Gluten-Free Apple Crisp with Almond Flour Topping 🍎 – Sweet, Crunchy, and Holiday-Ready!
Bake a gluten-free apple crisp using almond flour for a crunchy topping. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic holiday treat.
This gluten-free apple crisp combines the sweetness of fresh apples with a nutty almond flour topping, creating a cozy, holiday-ready dessert. Perfect for gluten-intolerant guests, it’s an easy fall classic that’s sure to impress.
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving, a cozy fall gathering, or looking for a comforting snack, this apple crisp with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a drizzle of maple syrup is your solution. The almond flour topping adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making it a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
This dessert is both gluten-free and nut-based, though substitutions are available for those with nut allergies. It’s baked in a simple 9×13-inch pan, making it easy to assemble and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The crust is a mix of almond flour and oats for texture, while the apple filling is made with golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples for balance of sweetness and tartness. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a warm, comforting finish to any fall meal.
With its rustic, caramelized top and gooey apple filling, this gluten-free apple crisp is as beautiful as it is delicious. Pin now for your holiday dessert repertoire!
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced apples (3 cups Golden Delicious + 3 cups Granny Smith)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs (optional, for egg wash)
- Maple syrup for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Filling
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss sliced apples in melted butter, brown sugar, gluten-free flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Make the Topping
In a bowl, mix almond flour, oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. In another bowl, blend flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, nuts (optional), and cold butter using a pastry cutter until crumbly. Press topping onto filling, using back of fork to create cracks for caramelized topping.
- Step 3: Bake and Serve
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup (optional).
Why This Recipe Works
This gluten-free apple crisp uses almond flour for a nutty, crunchy topping. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and oats creates a warm, comfort-inducing dessert perfect for holidays. No gluten, no guilt—just flavor!
⏰ Quick Assembly
All components prep separately and mix in minutes. Chill the topping if time allows.
💰 Affordable Ingredients
Uses pantry staples like oats, apples, and almond flour (cost-effective in bulk).
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or cozy fall nights.
🌟 Visual Appeal
Caramelized topping and glistening apples create an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Cozy fall dessert with almond flour topping
🛒 Ingredients
- - 6 cups sliced apples
- - 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- - 2/3 cup brown sugar
- - 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- - 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- - 2/3 cup almond flour
- - 1/2 cup oats
- - 1/4 cup brown sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep Apples: Toss apples with butter, sugar, spices. Spread in pan.
💡 Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for flavor balance.
Make Topping: Mix almond flour, oats, sugars, and cinnamon. Chill optional.
💡 Chill topping for 30 mins for extra crispiness.
Bake: Preheat oven, bake 25-30 mins until golden.
💡 Let cool slightly—crust hardens slightly when warm.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Almond Flour
Provides nutty flavor and gluten-free crunch. For nut allergies, substitute with rice flour blend (see below).
Substitutions: 1/2 cup rice flour + 1/2 cup potato starch + 1/2 tsp xanthan gum.
Oats
Adds texture to the topping. Use gluten-free certified oats for those with sensitivities.
Substitutions: Substitute with 1/2 cup gluten-free cornmeal or breadcrumbs.
Brown Sugar
Adds moisture and caramel notes. Light or dark varieties work; dark adds deeper flavor.
Substitutions: Use 3/4 cup coconut sugar or 1/2 cup pure maple syrup.
Butter
Melted butter binds the filling components. Use vegan butter for dairy-free version.
Substitutions: 1/4 cup coconut oil (solid) or 1/4 cup olive oil.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp
🍎 Topping Texture
Chill your topping mixture for 30 minutes. This solidifies the butter for maximum crispiness.
🧠 Spices
Add 1/4 tsp allspice to the topping for extra warmth and depth.
🍰 Make-Ahead
Assemble and chill crust up to 8 hours before baking.
🌟 Serving
Drizzle with extra light maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations & Customizations
Fall Fruit Medley
Swap 1/2 the apples with peeled pears or quinces for seasonal twist.
Nutty Topping
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
Dairy-Free Version
Substitute vegan butter and coconut oil for traditional butter.
Caramel Drizzle
Make a quick glaze with 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 2 tbsp salted butter.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vanilla ice cream (homemade or store-bought)
- Peppermint tea or spiced chai for cozy pairing
- Roasted turkey or herb-laced pork for Thanksgiving
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Riesling wine, apple cider, or cinnamon-spiced hot buttered rum complement the flavors.
Make-AheadInstructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble entire dessert up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temp before baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled leftover crisps in covered container for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 20 mins.
Reheating Instructions
Worst method: microwave (crust becomes gummy). Best method: reheats slices in 350°F oven for ~15 mins.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My apple filling is too moist. Why?
A: Apples naturally release moisture. Use higher tannin varieties like Granny Smith. Consider adding 1 tbsp lemon juice to the filling.
Q: Topping isn’t crisp. Help!
A: Chill topping before assembling. Avoid adding wet ingredients directly to topping unless specified. Bake on a preheated rack.
Q: Can I use a different crust?
A: This recipe is crustless with base formed by sugar and butter. To add a crust, use gluten-free pie crust or cornbread base.
Q: Cinnamon taste seems overwhelming. Any fix?
A: Reduce added cinnamon by 1/4 tsp. Balance with a splash of maple extract or vanilla.
Final Thoughts
This gluten-free apple crisp with almond flour topping is a must-try for its perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and seasonal flavor. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, this dessert will steal the show with its warm aroma and delicious texture.
Add a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup, and you've got the ultimate fall indulgence. Try serving it with a tall glass of spiced apple cider for a complete experience!
