Few desserts are as cozy and nostalgic as a classic apple crumble. The comforting aroma of cinnamon, baked apples, and golden, buttery topping evokes everything we love about home baking. This Gluten-Free Apple Crumble takes that timeless treat and makes it accessible to everyone — crisp, sweet, and warmly spiced, with none of the gluten. Made with tender baked apples and a crunchy oat and almond topping, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent but is naturally wholesome, simple to make, and perfect for any time of year.
The Magic of a Gluten-Free Apple Crumble
Going gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or flavor. In fact, this recipe proves that with a few smart swaps, you can achieve the same irresistible texture and taste as traditional crumbles. Almond flour adds richness and a hint of nuttiness, while gluten-free oats bring that signature crisp topping. Combined with sweet-tart apples and fragrant spices, every bite delivers balance — juicy and soft underneath, crunchy and golden on top.
It’s a dessert that’s equally at home on a weeknight dinner table or served with ice cream after a holiday feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Made without wheat but still perfectly crisp and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and comes together quickly.
- Customizable: Works beautifully with other fruits like pears, berries, or peaches.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prep in advance and reheat before serving.
- Perfect for All Seasons: Enjoy it warm in fall or chilled with yogurt in summer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening)
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
Optional: a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces. In a large bowl, toss them with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cornstarch until evenly coated. The cornstarch helps thicken the juices as the crumble bakes, creating that luscious, syrupy filling.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, nuts (if using), coconut sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter or coconut oil and mix with a fork until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed but still crumble easily.
Step 3: Assemble the Crumble
Spread the apple mixture evenly into a lightly greased baking dish (8×8 inches works perfectly). Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely but without pressing it down too much.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling around the edges. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Allow the crumble to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This lets the juices thicken and the topping firm up slightly. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Choosing the Right Apples
The key to a perfect apple crumble lies in selecting the right apples. You want a combination of sweet and tart varieties to create depth of flavor.
- Granny Smith: Firm and tart; holds shape beautifully during baking.
- Honeycrisp or Fuji: Naturally sweet with juicy texture.
- Braeburn or Jonagold: Offer a balanced flavor and soft texture.
Mixing two or more types gives the best results — sweet apples melt into a jammy texture, while firmer ones provide contrast.
Flavor and Texture Profile
This gluten-free crumble has everything you’d expect from a classic version — and more.
- The filling is soft, syrupy, and aromatic with cinnamon and vanilla.
- The topping is crisp, buttery, and slightly nutty from the almond flour.
- The contrast between the warm fruit and the crunchy crumble makes every spoonful addictive.
The subtle sweetness from maple syrup and coconut sugar keeps it balanced — never cloying, just deeply comforting.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the topping: It should stay crumbly, not dough-like.
- Bake long enough: The apples need time to soften completely and release their juices.
- Add texture: Include nuts or seeds in the topping for extra crunch.
- Serve warm: A little heat enhances the flavors and aroma of the spices.
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on your apples, you may need more or less sugar. Taste before baking.
Variations and Add-Ons
This crumble is endlessly versatile. Try these ideas to keep it exciting:
- Berry Apple Crumble: Add 1 cup of blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries to the filling.
- Pear and Ginger Crumble: Swap half the apples for pears and add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Salted Caramel Apple Crumble: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace almond flour with oat flour and skip the nuts.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Apple Crumble
This dessert shines on its own but becomes unforgettable with the right accompaniments:
- With vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream melts into the warm crumble, creating a creamy sauce.
- With whipped cream: Light and airy contrast to the rich filling.
- With Greek yogurt: Perfect for a slightly tangy, high-protein breakfast version.
- With custard or caramel drizzle: Adds indulgent sweetness for special occasions.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the apple filling and topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake when ready.
Once baked, the crumble keeps well:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezer: Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Health Benefits
This gluten-free apple crumble is not just delicious — it’s nourishing too. Apples provide fiber and vitamin C, oats offer whole-grain goodness, and almonds add protein and healthy fats. Using natural sweeteners like maple syrup gives gentle sweetness without refined sugar. It’s proof that comfort food can also be mindful and balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats provide a crunchier topping.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
You can substitute oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins adds texture and nutrients, though the filling will be a little chewier.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter for a dairy-free version.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, though it’s best enjoyed warm. When chilled, it pairs beautifully with yogurt or fresh fruit.
Miso Apple & Pecan Tarte Tatin
Equipment
- 9-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred)
- peeler and corer
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- baking sheet (optional, to catch drips)
Ingredients
- 5–6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- pinch sea salt
- optional vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, core, and quarter the apples. Pat dry to remove moisture for better caramelization.
- In an oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook until bubbling, about 3–4 minutes. Whisk in miso paste, then stir in maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Remove skillet from heat. Arrange apple quarters in the caramel, rounded side down and tightly packed. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the apples.
- Place puff pastry over the apples, tucking edges around them. Prick the top with a fork to let steam escape.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until pastry is golden brown and caramel bubbles at the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before flipping.
- Place a plate over the skillet and carefully invert the tart. Serve warm with ice cream or crème fraîche.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
The Gluten-Free Apple Crumble is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort. It’s everything you want in a dessert — warm, golden, fragrant, and full of texture — without any compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re serving it after a hearty dinner, enjoying it with coffee on a chilly morning, or sharing it with loved ones during the holidays, this crumble embodies pure, rustic comfort. With its golden topping, caramelized apples, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dessert that feels like home — one spoonful at a time.
