Best Gluten Free Apple Crisp without Refined Sugar

Delicious and healthy, gluten free apple crisp makes for the perfect easy dessert or snack that everyone can enjoy! Free from gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, you can feel great about eating it!

Apple crisp has been one of my go-to desserts for years. It’s easy, healthier than many desserts, and always a crowd-pleaser!

When we began to eliminate gluten and refined sugar from our diet, I knew I could make a healthier, gluten free apple crisp that was even better than my old recipe. Most people won’t even notice that it’s healthier. I’ve even been told it tastes better than the traditional version which is full of refined sugar and flour!

Why You’ll Love Gluten Free Apple Crisp

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes, and I think you’ll see why!

Gluten & dairy free – Made without two of the most common allergens, almost everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert!

Refined sugar free – Gluten free apple crisp is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar which gives it a rich, sweet flavor.

Simple Ingredients – So many allergen-friendly recipes have ingredients that are just weird and I will never keep in my simple pantry. Not this apple crisp! If you don’t already have all of the ingredients, you can easily find them at almost any grocery store.

Classic apple crisp flavor – Every bite is full of the classic sweet and slightly spicy apple crisp flavor you love!

Healthier Ingredients – I’m not into sacrificing flavor for health when it comes to desserts (if that’s the case, I’ll just find something else to make), and you don’t need to make that sacrifice with this recipe! It’s filled with protein, healthy fats, and is even lower on the glycemic index. This makes it easy to justify eating leftovers for breakfast!

Easy recipe – Gluten free apple crisp isn’t complicated to make. You’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time!

Healthier Dessert

I’ve always loved a good dessert, and I can be pretty picky about them! Regardless of whether it’s healthy or not, dessert needs to be sweet, full of delicious flavor, and have a good texture. If not, I’ll just take more dinner. I also don’t want dessert that tastes too “healthy.” I’m not one to sneak in veggies, carob chips, or anything else like that!

With this in mind, I still knew I could create a delicious, healthier version of apple crisp that would satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! Even though I haven’t sacrificed flavor for nutrition, this is still a healthier dessert choice.

Lower glycemic index – Since this recipe gets its sweetness from apples, maple syrup, and coconut sugar, it won’t cause the dramatic blood sugar spikes white sugar does.

High in protein – Gluten free apple crisp uses lots of oats, oat flour, and almond flour, all of which are much higher in protein than white flour.

Fruit based – Apples not only taste delicious, but they are a wonderful source of nutrition as well! They are high in various vitamins and fiber and have numerous health benefits!

Real ingredients – Made only with minimally processed real food ingredients, gluten free apple crisp will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide significant nutrition as well.

How Long Does Gluten Free Apple Crisp Keep?

While it’s best eaten still slightly warm fresh out of the oven, gluten free apple crisp will keep in the fridge up to 5 days. You can reheat it or enjoy it cold.

What Type of Apples Should I Use?

The best apples for apple crisp are crunchy and have a good balance between sweet and tart. I usually use Gala apples since they have good flavor, are usually available year-round, and are budget friendly.

Feel free to use your favorite apple variety. You can even use a combination of apples to give it more depth of flavor.

Can I Prep Gluten Free Apple Crisp in Advance?

Yes! You can prep this recipe in advance, and it will turn out just as delicious. To do so, prep the apples and topping separately and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Then spread the topping over the apples right before baking.

You don’t need to worry about the apples turning brown. Once it’s baked, you’ll never be able to tell the difference!

Tools You May Need

Mixing bowls

Measuring cups and spoons

Silicone spatula

9″ x 13″ glass baking dish

Food processor (if you’re making your own oat flour)

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Ingredients

Apples – Choose a variety that is crisp and has a good balance between sweet and tart flavor.

Rolled oats – Not quick oats. For extra nutritional benefit, use sprouted oats. If it’s important that the apple crisp is gluten free, make sure to use gluten free oats.

Coconut sugar – This is my favorite granulated sugar substitute! In a pinch, you can use white or brown sugar instead, but it will significantly impact the nutritional value of the apple crisp.

Maple syrup

Oat flour – Homemade or store bought. If you need this recipe to be gluten free, use gluten free oat flour.

Almond flour – For the best texture, make sure to use blanched almond flour, not almond meal. You can make your own, but I find that purchasing it is much easier and doesn’t cost too much extra.

Coconut oil – Softened. If you don’t need the apple crisp to be dairy free, you can substitute softened unsalted butter.

Vanilla extract

Spices

Salt – Sea salt or Himalayan

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Crisp

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9″x13″ glass baking dish. I prefer to use avocado oil or coconut oil to grease the dish, but you can use whatever oil you usually prefer.

Next, peel and slice the apples into medium-sized slices, placing them in a large mixing bowl. Once all the apples are peeled and sliced, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla.

Mix the spices into the apples until the slices are well coated, and spread the apple mixture into the greased baking dish.

Now it’s time to make the topping! You can use the same bowl you used for the apples or get a new one, though I always like saving dishes where I can.

Combine the oats, coconut sugar, maple syrup, oat flour, almond flour, coconut oil, and salt, and stir until it’s well combined.

Spread the topping evenly across the top of the apples. Place the apple crisp in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the apples are bubbling and the top is just beginning to turn brown.

Enjoy warm with dairy-free or regular vanilla ice cream or just by itself!

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome

More Gluten Free Dessert Recipes

Easy Dark Chocolate Almond Flour Brownies – Without Eggs

Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins with Chocolate Chips

Simple Banana & Date Oatmeal Cookies – Gluten-Free Snack Recipe