A, B, C. 1, 2, 3. Easy as gluten-free. Gluten-free apple crisp that is! It’s actually vegan too but you wouldn’t even know it because apple crisp is 1000% delicious. There’s something truly comforting about a freshly baked apple crisp. And seeing as the weather is cooling rapidly, I relished every warm bite of this tasty fall treat.
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Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Crisp
Warm scents of cinnamon and apple wafted through the open oven door. The bubbling of caramelized brown sugar around the toasted edges of the golden-brown oat crisp top. Soft juicy apples that burst with autumn delight in every single bite. This is everything apple crisp and more. The best part, it’s easily gluten-free and vegan!
What Is Apple Crisp
According to Canadian Living, apple crisp is a baked fruit dessert topped with a layer of crisp and crunchy ingredients. That sounds about right to me! It’s quick, easy, and totally delicious.
The bottom consists of peeled, sliced, and spiced apples. On top, is a layer of crispy/crunchy oats, brown sugar, and flour baked to utter scrumptious perfection.
What Apples Are Best For Apple Crisp
Here’s where things get a bit particular. Each person has their own preference. So, I’ll start by saying my way is not the highway. Just my own personal opinion, k.
I prefer using all tart apples, such as a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties are often quite firm which holds up well to baking. I’m all for experimenting though so give it a whirl with what you got.
How To Make Apple Crisp Gluten-Free
Making an apple crisp gluten-free is far easier than you might think. First, swap out the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You’ll want to make sure it contains xanthan gum which provides the elasticity that gluten would normally do.
Second, grab certified gluten-free rolled oats. Oats, while naturally gluten-free, are often processed with machinery and in facilities that work with gluten, so making sure the oats are certified gluten-free is a must to be on the safe side.
How To Make Apple Crisp Vegan
This, as easy as making a gluten-free apple crisp, is just as simple. Butter, which is traditionally used in apple crisp, is swapped out for a dairy-free counterpart.
I adore using a plant-based “butter” alternative such as Becel plant-based baking brick. Earth Balance, Melt, and Miyoko are also wonderful dairy-free butter alternatives. If in a pinch, coconut oil will also work but note that the apple crisp will carry a faint coconut taste.
My Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Secret
I have a secret. An easy gluten-free apple crisp secret. And I’m gonna let you in on it. It’s milk. Good old dairy-free milk. After the apples have been prepared and combined with the cinnamon, flour, and sugar and arranged on the bottom of the dish, I gently pour the milk over top.
This secret step is going to keep the apples super juicy and make an apple-esque type gravy sauce in the bottom that practically oozes autumn apple yum.
Easy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
It’s easy, warm, and so totally delicious. This gluten-free and vegan apple crisp is everything that I adore about autumn. Slightly tart apples baked to perfection underneath a crisp buttery oat top that caramelizes around the edges as it bakes.
I hope you love this easy gluten-free apple crisp as much as my family and I do. Make sure you let me know below in the comments if you give it a try!
Warm Dessert Ideas Made For Fall
Autumn calls for all the warm and toasty baked goods. Here are a few recipes that I think you’ll enjoy:
- Spiced Pear Donuts
- Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
- Better Box Mix Brownies
- Salted Caramel Fudge
- Honey Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Coffee Cake by The Rose Wife
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp (Vegan)
- Total Time: 60 Minutes
- Yield: 14 Servings 1x
Description
Easy gluten-free vegan apple crisp with a layer of warm tart cinnamon-spiced apples on the bottom and topped with a crunchy caramelized oat topping. This is the perfect dessert for a family gathering or when you need a warm cozy sweet treat.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 7 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped*
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour 1:1 baking blend
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (120ml) vegan milk**
Crisp Topping
- ½ cup (120g) vegan salted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 1 cup (105g) gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup (160g) gluten-free flour 1:1 baking blend
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Apple Filling
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and prepare a 13×9 inch pan or 2.5qt baking dish.
- Combine the chopped apples, sugar, flour, and cinnamon together in a large mixing bowl. Make sure all the apples are evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture in the bottom of the prepared pan/dish.
- Evenly pour the milk over the apple mixture.
Crisp Topping
- Combine all the topping ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine until a coarse sand-like texture is achieved.
- Spread the oat topping mixture over the prepared apples and bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be bubbling and caramelized and the top a golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve as is or with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Equipment
Notes
* I prefer a tart firm apple like a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp but feel free to experiment with a combination of apple types. Chop the apples in different sizes to add yummy textures to the crisp.
** I used unsweetened almond milk, but any vegan alternative will work.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 227
- Sugar: 28 Grams
- Sodium: 495 Miligrams
- Fat: 5 Grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 Gram
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 Grams
- Trans Fat: 0 Grams
- Carbohydrates: 43 Grams
- Fiber: 2 Grams
- Protein: 3 Grams
- Cholesterol: 0 Miligrams
Keywords: apple crisp, apple crisp recipe, gluten-free apple crisp, gluten-free apple crisp recipe, vegan apple crisp, vegan apple crisp recipe, easy apple crisp, easy apple crisp recipe
This is the best apple crisp I’ve ever made/ate.
