The Best Gluten & Dairy-Free Apple Crisp

The best Gluten & Dairy-Free Apple Crisp with caramel sauce is naturally sweetened, perfectly spiced, and topped with a crispy golden oat crumble. It tastes just as comforting as the classic version, but it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, perfect for Fall time, the holidays, or anytime you’re craving something cozy.

Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie

Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate a beautiful pie – they’re time consuming, take a lot of love and effort, and are so pretty to look at on a dessert table and, to be completely honest, I wish I was a fan. However, I always find myself reaching for anything but the pie. Apple crisp will always have my full attention. Dreamy cinnamon apples with crunchy oat topping, topped with vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle.. I’ll take three bowls 😉

This apple crisp recipe is as simple as they come, and though it’s vegan and gluten-free it’s just as delicious as any traditional version. Fall time (or the holidays) has never tasted so cozy! Whether you’re baking for guests, prepping a holiday dessert, or just craving something warm and sweet, this recipe always hits the spot! It’s made with super simple ingredients, takes minimal time to prep, and is always a crowd pleaser!

Why this recipe works

• Gluten-free + dairy-free: Perfect for those with intolerances or anyone who wants a lighter version of the classic.
• Refined sugar-free: Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and the apples themselves.
• Easy to make: Comes together in one bowl with minimal prep.
• Cozy + delicious: Warm spices, tender apples, and a crunchy topping.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great as part of a holiday dessert table, when fall time hits, or any time you’re craving something warm, cozy, and spiced.

Recipe video

Ingredients you’ll need for gluten & dairy-free apple crisp

(Skip to recipe card for full instructions/measurements)

• Apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or a mix), thinly sliced
• Maple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon & nutmeg
• Vanilla extract

the crumb topping:

• Old-fashioned oats – use certified gluten-free if necessary!
• Almond flour/meal – Tiger nut flour makes a great nut-free option!
• Chopped pecans – chopped walnuts also work, however pecans pair perfectly with the apples!
• Coconut sugar & Maple syrup – the coconut sugar is optional but adds amazing flavor to the recipe!
• Spices & pantry staples: Vanilla extract, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg
• Coconut oil or grass-fed or vegan butter

Steps to make Gluten & Dairy-free apple crisp with caramel sauce

(Skip to recipe card for full instructions/measurements)

1. Prepare the apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Add sliced and peeled apples to a large bowl and toss with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Mix until evenly coated. Transfer the apples into a 9-inch round baking dish or cast iron skillet (or an 8×8-inch square pan). Bake the apples at 350 until bubbling, 20 minutes. Stir gently to redistribute the liquid.

2. Make the gluten-free apple crisp topping

In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour in your melted coconut oil and stir until you get a crumbly mixture.

3. Assemble + bake

Spread the apple mixture evenly into an 8×8 baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

4. Cool + serve

Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the filling to thicken. Serve warm with your favorite ice cream and the optional caramel sauce (instructions in the recipe card!).

Tips for the Best Healthy Apple Crisp

• Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

Healthy gluten & dairy-free apple Crisp Variations

• Add berries: Cranberries pair beautifully with apples and make it festive!
• Make it paleo: Replace oats with chopped nuts + coconut flakes (just reduce cooking time and keep an eye on the coconut to make sure it doesn’t burn!).

Serving Ideas

• Serve with coconut whipped cream
• Add a scoop of vanilla dairy-free (or full dairy) ice cream
• Top with Greek-style coconut yogurt for a lighter option
• Pair with a chai latte for the ultimate fall treat!

More healthy dessert recipes to try

• Mini pumpkin cheesecake jars
• Gluten-free pumpkin cake roll
• Banana pecan pudding (vegan, gf)
• Fudgy peppermint brownies
• Gluten-free pumpkin streusel bread
• Pumpkin ice cream sandwiches

Gluten & Dairy-Free Apple Crisp (with caramel sauce!)

The best Gluten & Dairy-Free Apple Crisp with caramel sauce is naturally sweetened, perfectly spiced, and topped with a crispy golden oat crumble. It tastes just as comforting as the classic version, but it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, perfect for Fall time, the holidays, or anytime you're craving something cozy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Ingredients

  

Apples

• 6 medium apples
• 2-3 tbsp maple syrup *if using tart apples, add 3 tbsp
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon & pinch of sea salt
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Crisp topping

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 3 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, vegan butter, etc.
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Caramel sauce

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut cream
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

 

Apples

• Preheat oven to 350F. Peel the apples, then cut the apple flesh off the core by standing a peeled apple upright and cutting downward next to the core to remove large chunks of apples. Place the chunks cut side-down and slice thin (about three-eighths of an inch).
• Add the apples to a large bowl and add the maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Give the apples a good toss so they're all evenly coated. Then move the apples into a 9-inch round dish with at least 2-inch high sides or an 8×8-inch square pan.
• Place in the oven to bake 20 minutes, until soft. Then remove from the oven. Stir gently to redistribute the liquid.

Crisp topping

• In a bowl, combine all of the topping ingredients, mixing well until it forms a crumbly mixture.
• Sprinkle evenly over top of the baked apples. Then return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes until the oat topping is crisp and golden to your liking. If it starts to get too dark, you can add foil for the last 5-10 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at least 10 minutes to allow the apple mixture to thicken.

Caramel sauce (optional)

• While the crisp is baking, make the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium high heat, combine maple syrup, coconut cream, and coconut oil. Whisk until melted and combined, and bring to a boil. Boil 5 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
• Cool then keep in air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or at room temperature for a few days.
• When ready to serve, top with ice cream and caramel sauce.

Video

Notes

Tips for the Best Healthy Apple Crisp

• Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

Keyword caramel apple crisp, gluten free apple crisp, healthy apple crisp, sugar-free apple crisp, vegan apple crisp