This easy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is packed with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery, golden streusel that has a delicious crunch. Perfect warm from the oven with a scoop of ice cream, it’s a simple, cozy dessert everyone will love!

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
• 🔪 How to Make Apple Crisp
• 💡 Tips for Making Apple Crisp
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Warm Apple Crisp
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Which Apples Make the Best Crisps?
• What's the Difference Between a Crisp and a Crumble?
• Why Did My Apple Crisp Turn Out Soggy?
• Can I Prepare the Apple Crisp in Advance?
• 🍽️ More Tasty Dessert Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe

• Fresh sweet honey crisp apples
• Baked with a classic streusel topping
• Perfect fall dessert to make
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top
• Easy to make treat

When fall is in the air, sweet, juicy apples always come to mind, and this Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert to take advantage of the season. The combination of warm spices and a perfectly crisp topping brings out the best in the tender baked apples. This crisp is simple to throw together but feels like a bakery-style treat, especially with a scoop of ice cream.

Whether you're baking it up for the holidays, a family gathering, or just craving a sweet afternoon snack, this apple crisp hits the spot every time. The balance of the spiced apples with the buttery streusel is absolutely irresistible. And, best of all, it’s gluten-free, so no one has to miss out on this classic fall treat!

If you're looking for other delicious apple recipes, this Apple Cake and these Apple Overnight Oats are must-tries!

🛒 Ingredients for Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

• Honey crisp apples
• Old fashioned rolled oats
• Gluten-free flour
• Coconut sugar
• Lemon
• Orange juice
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Apple pie spice
• Ground nutmeg
• Vanilla extract

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Apple slicer/corer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 9 x 13 Casserole baking dish

🔪 How to Make Apple Crisp

To Make the Apple Filling

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Peel, core and chop your apples.  I used this apple corer/slicer in one, then just cut the apple slices in half.

Add the apples to a large mixing bowl and toss them in the lemon juice.

Then add in the orange juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, coconut sugar, gluten-free flour, apple pie spice and ground nutmeg over the top, then toss the apples to combine, making sure all the apples are well coated.

Pour the apples into a 9 x 13 casserole baking dish that’s been buttered.  Spread them out in an even layer.

To Make the Streusel Topping

Add the gluten-free flour, rolled oats, coconut sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice and ground nutmeg to a mixing bowl. 

Whisk to combine, then add in the cold cubed butter.  Incorporate the butter into the mixture using your hands or a pastry cutter.  Work fast, so the warmth of your hands doesn’t soften the butter too much.

Crumble the mixture over the apples.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden.

Allow to cool before serving. This gives the streusel topping time to set and slightly cools the VERY hot apples as well. I like to serve it while it’s still very warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream over the top.

💡 Tips for Making Apple Crisp

• Cold butter: Make sure your butter is cold and cubed when making the streusel topping. This helps create a crumbly texture that adds to the crisp's overall crunch.

• Gently mix: When incorporating the butter into the dry ingredients, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to a dense topping rather than a light and crispy one.

• Watch for doneness: Keep an eye on the crisp as it bakes. Depending on your oven, the topping should be golden and the apples bubbly, which may vary depending on the way your oven cooks.

• Cool: Allow the apple crisp to cool for a bit before serving. This helps the streusel set and makes it easier to serve.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Allow the apple crisp to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

Freezer: To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and the topping is crispy again.

🍴 What to Serve with Warm Apple Crisp

Serve this crisp warm with a dollop of whipped cream or this Vanilla Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Gluten-Free flour: If gluten-free flour is not available, you can use almond flour instead.

• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor.

• Dried Fruit: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for added sweetness and texture.

• Fresh Fruit: Combine some pears, fresh berries, or fresh peaches with the apples for a delicious fruit medley.

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some of this sugar-free Salted Caramel Sauce over the warm apple crisp before serving.

Which Apples Make the Best Crisps?

Honey Crisp apples are an excellent choice for their sweet flavor and crisp texture. Other good options you could also use are Granny Smith for tartness, Fuji for sweetness, and Braeburn for the texture.

What's the Difference Between a Crisp and a Crumble?

The main difference is in the topping. A crisp contains oats, while a crumble features a topping made only from flour, butter, and sugar. Both are delicious but provide different textures​.

Why Did My Apple Crisp Turn Out Soggy?

A soggy apple crisp can result from too much liquid or underbaking. To avoid this, make sure you don’t all too much orange juice, and bake it until the topping is golden and crisp​.

Can I Prepare the Apple Crisp in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble right before baking for the best results. You can also bake the crisp in advance then reheat it covered in the oven until warm.

🍽️ More Tasty Dessert Recipes

• Baked Ricotta Raspberry Pudding
• Gluten-free Apple Cake
• Homemade Applesauce
• Honey Orange Roasted Figs
• Sugar-free raw Chocolate Brownie Bites
• Healthy Date, Walnut and Seed Truffles