It’s apple season which means I will be making my Healthy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp ASAP! We headed out to Livesay Apple Orchard for some apple picking. The boys helped me fill several buckets so we were ready to make a plethora of apple recipes.

Apple Crisp is simply one of those desserts that makes fall feel cozy and warm. With the cooler weather and the shifting sunlight, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons, a welcome reprieve from the summer heat.

When I was in the throes of my postpartum with Wyatt, my mama made me stewed apples – fancy words for sliced apples that have been cooked over the stove top with cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup. Served with cream, it was such a comforting treat to enjoy postpartum. About a year later, my mom, little 14 month old Wyatt and myself hopped on a plane in early January and hustled to get to Denver, CO for the birth of our Wren girl. And as we “ohhed” and “awwed” over the gift of life, my mom was busy tending to her own daughter. And you best believe she made stewed apples with fresh cream on repeat.

This apple crisp recipe was developed as I remembered the tender care of my mother. It’s sweetened with maple syrup and a bit of coconut sugar so it’s refined sugar free, and of course it pairs perfectly with fresh cream or for some indulgence, some vanilla ice cream or custard – the most perfect fall dessert!

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

It contains no refined sugar
Sweetened with natural sweeteners
It is gluten free
It is made with simple ingredients
Comfort food, perfect for Fall
Crowd pleaser
Made with wholesome ingredients!
Makes a big batch

Ingredients for Apple Filling:

apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (for best results use Granny Smith apples or Honeycrisp apples – they work well for a balance of tart and sweet)
maple syrup, for natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor
gluten-free all-purpose flour, helps thicken the filling
ground cinnamon, adds warm spice
water, to keep the filling moist and help the apples soften as they bake

Ingredients for Crisp Topping:

quick-cooking oats, gluten-free certified, for a hearty, crumbly topping
gluten-free all-purpose flour, adds structure to the topping
chopped pecans, for a toasty crunch (you can also use walnuts or omit for nut-free)
coconut sugar, for a subtle caramel-like sweetness (or substitute with brown sugar)
baking powder, helps the topping become light and crispy
baking soda, gives the topping a slight lift
butter, melted, to bind the ingredients and create a rich, buttery flavor (use coconut oil for a dairy-free version)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Prepare the apple filling:
- Place the peeled, cored, and sliced apples into the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle the maple syrup over the apples.
- Sprinkle the gluten-free flour and ground cinnamon evenly over the apples.
- Add the water to the dish to keep the filling juicy.
- Using a spoon (or your hands for a more rustic approach), gently toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the flour, cinnamon, and syrup mixture. Spread them out evenly in the dish to form the base layer.
Make the crisp topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the quick-cooking oats, gluten-free all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, coconut sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour the melted butter over the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until the butter is fully absorbed and the topping becomes crumbly and uniform in texture. The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed between your fingers.
Assemble and bake:
- Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping a top of the apples mixture in the baking dish, making sure to cover all the apples. It’s fine if the topping is a little uneven for a more rustic look. Or spread in an even layer if you wish!
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Cool and serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow the apple crisp to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and enhances the flavors.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic pairing, or enjoy as-is for a delicious gluten-free dessert! This is the best healthy apple crisp you will taste!

Perfect Pairings for Apple Crisp:

Vanilla Ice Cream:
- A classic choice! The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, spiced apple filling and crunchy topping. For an extra indulgence, try a scoop of cinnamon vanilla or salted caramel ice cream.
Whipped Cream:
- Light and airy, whipped cream is a simple but elegant companion to apple crisp. You can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a touch of vanilla extract and sugar, or go dairy-free with coconut whipped cream – this is my favorite way to enjoy apple crisp!
Caramel Sauce:
- Drizzle some warm salted caramel sauce over your apple crisp for a decadent finish. The rich, buttery caramel adds another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced apples.
Chai Tea or Spiced Coffee:
- The warm, aromatic spices in a chai tea latte or a cinnamon-spiced coffee are perfect for complementing the cozy flavors of the apple crisp. They’ll bring out the cinnamon and maple in the dessert without overwhelming it.
Hot Apple Cider:
- For a fall-inspired pairing, serve your apple crisp with a mug of hot apple cider. The rich apple flavor in the cider mirrors the dessert, while the cinnamon and cloves add a warming, seasonal touch.
Cheddar Cheese:
- For a surprising savory twist, try a slice of sharp cheddar cheese alongside your apple crisp. This old-fashioned pairing, particularly popular in New England, highlights the sweet-tart balance of the apples with the sharpness of the cheese.
Mascarpone or Crème Fraîche:
- For a more sophisticated pairing, add a dollop of mascarpone or crème fraîche. Both provide a rich, tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the crisp.

Each of these pairings enhances the flavors of the apple crisp in unique ways, making them perfect for serving at gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Apple Crisp:

Choose the Right Apples:
- A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn works best. Granny Smith provides a tart flavor and holds its shape, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp balance the tartness. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which can become mushy.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice (Optional):
- If your apples are particularly sweet, adding a splash of lemon juice to the filling can enhance the flavor by balancing the sweetness. It also helps prevent the apples from browning as you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Ensure a Crispy Topping:
- The key to a crunchy topping is the right butter-to-dry ingredients ratio. Make sure to fully coat the oat mixture with melted butter, so every crumb gets crispy as it bakes.
- If you love an extra crunchy topping, try adding an additional tablespoon of oats or pecans for more texture.
Prevent a Soggy Filling:
- Be sure to toss the apples thoroughly with the flour before baking. This step helps absorb excess moisture and prevents a watery filling.
- For added thickness, consider sprinkling a little cornstarch into the apple mixture.
Customize the Sweetness:
- Depending on your apples and personal preference, you can adjust the sweetness. If you like your desserts on the less-sweet side, reduce the amount of maple syrup or coconut sugar by a tablespoon or two.
Go Nut-Free:
- If you’re serving guests with nut allergies, simply omit the pecans. You can replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for some crunch, or just increase the oats for a nut-free version.
Make It Dairy-Free:
- To make the crisp dairy-free, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. This still gives you a rich and crumbly topping with a subtle coconut flavor.
Reheating Leftovers:
- Apple crisp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, cover with aluminum foil to store, and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the topping again. The microwave works too, but won’t keep the topping as crunchy.
Freeze for Later:
- Apple crisp freezes beautifully! You can prepare and assemble the entire dish, then freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden.
Use Brown Butter for Extra Flavor:
- If you want a deep, nutty flavor, consider using browned butter in the crisp topping. Just melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden and smells slightly nutty, then use it in place of regular melted butter.

These tips will help ensure your apple crisp turns out beautifully, whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or prepping it ahead of time.

Check out the recipe card below for the full recipe to enjoy this easy apple crisp, the ultimate fall dessert!