Gluten-free Apple Crisp

There’s nothing better than apple crisp. Unless, of course, it’s gluten-free apple crisp made with healthy ingredients! This recipe is a Fall tradition in the Z house. It’s full of juicy, sweet apples and topped with a decadent crumble.

Serve it warm out of the oven, and add a dollop of coconut whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you feel like making it extra special. Bon appetit!

Benefits of Apples

Apples are God’s candy! If you’re as obsessed with apples as we are, make a trip to the apple orchard. This is a great place to make family memories and purchase apples in bulk. Plus, the owners are knowledgeable and transparent about their growing processes. Win-win!

We all know the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the Doctor away!” It would be best if you didn’t take that at face value, but apples have many benefits. Here are just a few of them.

Balances Gut Health

Apples have a high fiber content, which can deter the urge to overeat. Fiber becomes a thick substance in your stomach that takes longer to digest. (1)  This means you feel fuller for more extended periods.

Fiber can also be great for your gut health. Many health problems stem from an imbalance of unhealthy gut bacteria, and fiber can help even the score! (2)

May Fight Cancer

Research is limited, but what we know looks promising; apples may be a potent cancer fighter! Researchers believe this fruit’s anti-cancer properties come from antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Studies show consuming at least one apple a day may be enough to reduce your risk for certain types of cancer. (3)

Boosts Cognitive Function

Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which, in turn, can cause accelerated cognitive decline. Apple juice can fight against oxidative stress, keeping your brain at peak performance!

It’s never too late to start healthy habits. One study showed that consuming apple juice may help memory revert to its prime, even at an advanced age. (4)

Healthy Dessert Ingredients 101

My Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is a lot like others of its type. The only difference is a few smart swaps! You’ll never know the difference, but your body will reap the benefits.

Organic Tart Apples: You can use any apple on hand, but I must admit; Granny Smith or Empire apples  (my favorite!) create the perfect flavor profile. Their tartness meshes well with the sweet crumble, almost caramelizing in the oven.

My parents own an apple orchard and like using multiple types of apples to create a blend of sweet and tart.

Coconut Sugar: We usually use liquid stevia to sweeten our desserts, but apple crisps benefit from a deeper sweetener. Coconut sugar is an excellent substitute for brown sugar, as it has a similar flavor. It’s a lower-glycemic option that is not nearly as processed!

You can also use my Christmas cookie blend for a multi-dimensional flavor.

Gluten-Free Flour: Every healthy chef needs an alternative to flour! High-quality gluten-free flour makes my baked goods taste just as good as unhealthy alternatives. I recommend using a cup-for-cup blend because it’s specially formulated for baked goods. Be sure to read the back of your packaging, as some brands ask that you add another ingredient you may not be comfortable with.

Gluten-Free Sprouted Organic Oats: All oats are naturally gluten-free, but many are cross-contaminated through factory processes. This leads many people with gluten sensitivities to eliminate this healthy food.

We recommend purchasing oats that are certified gluten-free. These products are processed independently, away from wheat and other gluten-filled grains.

Spices: Apple crisp isn’t the same without warm spices! This recipe uses Ceylon cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice powder. Ceylon cinnamon is more delicate than typical cinnamon and adds a gourmet touch to any recipe.

Nutmeg gives the crumble topping the perfect hint of Fall spice, and pumpkin pie spice is a must-have for any apple-filled dessert. You can purchase pumpkin pie spice at most well-stocked grocery stores or make your own using our easy-to-follow tutorial.

Butter or Coconut Oil: A dab of healthy fat helps our topping crisp perfectly. You can use grass-fed butter or raw coconut oil. In years past, diet culture eschewed butter in favor of margarine. Studies show it’s margarine that causes cardiovascular issues. (5) Of course, the saying “all good things in moderation” always applies, even to butter!

If you prefer to keep this dessert totally dairy-free, use raw coconut oil. Coconut oil is a great staple to keep on hand since you can use it in recipes and DIYs. I love coconut oil because it gives your body a boost of energy! (6) I’ve used both options with excellent results.

Make Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

There’s nothing better than sharing a healthy dessert with those you love! Apple crisp is the perfect last-minute dessert. It contains simple ingredients, and it comes together in a cinch.

Step One: Pare the Fruit

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a square 8×8 pan with coconut or olive-oil cooking spray. Prepare the apples by paring them and slicing them thinly. I love using an apple peeler corer to do this. It makes baking a breeze!

Cut them smaller if you plan on serving the apple crisp in individual dessert bowls.

Step Two: Add Apples

Place the sliced apples in the baking dish, distributing them evenly.

Step Three: Make the Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Christmas Cookie Blend, flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice (if using). Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.

Step Four: Bake the Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples and top with pumpkin pie spice powder if desired.

Bake for 30 minutes or until the apples are fork-tender and the topping is golden brown.

If you want to make your dessert extra special, you can serve it with my Coconut Whipped Cream or Coconut Milk Vanilla Ice Cream. Both options are allergen-friendly and delicious!

Want more simple desserts? Check out my index of delicious recipes!

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