Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Published
I always make this gluten-free apple crisp when I don’t feel like baking a whole apple pie! It’s just as delicious and filling but takes much less time to prepare. I bake apples in a warming cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, then top it off with a buttery, crumbly oat topping that’s entirely gluten-free. Everything cooks effortlessly in one dish, and it’s perfect for serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce (my kid’s favorite!) This recipe also includes a dairy-free and vegan option.
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe
I’m not joking when I say no one will notice this is a gluten-free dessert. I simply swap regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour and use certified gluten-free oats for the topping. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free! Apples, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract create a delicious, gooey filling that bubbles up around the crisp edges. This homemade gluten-free apple crisp is warmly spiced, and every single bite tastes like fall—it’s the perfect dessert for a cozy evening after a day of apple picking.
Ingredients
- Apples: Use tart, baking apples, or a combination of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. As for specific varieties, see my note below on the best apples for baking.
- All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour with Xanthan Gum: I use all-purpose gluten-free flour in this recipe, specifically Pillsbury’s gluten-free flour. Add ½ a teaspoon of xanthan gum to every cup of flour if your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t already contain it.
- Gluten-Free Quick Oats: These create the buttery, crumbly topping. Old-fashioned rolled oats will also work. To keep this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
- Light Brown Sugar: Combines with the juices from the apples to create a caramel-like filling and helps the topping crisp up in the oven.
- Cinnamon: I add cinnamon to the filling and the topping for extra flavor.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- Baking Powder: Helps the topping rise slightly and creates a more crumbly texture. Don’t forget to check that your baking powder is labeled gluten-free.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your gluten-free apple crisp. For a dairy-free or vegan option, use Smart Balance butter or your preferred plant-based butter.
- Lemon Juice: Stops the apples from browning and adds a slight tang to the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the crisp and smells delicious!
- Milk: Adds to the caramel flavor and adds some moisture to the filling. Either dairy or unsweetened almond milk (for a gluten-free dairy-free apple crisp) will work.
Tips and Suggestions
- Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You might experience different results depending on the brand or blend of flour you use. I use Pillsbury gluten-free flour in this recipe, which always turns out great.
- Use the “spoon & level” method to measure your gluten-free flour. Scoop the flour into a measuring cup using a spoon and level it off with a knife. This prevents the flour from compacting and ensures you use the correct amount.
- I always peel my apples when making an apple crisp. The skins don’t break down well in this recipe, and I don’t love the texture they add.
- 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.
- Don’t over-mix the crumble topping. The topping should be chunky.
- You can add nuts, raisins, or cranberries to your apple crisp. You can also use different types of fruit, such as pears, peaches, or blueberries—any fruit you like!
- This recipe for gluten-free apple crisp is also a great make-ahead dessert. Add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice to the filling and store the crumble topping separately in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, assemble and bake as directed.
What Apples Are Best for Apple Crisp?
When choosing the apple variety to bake an apple crisp with, you want to make sure it won’t turn into mush. The best baking apples keep their shape. I like to bake with several types of apples, but these are my favorites for this recipe:
- Granny Smith
- Braeburn
- Fuji
- Honeycrisp
- Gala Apples
Are Oats Gluten-Free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but some 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.
For this recipe, use oats that are certified gluten-free or are purity protocol oats, which are grown in dedicated gluten-free fields.
What’s the Difference Between Apple Crumble and Apple Crisp?
Honestly, there’s not much difference between the two! Traditionally, apple crumbles don’t have oats in the topping, while apple crisps do. Nowadays, the terms are used interchangeably, and some crumble recipes do contain oats in the topping. So you can call this recipe a gluten-free apple crumble or apple crisp, and it’ll still be delicious either way.
Storage Instructions
Leftover gluten-free apple crisp can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, portion it into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and microwave for a few minutes or bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes to Try
- Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler
- Gluten-Free Blueberry Cobbler
- Gluten-Free Dutch Apple Pie
- Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake
- Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp {Dairy-Free & Vegan Option}
Ingredients
Topping
- 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum, I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup gluten-free quick oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 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
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 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.
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 15-20 minutes.
- Mama says, “Check all of your labels!”
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Step-by-Step
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 ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum, ½ cup gluten-free quick oats, ½ cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅓ cup butter and mix with a fork until it resembles chunky crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the apple filling.
Add 4 cups peeled and chopped apples to a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour, and ⅛ teaspoon 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 gluten- free 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.
This is delicious, I’m very appreciative of all of Audrey’s amazing recipes. Thank you for the excellent GF fixings!
I hadn’t read the reviews so I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to use almond flour, which is my go-to healthier alternative to regular flour. I used almond flour with some xantham gum and it was fine. I made one larger apple crisp for a ladies gathering tonight where one woman is GF and has a bunch of other restrictions, and I made a smaller one for home for me and my husband who is diabetic. The one I made for home I added walnuts and raisins, totally skipped adding any sugar (I ran out of brown sugar making the batch for the ladies night dinner) to the apple mixture – just the brown sugar in the topping – and it’s delicious and not too sweet; could always make it sweeter with honey, or add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. Very good recipe and thank you very much Audrey for sharing!
