Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Sharing is caring!

Warm, cozy and perfectly spiced, this Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is everything you love about fall in one bite. With a golden oat topping and tender cinnamon apples, it's the kind of dessert that everyone will want seconds.

This gluten free apple crisp with oat topping is one of those desserts that feel just like home similar to my Gluten Free Blueberry Crumble. The apples get perfectly tender and the oat topping turns golden and crisp. The cinnamon aroma spreads throughout the whole kitchen. This gluten free version delivers all the nostalgia of the classic dessert without the wheat, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.

The versatility of this dish is great too! It's elegant enough for a fall dinner party, yet still homey enough that we make it for a weeknight treat throughout October and November. It's the kind of simple, heartwarming recipe I like to make on a cool fall day. I especially like to serve it with a scoop of Honey Vanilla Ice Cream.

If you like crisp type desserts, you will love Pumpkin Crisp and Peach Crisp.

Try this No Bake Apple Butter Parfait if you enjoy the sweet tastes of apple.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• All the warm cozy flavors of fall: The cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar make this happen!

• Amazing texture and taste: Perfectly crisp oat topping with tender and juicy fall apples.

• Versatile: This apple crisp can be served warm, cold or with toppings. It is very family friendly and ideal for holidays, potlucks or just a cozy night in.

• Make ahead friendly: A very simple dessert to make the day before or day of and reheat for guests.

INGREDIENTS + SUBSTITUTIONS

• Apples: For this recipe, I'm using 6 medium size apples a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp that are peeled, cored and thinly sliced.

• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness that balances out the tart apples in the filling and helps the topping caramelize.

• Light brown sugar: Gives a hint of molasses while deepening those cozy flavors. You can substitute in coconut sugar too.

• Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice are used for those warm fall flavors.

• Fresh lemon juice: Enhances the apple flavor while keeping the filling from being too sweet.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the juices as it bakes giving it a syrup texture instead of being runny.

• Old fashioned oats: Bakes up golden and crunchy for the topping.

• Oat flour: Keeps this dish gluten free while holding the topping together. You can also use a gluten free 1-1 flour blend.

• Unsalted butter: This is the secret to the perfectly crumbly, crisp topping. It must be used cold and it melts as it bakes to give you that buttery crunch.

• Chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts will give a nutty taste but completely optional if you don't want to add.

• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE APPLE CRISP

Step 1: Prep the oven and prepare the filling

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x9 baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, spices, lemon juice and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are coated then transfer to baking dish.

Step 2: Make the topping

In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, spices and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and work the butter into the mixture until it is course. If using, now is the time to stir in the chopped nuts.

Step 3: Assemble

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 30-45 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and the apples fork tender.

Step 5: Serve

Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce.

EMILY'S TIPS

• Choose the right apples. I like a blend of sweet and tart for this gluten free apple crisp. Try using a combination of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and Fuji these have the best flavor balance and give a real depth.

• Use certified gluten free oats and oat flour. Not all oats are gluten free so be sure to check packaging.

• Keep the topping crumbly. When mixing up the oat topping, blend until just crumbly. If the mixture is overmixed, it will be dense once baked.

• Adjust the sweetness. If your apples are very sweet, reduce the sugar to taste.

• Bake until bubbly. This dessert is done when the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges and the topping is golden brown.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This gluten free apple crisp with oat topping is great when served warm with a scoop of Honey Vanilla Ice Cream. This is my kids favorite way to have it.

You can also enjoy after a hearty fall or winter meal like this Crockpot White Chicken Chili or this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It goes perfect with this healthy Fall Harvest Salad.

It can also be served cold and enjoyed at breakfast time topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or drizzled with maple syrup.

It's a great afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, tea or even this Apple Cider Float. So many ways to enjoy!

STORAGE + REHEATING

After the apple crisp has cooled, store covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 350 F oven for 10-15 minutes.

To freeze, let the crisp cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.

RECIPE FAQ'S

Can I use instant oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Old fashioned oats work best because they keep their texture, but in a pinch you can use instant oats but the topping might be softer.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional. Keeping the skin adds extra fiber and texture, though some prefer the smoother consistency of peeled apples.

What apples should I avoid?

Avoid apples that turn mushy when baked like Red Delicious. Stick with firm varieties for the best texture.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Bake uncovered and avoid overmixing the topping. You can also broil the crisp for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely.

Can I prepare this gluten free apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the crisp up to 8 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

I hope you give this Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Oat Topping a try! If you do give this recipe a try, please let me know!

Leave a comment with a 5 star rating below. Your reviews and ratings help support Emily’s Wholesome Kitchen and make it possible for me to continue to create the best recipes you know and love.

Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook

Print

Sharing is caring!