Cozy Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)

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

  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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

  1. 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
  1. Texture Tips
  • Slice apples uniformly for even cooking
  • Don’t overmix topping to maintain crumbly texture
  • Cover with foil if topping browns too quickly
  1. Serving Suggestions
  • Serve warm for best texture and flavor
  • Top with dairy-free vanilla ice cream
  • Drizzle with additional maple syrup
  1. Preparation
  • Prepare topping in advance
  • Store in refrigerator until ready to use
  • Bring to room temperature before baking

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Fruit Options
  • Mix in pears for variety
  • Add berries for extra tartness
  • Include cranberries during holiday season
  1. Topping Alternatives
  • Use coconut flour instead of almond flour
  • Try pecans or walnuts for crunch
  • Substitute honey for maple syrup (not vegan)
  1. Spice Variations
  • Add nutmeg for warmth
  • Include ginger for zing
  • Mix in cardamom for complexity
  1. 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.