So good! I made it for Thanksgiving this year, and will be making again for Christmas.
Made this for Thanksgiving and it was everyone’s favorite! They didn’t even know it was gluten & dairy free.
This was a sensational desert for our thanksgiving dinner. These are the best supported recipes I’ve ever seen. Thank you!
Great recipe!
If I’m preparing it for the next day, can I make the recipe then place in fridge to bake the next day?
Hi Taylor, it should work. You can leave off the crumb topping until just before baking if you’re worried about it getting soggy.
We love this apple crisp!!! Do you think this topping would also work with cherries?
Sure!
How long would this be good in the freezer left un-cooked? As in, we make 5 or 6 trays in bulk then freeze a majority of for baking at a later date. Thanks!
Hi Tim, it should keep for about 2-3 months!
Loved this recipe. I replaced an older recipe that I had with it. Love the dairy free options!!
Wow! Had to use up a bag of peeled & cut up apples from my freezer & gave this a try. Forget pie, this’ll be my apple dessert going forward. I did replace the brown sugar in the topping with Swerve brand brown sugar; you’d never know the difference. As usual, you provided another outstanding GF recipe! Thank you!
I can’t express how grateful I am for this recipe!!! I was a pie and cobbler lover before finding out I could no longer eat dairy, gluten or soy 6 years ago and when fall hits I crave apple sweets and pastries like you wouldn’t believe. I don’t like gluten free sweets usually because there’s way too much sugar and no matter what, it never tastes the same. This recipe is an exception and it is AMAZING! Thank you! I used Miyokos butter and King Arthur 1 to 1 with Granny Smith apples. I also used sprouted rolled oats.
This recipe has the perfect amount of sweetness without being overly sweet. I have been looking for a recipe to replace an old one. Glad I found this one. Easy, delicious recipe. Thank you!
If you double the recipe, do you need to bake in a larger pan?
Yes!
Thank you for the quick response. So, I have old fashioned oats, not the quick cooking kind. Is that ok?
Should work just fine!
If I don’t have gluten free flour WITH xanthum how much xanthum do I add?
Hi Brandie! Generally the rule of thumb is to use 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum per 1 cup of GF flour.
Would this work with almond flour instead of the gluten free all purpose flour?
Hi Dani! Unfortunately, you’ll need a GF flour mix, almond flour on its own won’t produce the same results.
So delicious!! This has become a family favorite for everyone- no one can tel it’s gluten and dairy free!
Don’t let the GF label deter you from making this. It is amazing!!!
I loved it. You can eat it anytime of day. I will use a little less sugar next time, but otherwise it was lovely.
I also added blueberries just cause I had them and to give it color. Thanks again!
Not a better one out there!
This is the best apple crisp I have had. I’ve made this crisp several times and feel confident it will be a hit whenever it is served. It is easy to make and I always have the ingredients at home. You cannot tell that it is gluten fee and dairy free. I also love your cookbook!
This recipe is so good! I made it for a seniors BBQ and everyone raved about it! Thank you for sharing.
This Apple crisp was a huge hit with my family! I am cooking gluten free because my granddaughter has Celiac. She liked it so much that I ended up giving her the rest of my portion so she could have a little extra! The rest of the family all agreed that you would never know it was gluten free. I will be making it often!
This is my fallback recipe for potluck gatherings. Everyone loves it. I also make a strawberry rhubarb and a peach Melba version — which are also hits.
I made this Apple Crisp twice and it is so delicious..I used Gala apple that I had. Thanks for the recipe..
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.
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.
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!!!
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!!
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!
This was so easy and delicious. My family loved it. Thank you!
Received rave reviews from everyone who tried it!
Awesome dessert
Oh my goodness! Absolutely great recipe…followed it to a tee and it was so delicious! This is now my go to dessert!!
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!!
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!
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!
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!
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.
Great recipe. Have made this one several times. Very easy and always turns out great. We add dairy free topping or ice cream.
Oh my my…this is the best apple crisp recipe I’ve tasted! Makes just the right amount.!
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 👏🏻👏🏻
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.
The very best apple crisp I have ever made! This recipe is a keeper.
This came out great
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!
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.
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!!!
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!
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.
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!
Awesome!! It was a hit with everyone – They had no idea it was gluten free – This one is a winner!~
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!
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!
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!
So yummy! I have tried several gluten free mama recipes and they have all been 5 star. Looking forward to the cookbook!
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!
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
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!
Love ? it. Gluten free and dairy free.
Thank you so much Joyce for the awesome recipe review! I am so happy that you love the apple crips. Thanks again!
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.
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!
This is a family favorite! Easy and delicious!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!!
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!
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.
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!
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!!
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.