Gluten-Free Crock-Pot Apple Crisp with Oat-Free Crumble 🍎 – Cozy Fall Dessert for Allergies & Dietary Needs
A comforting, allergen-friendly dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in!
This gluten-free, oat-free Crock-Pot apple crisp is a game-changer for those avoiding gluten and oats. Made with a crumbly almond flour topping and a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, it’s easy to assemble, requires no baking, and cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. Serve it warm with dairy-free ice cream for a dessert that satisfies all dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party with dietary restrictions or just craving a cozy fall treat, this recipe delivers. The almond flour crumble adds a nutty crunch, while the coconut sugar gives it a caramel-like sweetness. Best of all, it’s ready in just 4 hours of low heat—no oven required!
The recipe is designed to be completely allergen-free, using no wheat, oats, or dairy. It’s perfect for those with gluten intolerance, oat sensitivities, or following a paleo, keto, or low-carb diet. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy the rest of your day.
For a complete meal, pair this apple crisp with a main course like roasted turkey, pork tenderloin, or a hearty fall salad. It’s also a crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings where dietary restrictions are a concern.
Ready to make this fuss-free, delicious dessert? Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients
- 6 cups thinly sliced tart apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 4 tbsp cold butter (or vegan butter)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling In a large bowl, combine apples, coconut sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping In a separate bowl, mix almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter until crumbly. Add vanilla extract and shredded coconut (if using) and stir until combined.
- Step 3: Assemble in Crock-Pot Place a slow cooker liner in your 6-quart Crock-Pot (or use a 9x13-inch baking dish). Spread the apple mixture evenly, then top with the crumble mixture. Dot the top with small pats of butter.
- Step 4: Cook Low and Slow Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Step 5: Serve Warm Let the apple crisp rest for 10 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and top with dairy-free ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Effortless Slow Cooking
The Crock-Pot does all the work, requiring minimal prep and no active monitoring. Just assemble, cook, and serve!
💰 Allergen-Free by Design
Made without gluten, oats, dairy, or processed grains, this recipe is safe for most dietary restrictions and allergies.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
The almond flour crumble adds a rich, nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced apples.
🌟 Customizable for Any Diet
Substitute ingredients to fit keto, low-carb, or paleo diets while maintaining the same delicious taste.
Gluten-Free Crock-Pot Apple Crisp
Cozy, allergen-free, and ready in 4 hours!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 6 cups thinly sliced apples
- - 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- - 1 tbsp lemon juice
- - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - 2 tbsp butter (dairy-free optional)
- - 1 cup almond flour
- - 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- - 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - 4 tbsp cold butter
- - 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- - 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Apples: Toss sliced apples with coconut sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and butter until coated.
💡 Use tart apples for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
Make Crumble: In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt, cold butter, vanilla, and shredded coconut until crumbly.
💡 For a crunchier topping, refrigerate the crumble for 15 minutes before adding to the apples.
Assemble: Place apples in a slow cooker liner or baking dish. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the apples.
💡 For extra flavor, add a few pats of cold butter on top before cooking.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until apples are tender and topping is golden.
💡 Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain even heat.
Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes, then scoop into bowls and top with dairy-free ice cream.
💡 Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Almond Flour
Provides a nutty, gluten-free base for the crumble. Substitute with hazelnut flour or a 1:1 almond flour substitute if needed.
Substitutions: Hazelnut flour, sunflower seed flour, or a store-bought gluten-free flour blend.
Coconut Sugar
Adds a caramel-like sweetness without refined sugar. Can be replaced with maple syrup or brown sugar.
Substitutions: Maple syrup, date syrup, or organic cane sugar.
Butter
Adds richness to both the apples and crumble. Use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.
Substitutions: Coconut oil, ghee, or vegan butter.
Shredded Coconut
Optional for texture and flavor. Omit if avoiding coconut, or replace with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Substitutions: Chopped nuts, seeds, or additional almond flour.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp
✨ Toss Apples Thoroughly
Ensure the apple slices are evenly coated with spices and lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
❄️ Chill the Crumble
Refrigerating the crumble for 15 minutes before adding it to the apples helps it hold its shape and stay crispier.
🔥 Use Cold Butter
Cold butter in the crumble creates a flaky texture. Avoid melting it before mixing.
⏰ Don’t Open Lid
Opening the slow cooker lid during cooking can extend the cooking time and affect the texture of the apples.
Variations & Customizations
Keto Version
Reduce coconut sugar and use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Substitute almond flour with coconut flour for lower carbs.
Spiced Twist
Add 1/2 tsp of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for extra warmth.
Nutty Crumble
Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
Citrus Zest
Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the apple filling for a fresh, tangy contrast.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted turkey or pork for a complete Thanksgiving meal
- Herb-roasted chicken or a fall salad for a balanced dinner
- Dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream for a decadent finish
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a spiced chai tea, a glass of apple cider, or a dessert wine like late harvest Riesling.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the apple filling and crumble topping up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cooked apple crisp in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My crumble is too dry. What did I do wrong?
A: The crumble may have been overmixed. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to keep the butter in pea-sized chunks for a flaky texture.
Q: The apples are still firm after 5 hours. What should I do?
A: Cover the crock-pot and cook for an additional 1-2 hours on low. Avoid opening the lid during this time.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut flour?
A: Yes! Hazelnut, pecan, or sunflower seed flour work well as 1:1 substitutes for almond flour.
Q: How do I prevent the apples from browning?
A: Toss the apples with lemon juice and assemble the dish just before cooking to minimize oxidation.
Final Thoughts
This gluten-free, oat-free apple crisp is a must-try for anyone craving a comforting, allergen-friendly dessert. With its rich almond crumble and perfectly spiced apples, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe delivers fall flavors at their finest.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this gluten-free crock-pot apple crisp as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides like roasted turkey or sweet potato casserole, and finish with a dessert completion pin. Happy cooking!
