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My Grandmother’s Apple Crisp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

A comforting and classic apple crisp recipe passed down from grandmother, featuring a tender apple filling with a cinnamon-spiced gluten-free crumble topping. Perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors with a mix of baking apples and is easy to prepare in a single baking dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apples

  • 7–10 apples (Cortland, Granny Smith, Macintosh, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-1/2 inch thick
  • 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon cinnamon, to taste
  • Pinch of salt
  • Sprinkle of nutmeg (optional)

For the Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum (e.g., GF Jules)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (can reduce to 2/3 cup depending on pan size)
  • 1/2 cup butter or dairy-free alternative, room temperature (e.g., Earth Balance soy-free sticks)
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free oats
  • 1–3 tablespoons flaxseed meal (optional, for added nutrients)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the ingredients.
  2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick pieces. Transfer them into a large bowl. Don’t worry if the slices vary in size; the recipe is forgiving and thicker slices will take slightly longer to soften. Sprinkle cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using) over the apples and stir gently to combine.
  3. Arrange Apples in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned apple slices evenly into a 9 to 10-inch baking pan. The shape can vary (round, rectangular, or square) as this recipe is flexible.
  4. Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, butter or dairy-free alternative, gluten-free oats, flaxseed meal (if using), and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the blend forms coarse crumbs.
  5. Assemble the Crisp: Using your hands, evenly drop and spread the crumb topping over the layer of apples, covering them completely.
  6. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Check at 30 minutes; if the topping is browning too quickly but the apples need more time, loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking another 10-20 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.

Notes

  • Using a mix of apple varieties, especially combining firm baking apples with juicier ones, creates a balance of textures and flavors.
  • It’s normal for the apple volume to reduce during baking, so overfilling the pan initially ensures plenty of filling after shrinking.
  • This recipe is highly adaptable to different pan sizes and shapes.
  • Flaxseed meal is optional but adds nutritional benefits without impacting taste.
  • Check midway through baking to prevent the topping from burning; covering with foil is an easy fix.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based spread like Earth Balance soy-free sticks.

Keywords: apple crisp, gluten free dessert, baked apples, cinnamon apple dessert, crumble topping, dairy free option

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/my-grandmothers-apple-crisp-recipe/