it! Thank you again.