Gluten Free Apple Crumble: An Easy 5-Ingredient Dessert

Gluten Free Apple Crumble

Gluten free apple crumble is everything I want in a fall dessert: a soft, spiced apple filling tucked under a buttery crumb topping, baked until the juices bubble up around the edges.

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It is also wonderfully easy to prep, which is exactly why it stays in my regular rotation.

Homemade gluten free apple crisp

Apple crisp and apple crumble are the same cozy idea, and this gluten free version fits cool days when you want something warm without a lot of fuss.

I serve it warm from the oven most nights, though it is just as good cold the next morning. A spoonful of vanilla custard is my usual pairing, and ice cream or whipped cream work beautifully too.

This recipe has become a family favorite in my kitchen. I make it every few weeks through apple season, and I have tweaked the topping more than once to get the texture exactly right: crisp edges, tender apples, and no soggy middle.

If you like baking with apples, related ideas include apple hand pies, apple pie bars, applesauce cake, applesauce donuts, and apple cinnamon bread. A mug of mulled apple cider next to a warm bowl of crumble is a lovely drink pairing for a chilly evening.

What is apple crumble?

Apple crumble is a baked fruit dessert built in two layers. The bottom is a layer of sliced or chopped apples with sugar. The top is a crunchy crumble topping made with oats, flour, and butter.

Making it gluten free is simpler than people expect. The fruit layer is naturally gluten free, and oats themselves do not contain gluten. The only real swap is replacing regular all purpose flour with a gluten free blend.

Ingredients for gluten free apple crumble

This recipe uses 8 basic ingredients, and most of them are already in your pantry. It suits weeknights, casual dinners, and cookouts, and it comes together with about 20 minutes of prep before the oven does the rest. It makes 8 servings.

Here is the full list, split by layer so you can see how it fits together.

Use firm baking apples for the filling, since soft apples turn mushy in the oven. Five cups of chopped apple is about 5 to 6 large apples.

Old fashioned rolled oats are the main crumble component, and they should be gluten free. Quick oats work if rolled oats are not on hand. A 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend replaces the all purpose flour.

Granulated sugar goes into the apple mixture, while brown sugar goes into the topping for a subtle caramel note. You can use brown sugar for both layers if you prefer. High quality butter gives a buttery, sweet, slightly crispy topping, and salted butter is my pick. Unsalted butter plus 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt works just as well.

Lemon juice keeps the apples from browning and balances the sweetness, and freshly squeezed orange juice can stand in for a lighter citrus aroma. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth, and apple pie spice with allspice, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom can be used instead.

One note before you start: this recipe makes 8 servings, and the source nutrition lists about 310 calories per serving.

Gluten free oats

Oats are naturally gluten free, but check the package for a gluten free label, since oats are sometimes processed on equipment that also handles gluten containing grains. If you cannot use oats at all, the Variations section below covers an oat free version.

Gluten free flour

Any gluten free flour blend you already trust should work here. I usually reach for a 1 to 1 mix, such as King Arthur Measure for Measure, Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour, or Cup4Cup Multipurpose Flour.

Unlike a pie crust, the crumble mixture does not need to hold together. It is supposed to be crumbly, so other gluten free flours such as oat flour or brown rice flour can work too. If you use a nut flour like almond flour or almond meal, you may need slightly more to reach the right texture.

What are the best apples for apple crumble?

My best advice is to use a mix. Combine a firm, tart apple such as Granny Smith with a sweet, tender variety like Honey Crisp or Golden Delicious, and you get flavor and structure in the same bite.

Minor skin imperfections are fine. What you want to avoid is browning or soft spots, because those turn mushy in the oven. Overripe apples can still be used, but they release more liquid, so expect a juicier filling.

Tart options:

• Granny Smith: the classic green baking apple, tart, and it holds up during baking.
• Braeburn: firm with a citrusy, slightly spicy aroma and little liquid release.
• Belle de Boskoop: balanced between sour and sweet, and it stays firm after baking.
• Northern Spy: firm with a bright apple aroma, and the skin bakes soft enough to skip peeling.

Sweet options:

• Honey Crisp: sweet and crisp, and it bakes tender with a little bite left.
• Golden Delicious: mild and mellow, bakes softer, and tastes best with a tart apple.
• Jonagold: tart and sweet in one apple, great for apple crisp and apple pie.
• Pink Lady: sweet with sour undertones, good for snacking and baking.

How to cut apples for apple crisp

You can dice or slice the apples, and either one works. Here is the order I follow.

1. Wash the apples under cool running water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Remove the stem.
2. Peel if you like, working with a vegetable peeler from the top downward. Peeling is optional, and the peel can be eaten as a snack or saved for smoothies.
3. To core, cut the apple in half and scoop out the core and seeds with a melon baller.
4. For slices, set the apple cut side down and cut into 1/2 in / 1 cm slices.
5. For cubes, cut 1 in / 2.5 cm thick slices and then cut across them in the opposite direction. This is the cut I use in the recipe.
6. Sprinkle with lemon juice right after cutting so the pieces do not brown.

How to make gluten free apple crumble

This is one of the easiest desserts you can make from scratch. Here is the whole process, step by step.

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C / gas mark 5. Grease a 9 in / 23 cm / 2 quart baking dish or casserole dish with butter.

