The Best Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe (gluten-free)

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The Best Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe - Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, packed with warm spices, vanilla, and almond extract, and topped with a crunchy oat almond flour crumble. Gluten-free and refined sugar-free.

Healthy apple crisp in an oval white baking dish with a spoon showing some apples, and two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.

This gluten-free healthy apple crisp recipe is made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about serving your family. The tender-crisp apples are coated in a naturally sweetened glaze made of maple cinnamon and cardamom. Within each bite you get a hint of both vanilla and almond extract, paired with a crispy crunchy pecan oat crumble making this the perfect fall dessert. A benefit of making an apple crisp versus an apple pie is that they are both similar in flavor but making a crisp is much easier. We love to serve this apple dessert during the holidays with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For more fall-inspired recipes, check out these Gluten-Free Halloween Stuffed Peppers, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, and The Best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread.

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Apple Filling Ingredients
Crisp Topping Ingredients
Instructions
Variations and Substitutions
Tips for the best apple crisp
Storage
FAQ
Recipe
Reviews

Apple Filling Ingredients

Ingredient shot of apple filling for healthy apples crisp. A medium-sized owl of granny smith apples, honey crisp apples, next to a slice lemon, arrowroot powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.

Apples: Look for firm fresh apples without any bruising. I use a combination of Granny Smith apples and Honeycrisp apples. These tart apples and sweet apples combined give this apple crisp the best flavor. Other apples that could make great options include Granny Smith with Gala apples or Pink Lady apples.
Maple Syrup: The natural sweetness of pure maple syrup pairs well with cinnamon and cardamom.
Vanilla Extract + Almond Extract: My secret ingredient, is almond extract. Although technically optional, it brings so much depth and flavor to this recipe.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash of lemon juice helps balance and brighten the filling preventing the apples from browning.
Arrowroot Powder: Helps thicken the apple glaze. If you do not have arrowroot starch, you can use cornstarch in the filling instead.
Cinnamon + Cardamom: The combination of these spices adds warmth.
Salt: A pinch of salt helps bring forward all the flavors.

Crisp Topping Ingredients

An ingredient shot of healthy apple crisp topping. A bowl with gluten-free rolled oats alongside a bowl with almond flour, coconut sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and butter.

Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give this topping the perfect texture. Make sure to look for certified gluten-free oats if you are gluten-free.
Almond Flour: Instead of gluten-free all-purpose flour we use almond flour which has a finer texture and toasty, nutty, flavor.
Pecans: Adds the perfect amount of crunch to the crisp topping.
Coconut Sugar: Keeping this recipe refined sugar-free, coconut sugar helps sweeten the crisp topping.
Cinnamon + Salt: A hint of cinnamon and salt helps flavor the topping.
Vanilla Extract: Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best results.
Butter: Melted butter helps crisp the topping and gives it a delicious buttery flavor. For vegan and dairy-free options you can use vegan butter or coconut oil.

Instructions

Healthy apple crisp step by step photos. A bowl of apples, a white baker dish with the sliced apples, a bowl with crisp topping, and a white baker with apples and crisp topping sprinkled on top in the dish.

Step 1: Make the apple filling. Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a medium-sized baking dish. Core peel and slice the apples into ¼-inch inch slices. Add the apples to a large bowl. Pour the lemon juice over the top of the sliced apples, then add the remaining ingredients. Toss everything until combined and the apples are well coated.
Step 2: Add apple filling to the baking dish. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread the apples out evenly.
Step 3: Make the crumble topping. In a medium-sized bowl melt the butter. Add the remaining crisp topping ingredients. Stir the mixture until combined and crumbly.
Step 4: Add the crisp topping and bake. Sprinkle crisp evenly over the apples. Place the baking dish on a tray and into the oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and carefully place a piece of tin foil over the top to prevent the crisp from further browning. Return to the oven for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crisp is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling on the sides of the dish. Allow the crisp to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

A white baker dish of fully baked healthy apple crisp with a spoon sticking out and a baked apple on the spoon.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegan - For a vegan or dairy-free option, use vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute for the butter.
Add fresh cherries or cranberries - Fresh cherries in the summer and cranberries in the fall adds a delicious blend of flavors and a pop of color.
Nuts - Instead of pecans you could use walnuts or sliced almonds.

Tips for the best apple crisp

Slice the apples thin: You want the apples to be no larger than ¼-inch slices. Larger pieces will yield a firmer texture and take longer to bake. Check for tender apples by inserting a paring knife before into the apple. If it goes straight through without resistance, you'll the crisp is done baking.
Use a combination of apples: A combination of Granny Smith apples with sweeter apples such as Honey Crisp, Gala, Fiji, or Pink Lady creates the best flavor for this homemade apple crisp. The key is the combination of both sweet and tart.
Watch your oven: It's essential to cover the apples halfway through the baking process to avoid the crisp topping from burning. Check to see if the crisp is fully baked after 55 minutes, every oven is different. You will know the filling is cooked through when it starts to bubble on the sides of the dish and the apples can easily pierce with a knife.
Start with 30 minutes then cover: To avoid over-browning the crisp topping, set a timer for 30 minutes, remove the crisp from the oven, cover loosely with tin foil, and then return the dish to the oven for another 25-30 minutes.
Allow the crisp to rest: Having the crisp rest out of the oven for 15 minutes prior to serving will allow the apple glaze to firm up.

A white oval baker with healthy apple crisp and two scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Storage

To store: This apple crisp will stay in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To reheat: Cover the fully baked crisp and reheat in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350°F.

Prepare in advance: You can prepare this easy apple crisp for up to 24 hours before baking it. Keep it in your refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

An oval baker with healthy apple crisp melted and half eaten with a spoon in the middle of the crisp.

FAQ

What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

Crisps are typically made with oats while crumbles are made with flour, creating a streusel crumb-like topping.

How do I know when the apple crisp is finished baking?

Once the apple filling starts to bubble around the edges, use a paring knife to test the tenderness of your apples. The pairing knife should go straight through with no resistance.

What are the best apples for a crisp?

It's always best to use a mixture of apples, both tart and sweet for the best flavor.

Do I have to peel the apples in an apple crisp?

Yes, not peeling your apples in an apple crisp will cause issues with the texture. Therefore, peeling is always recommended.