As the leaves begin to turn and the air carries the crisp scent of autumn, it’s the perfect time to embrace the cozy flavors of the season. Picture this: the warmth of a freshly baked crumble filling your kitchen with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and tart apples. I developed this Gluten-Free Crustless Apple Crisp as a delightful alternative to traditional Thanksgiving desserts—easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a recipe that invites you to gather around the table with loved ones.
Whether you’re navigating dietary restrictions or simply looking for a comforting treat after the turkey feast, this dish delivers a satisfying crunch paired perfectly with tender, spiced apples. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a moment of connection and comfort. So, let’s whip up this inviting dessert that will undoubtedly have everyone coming back for seconds—and possibly thirds!
Why Will You Love This Thanksgiving Dessert?
Cozy warmth: The delightful fusion of cinnamon and tart apples creates a heartwarming aroma that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Gluten-free goodness: This dessert caters to those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can indulge in its comforting flavors.
Effortless preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up this treat quickly—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Versatile flavors: Customize with your favorite apples or spices for a unique twist that’ll keep everyone guessing.
Crowd-pleaser: Its inviting taste and texture will have guests raving about your culinary skills long after the meal.
For a delightful pairing, serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream and enjoy the cozy moments together!
Thanksgiving Dessert Ingredients
• Gather these ingredients to create a scrumptious gluten-free crustless apple crisp that everyone will love!
For the Filling
- Granny Smith Apples – Ideal for a tart flavor; experiment with sweeter varieties for a different taste.
- Maple Syrup – Natural sweetener enhancing apple flavors; substitute with honey for a unique touch.
- Arrowroot Flour (or Cornstarch) – Thickens the apple filling effectively; easily swap with cornstarch if needed.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Balances sweetness beautifully; apple cider vinegar works as a pinch substitute.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall taste; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor impact.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds that beloved cozy spice; increase for an extra kick!
For the Topping
- Almond Flour – The base for a gluten-free crisp; oat flour can be a tasty substitution if preferred.
- Coconut Sugar (or Other Granulated Sugar) – Sweetens the topping perfectly; brown sugar also makes a delicious alternative.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Unsalted Butter (Cold and Cubed) – Provides richness and texture; coconut oil will create a dairy-free option.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Contributes crunch and fiber to the topping; instant oats may change the texture.
This family-loved Thanksgiving dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a moment to share warmth with your loved ones. Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Crustless Apple Crisp
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Prep the Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it warms, peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples, ensuring they’re evenly thin to cook perfectly.
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Make the Fruit Base: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with maple syrup, arrowroot flour, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir well until all the apples are coated.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the apple mixture evenly across a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, creating a nice, even layer for the warm filling.
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Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together almond flour, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats.
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Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apple mixture. Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Serve: Allow the dessert to cool for a few moments before serving warm. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Optional: Dust with extra cinnamon before serving for a festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crustless Apple Crisp?
As the comforting aroma of this cozy dessert fills your home, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments to complete your Thanksgiving feast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apples, creating a heavenly bite.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luscious finish, enhancing the dessert’s comforting essence while allowing the apple flavors to shine through.
- Coffee or Spiced Cider: A warm beverage like freshly brewed coffee or spiced apple cider complements the dessert’s warmth, making every bite irresistible, especially on chilly autumn evenings.
- Candied Pecans: Crunchy candied pecans sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch, enhancing the flavors and providing a pleasing contrast to the soft filling.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This festive drink echoes the fall flavors in your dessert, offering a rich and spiced contrast that echoes the joyous spirit of the season.
- Cheddar Cheese Slices: For an unexpected twist, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese alongside the warm crisp cuts the sweetness, bringing out the tartness of the apples.
- Maple Cream Sauce: Drizzled over the crisp, this sweet, rich sauce heightens the maple notes in your dessert, adding an indulgent layer of flavor.
Filling your table with these delightful companions will elevate your dessert experience and create lasting memories around the Thanksgiving dinner table!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Crustless Apple Crisp components are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time! You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance (up to 24 hours) by slicing the Granny Smith apples and mixing them with maple syrup, arrowroot flour, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Moreover, you can also make the crumble topping ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for an additional 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the apple mixture in a baking dish, sprinkle the topping on, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy a cozy, homemade dessert with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones!
Gluten-Free Variations
Customize this delightful dessert to suit your tastes and dietary needs!
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Sweet Apple Swap: Use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter, juicier filling that still holds its shape.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a delightful crunch and added nutrition—perfect for nut lovers!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.
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Spice It Up: Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice to the apple filling for a warm, fragrant twist.
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Maple-Lemon Zest: Enhance the flavor profile by zesting a lemon into the filling, adding a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with apples.
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Oatless Option: For a grain-free crumble, replace the rolled oats with a mix of almond flour and crushed nuts, yielding a tender, crumbly topping.
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Holiday Cheer: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins into the filling for a seasonal flair and extra sweetness to balance the tart apples.
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Spicy Heat: For those who enjoy a kick, sprinkle in some cayenne or chili powder to the topping for a spicy surprise that’ll tantalize the taste buds!
Storage Tips for Crustless Apple Crisp
Room Temperature: Allow the crustless apple crisp to cool completely before covering it loosely with foil or parchment paper for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy crisp topping, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This is key for preserving the delightful crunch of this gluten-free dessert!
Expert Tips for Crustless Apple Crisp
• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart Granny Smith apples for the best flavor balance. Avoid overly sweet varieties to maintain the desired tartness in the filling.
• Prevent Soggy Filling: Make sure to toss the apples with arrowroot flour thoroughly. This helps absorb excess moisture, ensuring a non-soggy crustless apple crisp.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your apple mixture before baking; if it’s too tart, feel free to add a bit more maple syrup. Remember, the sweetness will also depend on the apples you choose.
• Keep an Eye on Baking: Set a timer to avoid overcooking. The crisp is ready when the topping is golden brown, and the apples are tender.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the topping a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time on Thanksgiving while allowing the flavors to meld.
• Consider Dairy-Free Options: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free dessert that still tastes delicious! Enjoy this gluten-free Thanksgiving dessert with confidence!
Crustless Apple Crisp Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness and texture. However, you can experiment with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor profile. Just remember that sweeter apples may require slightly less sweetener in the recipe.
How should I store leftovers?
For best results, allow the crustless apple crisp to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can also loosely cover it with foil at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze the crustless apple crisp?
Yes, you can! To freeze, portion the cooled crisp into airtight containers and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore that delightful crunch.
What can I do if my apple filling is too watery?
Don’t fret! To prevent a soggy filling, it’s essential to toss the apples with the arrowroot flour thoroughly before baking. If you find your mixture watery before baking, try adding a bit more flour or cornstarch to help absorb excess moisture. You can also opt for crunchier apple varieties which release less juice.
Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by substituting unsalted butter with coconut oil. If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can replace almond flour with oat flour, and make sure to check the labels of any pre-packaged ingredients to confirm they are allergy-safe.
How should I reheat the crustless apple crisp?
To preserve the texture of the topping, I recommend reheating individual portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This ensures that the topping stays crispy while warming up the delicious apple filling underneath. Enjoy those warm, cozy bites!
Cozy Thanksgiving Desserts: Crustless Apple Crisp Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with maple syrup, arrowroot flour, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir to coat the apples.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly across a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix almond flour, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Cut in cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then fold in rolled oats.
- Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apple mixture. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.