Step 2: Make the apple filling

Add the cored and sliced or diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice straight into the baking dish. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated in sugar and cinnamon. Arrange them in an even layer and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the crumble

Combine the rolled oats, gluten free flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Then press handfuls of the mixture together to form larger clumps.

Step 4: Assemble the crumble

Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the apple mixture.

Step 5: Bake the crisp

Bake for 40 to 55 minutes, until the topping looks golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling. If the crumbs brown too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the apple crisp warm or at room temperature, with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

Tips for the best gluten free apple crisp

I have tested this recipe more times than I can count, and a few small details make a real difference.

• Use two apple varieties. Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are my favorite pair.
• Melted butter beats cold butter. It gives a crunchier crumble mixture.
• Adjust the sugar to your apples. The filling starts with 1/2 cup, and you can add more for very tart apples, up to about 1 cup.
• Watch the top. If the crumble is browning too quickly, lay a large piece of foil over the dish to slow it down.
• Let it rest a few minutes. I like to give the dish 10 minutes out of the oven before serving.

What to serve with apple crumble?

Apple crumble works warm, at room temperature, or cold. Honestly, I eat it straight from the fridge the next day and enjoy it just as much.

It is lovely on its own, but a topping takes it further. My usual choice is vanilla custard, and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce makes it more decadent. Caramel with apples is a combination that always works.

Other favorites:

• Whipped cream: light and airy against the crisp topping and tart apples. A splash of maple syrup stirred in makes it feel like a proper fall dessert.
• Ice cream: perfect with warm crumble. Vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and nut flavored ice creams are all excellent.

Variations

Once you know the basic method, this dessert is easy to bend to what you have on hand.

Apple crumble without oats

For an oat free version, replace the oats with the same amount of gluten free flour. The topping will be a little denser, but it still bakes up golden and crisp.

Vegan apple crumble

Swap the butter for an equal amount of coconut oil for a vegan version. Use deodorized or refined coconut oil so the coconut flavor does not take over. Margarine or vegan butter also work for a gluten free, dairy free apple crumble.

Apple crumble with nuts

For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts to the crumble topping.

Hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, and almonds all pair well with baked apples.

Storage instructions

How to store apple crumble

Keep any leftovers in the fridge. Either cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or move the leftovers into an airtight food storage container.

Can you freeze apple crumble?

Yes, and it freezes well. There are two ways to do it.

• Whole dish: cover the baking dish with foil and freeze it. This suits making the crumble ahead for a party.
• Individual portions: divide the crumble into servings and freeze them in small freezer safe containers. This suits meal planning and quick desserts.

How long does homemade apple crumble last?

Once baked, apple crumble keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Can you make gluten free apple crisp ahead?

Yes, in two different ways.

For the baked version, bake the crisp as instructed, let it cool, cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Rewarm it in a preheated oven or in the microwave.

For the unbaked version, make the filling and topping as written, keep them in 2 separate containers, and refrigerate for 1 day. Then layer them in the prepared casserole dish and bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

How to reheat apple crumble

Cold crumble from the fridge can be warmed in the microwave or in an oven set to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4 until heated through. If it is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or for about two hours on the counter, then reheat it as above.

That said, I rarely reheat apple crumble. I prefer it cold the next day, once the ingredients have had time to blend.

Tools to make gf apple crisp

You do not need much here. A vegetable peeler, a paring knife, a cutting board, a melon baller, and a baking dish will get the job done.

More Cooking

If apple desserts are your thing, keep going. Apple hand pies, apple pie bars, applesauce cake, applesauce donuts, and apple cinnamon bread are all worth a look. When you want something cool instead of baked, the blog has plenty more to explore, from fresh salads to overnight oats.

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Gluten Free Apple Crumble Recipe

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Gluten Free Apple Crumble Gluten free apple crumble is everything I want in a fall dessert: a soft, spiced apple filling tucked under a buttery crumb topping, baked until the juices bubble up around the edges. It is also wonderfully easy to prep, which is exactly why it stays in my regular rotation.

• Total Time: 60 min
• Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling
5 cups apples, chopped, chopped
1/2 cup granulated (white) sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoon lemon juice

Crumb Topping
1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup gluten free flour
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed, packed
1/2 cup butter, melted, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1-Prep: Prep. Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C / gas mark 5. Grease a 9-in / 23 cm / 2-quart baking dish or casserole dish with butter.
2-Make the apple filling: Make the apple filling. Add the cored and sliced or diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice into the baking dish. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated in sugar and cinnamon. Arrange in an even layer. Set aside.
3-Mix the crumble: Mix the crumble. To make the crumble, combine the rolled oats, gluten free flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press handfuls of dough to former larger clumps.
4-Assemble the apple crumble: Assemble the apple crumble. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the apple mixture.
5-Bake: Bake. Bake for 40 to 55 minutes, until the topping looks golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling. If the crumbs brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.
6-Serve: Serve. Serve the apple crisp warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

Last Step:

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• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 40 min
• Method: bake

Nutrition

• Calories: 310 calories
• Sugar: 26 grams sugar
• Sodium: 100 grams sodium
• Fat: 13 grams fat
• Saturated Fat: 8 grams saturated fat
• Carbohydrates: 47 grams carbohydrates
• Fiber: 4 grams fiber
• Protein: 4 grams protein
• Cholesterol: 30 milligrams cholesterol