The Easiest Apple Crisp Recipe

I love making my Easy Baked Apple Crisp. The mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with a splash of lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon creates a playful twist. Combined with gluten free rolled oats and almond flour, this dessert offers an enchanting blend of flavors that draws you in.

I’ve been trying out new recipes lately and stumbled upon what might become my favorite apple crisp. This dish is all about simplicity and bold flavors.

I used 6 cups of peeled, cored and sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works great) along with a tablespoon of lemon juice to give it a nice tang. A dash of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt really bring out the apple’s flavor in the filling, while the topping is made with gluten free rolled oats, almond flour, packed light brown sugar and melted coconut oil.

I like the way the maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, making it a perfect vegan twist. It sort of reminds me of those classic applesauce crisp recipes mixed with a bit of novelty.

Even if you’re not a big fan of elaborate desserts, this one surprises me every time with its unique texture and irresistible taste.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this apple crisp recipe because it reminds me of fall every time I make it. The aroma of apples and cinnamon as it bakes is just unbeatable and really fills my house with a cozy vibe. I also love that it’s super simple to put together, even if I’m not feeling super inspired in the kitchen some days. Its mix of tender apples and a crunchy topping perfectly satisfies my craving for something sweet and crunchy at the same time. And bonus, because it’s gluten free and vegan, I can enjoy it guilt-free and even share it with friends who have dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

• Apples: They’re packed with fiber and natural sweetness, plus add a tart kick for balance.
• Lemon Juice: It gives a bright, tangy zing and helps stop the apples from browning.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that provides carbs and a rich, smooth flavor boost.
• Rolled Oats: Offers fiber and a touch of protein, bringing a cheery, hearty texture.
• Almond Flour: Supplies healthy fats and extra protein while keeping it gluten free its great.
• Coconut Oil: Adds a rich fat that makes everything mix together, its super tasty.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups peeled, cored and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works great)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the apples
• Pinch of salt for the filling
• 3/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
• 3/4 cup almond flour (you can swap with coconut flour if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the topping
• Pinch of salt for the topping

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a decent sized baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/3 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

3. Pour your apple mixture into the baking dish in an even layer.

4. In another bowl, combine 3/4 cup gluten free rolled oats, 3/4 cup almond flour, and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar.

5. Add 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter) to the dry topping mix and stir until it forms a crumbly texture.

6. Mix in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt to the topping.

7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture.

8. Bake everything in the oven for about 40 minutes, until the apples turn tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

9. Let the crisp cool a bit before serving to let all the flavors settle.

10. Enjoy your easy apple crisp while it’s warm, maybe with a scoop of your favorite dairy free ice cream if you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. Greased baking dish (of decent size)
3. Large mixing bowl (for tossing the apples)
4. Another bowl (for mixing the topping ingredients)
5. Knife and cutting board (to peel, core, and slice the apples)
6. Measuring cups and spoons (for the liquids, oats, almond flour, and spices)
7. Mixing spoon or spatula (to stir the topping until crumbly)

FAQ

The Easiest Apple Crisp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, try using a mix of Braeburn and Fuji apples instead. They give a nice balance between tart and sweet.
• You can replace the lemon juice with a splash of lime juice if that’s what you have on hand, it kinda gives a similar tangy flavor.
• If you want to switch up the maple syrup or agave nectar, regular honey works just as well unless you’re keeping it vegan.
• Instead of almond flour, you could use coconut flour, but keep in mind you may need a little extra liquid to get the right texture.
• For the coconut oil, melted vegan butter is a great substitute and it adds a nice richness to the topping.

Pro Tips

1. A tip that really helps is to let your apple mixture sit for a few minutes after you toss it with the lemon juice and sweetener. This gives the flavors time to meld together a bit more before you add the crumbly topping. Sometimes letting things rest can really bring out the best taste.

2. Another pro trick is to check your crisp a little earlier than the recipe says. Ovens can vary a lot so if your topping starts turning really golden too soon, you might want to cover it with some aluminum foil during the last part of baking so it doesn’t burn, ya know?

3. If you want to take your dish up a notch, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice into your apple mix. These extra spices can add a little depth to the flavor and it might surprise you how it changes the overall taste in a good way.

4. Lastly, when you serve your crisp, let it cool for a bit before digging in. It might be hard to resist eating it right away, but a few extra minutes can really help the flavors settle and make it even tastier. Enjoy experimenting with these small tweaks!