★★★★★
I’m so glad to hear you loved it. It’s one of my family’s favorite desserts!
Can the Apple mixture be prepared the night before, placed in the fridge and cooked the next day?
Hi Susan. Yes, it absolutely can be. Prepare the apple mixture and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Note that it will be darker in color the next day. You can actually prepare the entire dish the day before and keep it in the fridge overnight for next day baking.
Great, thank you for your fast reply! Looking forward to making this for tomorrow! YUM!!
So good and easy to make!!!
★★★★★
I am thrilled to hear that Hannah!
Yum! I used dairy and non-gf products, and this was incredible. Probably the best crisp I’ve made!
★★★★★
Well hot darn, that thrills me to hear Carly! Thanks for giving this a shot and sharing!
Another amazing recipe. My husband loves it! Second weekend in a row making it. Thank you! ♥️
★★★★★
Yay! My husband will request this one on repeat too! Thank you for baking it up!
Made this last night for the family. It was the most amazing apple crisp I’ve ever had.. the caramelization around the edges was perfect! I will definitely be making this again 🤤
★★★★★
Haha you know that edge piece is where it’s at 🙌 😉 Thanks for sharing Meghan!
Best apple crisp I’ve ever had!
★★★★★
I am so glad to hear that. Thanks for sharing, Cath!
Super easy and super delicious. I’ll be keeping this recipe.
★★★★★
I love to hear you enjoyed it Pretha!
My new favorite apple crisp recipe.
★★★★★
That makes me so happy to hear Karlene. Thank you for sharing.
This is, hands down the best apple crisp I have ever made or eaten. It was so simple and delicious. I made this for the first time to take to a friends house and we all loved it so much. The next day I made several batches to have in my freezer at the ready for any occasion!
★★★★★
You totally just made my entire day. I’m am thrilled you enjoyed it. It’s one of my family’s favorite fall desserts.
Any experience freezing it? I love to have Thanksgiving items completely done ahead of time. Could you freeze with same end results? If so, would you freeze before cooking or after?
Yes, you definitely can. I prefer freezing it unbaked and then baking it the day of if possible so it’s warm and scrumptious.
Best apple crisp I’ve ever made.
★★★★★
That thrills me to hear Theresa. Thank you for sharing with me.
I substituted the apples with pineapples and it was spectacular
★★★★★
Gosh that sounds delightful!
This is an absolutely wonderful recipe. I made it for my family and they were all really happy with it. The milk was new to all of us and it changed the whole dish into a super caramel dream! Definitely recommend and will make again
★★★★★
Yay! The milk is a total apple crisp game-changer, right?! I am so happy you enjoyed it, Emma.
I am picky when it comes to apple crisp, and this recipe did not disappoint! It was incredible! The recipe was easy and it makes a lot. This would be a great dessert to bring to a party or an event.
★★★★★
Totally perfect for a family gathering or party. Thanks for sharing, Karissa.
I was totally wary of the milk addition but holy man so good! My hubby and kids have eaten it all up in a day! My hubby said best apple crisp I’ve ever made!
★★★★★
Right?! It makes the apples almost caramelize on the bottom!
Amazing apple crisp recipe! I used regular unbleached flour, regular butter, & oatmilk and it was a hit at family dinner night!
I bet the oatmilk was super delicious in it. Thanks for sharing Melissa.
Like the Blue Jay’s know Baseball Katie knows how to create an amazing gluten free vegan recipe!! The whole thing from top to bottom is delicious! You have equal portions of apple and crust! The crust covers the entire dish and man is it amazing!! This is the best apple crisp I have ever tasted shh don’t tell my mom!! Oh and nobody knew it was gluten free!!!
★★★★★
Oh my goodness Anne you have absolutely made my day! Fun fact: I’m a huge blue jays fan!! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing it. Truly ❤️
I made this last year for Easter on a whim as I had learned we had a new to gluten-free diet family member and didn’t want them left out for dessert and THIS. WAS. A. HIT!! It’s been HIGHLY requested at every family function since then(currently prepping it for thanksgiving dinner today!) and will continue to be made for more in the future! Thank you for the most delicious apple crisp we’ve ever tasted!
★★★★★
Oh my goodness Ivy! I am overjoyed to hear this. Happy Thanksgiving.
Best crisp I’ve ever made! I added some chopped walnuts to the topping which added some extra texture. It was a hit at thanksgiving and got asked a lot about how the filling was so saucy and carmel-y.
★★★★★
Walnuts for an added crunch sound superb!!!
I have make this all the time when I have extra apples! So easy so delicious you just can’t go wrong!
★★★★★