Nothing says comfort quite like the aroma of baked apples and warm cinnamon wafting through your home. This gluten-free and dairy-free apple crisp combines tender, spiced apples with a perfectly crispy oat topping, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and allergy-friendly. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or anytime you crave a wholesome, comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Serves 6-8
For the Apple Filling
- 4 large apples (about 800g), cored and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice
- 5g (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- 30g (2 tablespoons) coconut sugar (optional)
- 5g (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping
- 50g (½ cup) certified gluten-free rolled oats
- 30g (¼ cup) almond flour
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) melted coconut oil
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) pure maple syrup
- 2g (½ teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare (10 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F)
- Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or 2-quart casserole
- Core and slice apples uniformly
- Season Apples (5 minutes)
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice
- Add cinnamon, vanilla, and coconut sugar if using
- Mix until evenly coated
- Transfer to prepared baking dish
- Make Topping (5 minutes)
- Combine gluten-free oats and almond flour in a bowl
- Add melted coconut oil and maple syrup
- Mix until crumbly texture forms
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and salt, mix well
- Assemble and Bake (25-30 minutes)
- Spread topping evenly over seasoned apples
- Bake until apples are tender and topping is golden
- Check doneness by inserting a knife into apples
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 185
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Apple Selection
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples
- Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady work well
- Choose firm apples that hold shape when baked
- Texture Tips
- Slice apples uniformly for even cooking
- Don’t overmix topping to maintain crumbly texture
- Cover with foil if topping browns too quickly
- Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor
- Top with dairy-free vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle with additional maple syrup
- Preparation
- Prepare topping in advance
- Store in refrigerator until ready to use
- Bring to room temperature before baking
Variations and Substitutions
- Fruit Options
- Mix in pears for variety
- Add berries for extra tartness
- Include cranberries during holiday season
- Topping Alternatives
- Use coconut flour instead of almond flour
- Try pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Substitute honey for maple syrup (not vegan)
- Spice Variations
- Add nutmeg for warmth
- Include ginger for zing
- Mix in cardamom for complexity
- Sweetener Options
- Use date syrup instead of maple syrup
- Try coconut sugar in topping
- Reduce sweetener for tart preference
Common FAQs
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Q: Why is my topping not crispy?
A: Ensure coconut oil is properly incorporated and avoid overcrowding the topping.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in oven for best results.
Q: Can I freeze this dessert?
A: Yes, freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Cover tightly and store up to 5 days
- Best reheated in 350°F oven for 15 minutes
- Avoid microwave to maintain crispy topping
Freezer Instructions
- Wrap unbaked crisp tightly
- Store up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
- Bake as directed, adding extra time if needed
Make-Ahead Options
- Prepare filling and topping separately
- Store in refrigerator up to 24 hours
- Assemble just before baking
- Allow ingredients to reach room temperature
Reheating Tips
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Cover loosely with foil
- Heat 15-20 minutes until warm
- Remove foil for final 5 minutes to re-crisp topping
This gluten-free and dairy-free apple crisp delivers all the comfort of traditional apple crisp while accommodating dietary restrictions. The perfect balance of tender, spiced apples and crispy oat topping makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, proving that allergy-friendly desserts can be just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.