Let’s talk about comfort in a bowl—because that’s exactly what this gluten-free apple crisp delivers. When the weather turns chilly and apples are practically falling off trees (or the sale bin at your grocery store), this crisp calls your name. It’s sweet, golden, and packed with that just-baked cinnamon smell that makes your kitchen feel like a warm hug. Plus, it’s gluten-free, but nobody’s going to know unless you brag about it. This recipe brings together the crunch of oats, a brown sugar crumble topping, and tender apples that melt down beautifully. No mystery ingredients, no hard-to-find gluten-free blends—just pantry staples and a little bit of oven magic. Whether you’re serving it up after dinner or sneaking a spoonful with your morning coffee (yes, I’ve done that), it hits the sweet spot every single time. And here’s the best part: it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or baking wizardry. If you’ve got apples, a bowl, and a working oven—you’re halfway there. It’s one of those sweet easy recipes that never lets you down.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- 4) How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- 5) Tips for Making Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- 6) Making Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- 8) Try these Desserts next!
- 9) Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This sweet easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh apples.
- No special flours or gluten-free mixes required.
- Perfectly crisp topping with tender cinnamon-spiced apples underneath.
- Easy to make ahead or freeze for later.
2) Easy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe
This is one of those sweet easy recipes that lives in your back pocket—trusty, unfussy, and a total crowd-pleaser. I make this every fall, but honestly, it sneaks its way into my kitchen even when it’s 80 degrees and apples are on sale.
What makes this version stand out is how it doesn’t rely on complex gluten-free flour blends. You get a golden, crisp topping using almond flour and oats—ingredients that feel familiar and forgiving. The filling? Oh, it’s just sliced apples tossed in warm spices and sugar until they feel like autumn in a dish.
I’ve had friends polish off their bowl and only then discover it’s gluten-free. That’s a win. It’s one of the best sweet easy recipes because it doesn’t taste like a compromise. Whether you serve it plain, with vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream, it never fails to feel like home.

3) Ingredients for Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Apples Use about 6 cups of sliced, peeled apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp make a great combo. They hold up well while baking and offer the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Lemon Juice Just a tablespoon to keep the apples from browning and to add brightness. It’s like a tiny insurance policy that makes the filling pop.
Granulated Sugar I use 3/4 cup, but you can adjust depending on how tart your apples are. It sweetens and brings the apple flavor forward.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg Cinnamon makes it warm and cozy, while a pinch of nutmeg adds depth without overpowering the fruit.
Cornstarch Helps thicken the filling so you don’t get that runny pool of juice at the bottom of your crisp.
Oats Use gluten-free old-fashioned oats. These form the base of that classic, crumbly topping we all know and love.
Almond Flour Almond flour keeps this recipe gluten-free and gives the topping a soft, buttery texture without being dense.
Brown Sugar Adds rich molasses flavor and a slightly chewy edge to the topping. You’ll need about 1/3 cup, packed.
Salt and Cinnamon Salt brings balance and a little extra cinnamon makes the topping even more fragrant.
Melted Butter or Coconut Oil Choose your adventure here. Butter brings that classic crisp flavor; coconut oil makes it dairy-free and still delicious.

4) How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish so nothing sticks later.
Step 2. In a big bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Mix until every slice looks coated and happy.
Step 3. Pour that beautiful apple mixture into your baking dish. Spread it out so the fruit’s nice and even.
Step 4. Grab another bowl. Combine oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a stir to distribute everything.
Step 5. Drizzle in your melted butter or coconut oil. Stir until clumps form and it starts looking like cookie dough.
Step 6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Don’t pack it down—just let it sit loose and cozy.
Step 7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re aiming for golden on top and soft bubbles from the filling peeking through.

5) Tips for Making Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Use a mix of apple types for the best flavor. I like tart Granny Smiths and a sweeter apple like Fuji or Gala together. They cook down differently, creating soft pockets and firmer bites in every spoonful.
If you’re using store-bought gluten-free oats, double-check that they’re certified gluten-free. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they’re often processed in facilities that handle wheat.
If you want a thicker topping (and who doesn’t), double the crumble part. I’ve done this more times than I care to admit. It works especially well if you’re one of those people who thinks the topping is the best part—because let’s be honest, it is.
6) Making Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Ahead of Time
This recipe is one of my favorite prep-ahead desserts. It’s a sweet easy recipe that fits neatly into busy lives. You can assemble the whole thing up to a day ahead—just keep it unbaked in the fridge.
If you prep early, don’t add the topping until just before baking. The apples release moisture as they sit, and you want that topping to stay crisp, not soggy.
You can even freeze it. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic, then bake straight from frozen. Just tack on an extra 15 to 20 minutes and you’re good to go.
7) Storing Leftover Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. It’ll last about 4 to 5 days—if you don’t eat it all sooner.
To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm it in the oven at 300°F until it smells like fall again. Add a little scoop of ice cream and nobody will guess it’s leftovers.
Freezing it works, too. Just be sure to cool it completely before wrapping it well and freezing. Reheat covered in the oven so the topping stays crisp.
8) Try these Desserts next!
9) Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp for Sweet Easy Recipes Lovers
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup gluten-free old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until well coated.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in melted butter until the topping is crumbly and evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbly and soft.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Optional: top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1/6 of the crisp | Calories: 310 | Sugar: 26g | Sodium: 105mg | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fiber: 4g | Protein: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg

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