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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples baking in the oven on a cool day. This Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a wholesome, gluten-free twist on the classic dessert, made with naturally sweetened maple syrup and honey. The oat-almond crumble topping adds the perfect crunch, while the hint of fresh thyme brings a subtle, sophisticated touch.
Warm, Cozy, and Naturally Sweetened Comfort Food
Perfect for fall gatherings, weeknight desserts, or holiday feasts, this apple crisp is a deliciously simple way to satisfy your sweet tooth—without refined sugars or gluten!
🔥 Let’s bake up some cozy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gluten-Free & Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugar or flour!
Simple & Easy to Make – Just 10 minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest.
Warm & Comforting – The sweet, spiced apples and crunchy topping are irresistibly good!
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for fall baking, family gatherings, or a light dessert.
Easy to Customize – Make it vegan, nut-free, or extra crunchy—your choice!
Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Apple Filling:
🍏 6 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best!)
🍋 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Prevents browning and adds brightness.
🍁 ⅓ cup real maple syrup – Naturally sweetens the filling.
🍏 2 tablespoons 100% unsweetened apple juice – Enhances the apple flavor.
🍂 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The key warm spice!
🌿 ½ teaspoon ground allspice – Adds depth to the spice blend.
🌿 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves – A subtle herbal twist (optional but amazing!).
🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
For the Crisp Topping:
🌾 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats – Adds a crunchy, hearty texture.
🌰 ⅓ cup almond flour – Light, nutty, and gluten-free.
🌰 ⅓ cup sliced almonds – Gives an extra crunchy bite.
🍯 ⅓ cup honey (preferably local) – Naturally sweetens the crisp.
🧈 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Helps create a golden, crispy topping.
Optional for Serving:
🍦 Vanilla bean ice cream – For a creamy, indulgent pairing.
🥄 Freshly whipped cream – Light and airy to complement the crisp.
Or also you might want to learn How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without a Machine
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Baking Dish
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Lightly grease an 8” x 8” baking dish with butter or coconut oil and set aside.
Why an 8×8 dish? It ensures a perfect balance of filling and crisp topping!
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling 🍏
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2️⃣ Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt.
3️⃣ Stir until apples are evenly coated and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Pro Tip: If you love extra spice, add ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract!
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping 🍯
1️⃣ In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, sliced almonds, honey, and melted butter.
2️⃣ Mix until the oats are evenly coated, forming a slightly sticky crumble.
Want extra crunch? Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty boost!
Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crisp 🍂
1️⃣ Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2️⃣ Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
For a thicker topping, double the crisp mixture!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly 🔥
1️⃣ Bake for 30 minutes uncovered, until the topping begins to turn golden brown.
2️⃣ If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
3️⃣ Continue baking for 15-20 more minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and apples are tender.
How do you know it’s done? The apples should be fork-tender, and the top should be crispy and golden!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy! 🎉
1️⃣ Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2️⃣ Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
3️⃣ Enjoy every cozy, comforting bite!
Bonus Tip: If you want a fancier dessert, drizzle with a touch of warm honey or caramel before serving!
How to Store & Make Ahead
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked crisp for up to 3 months—just bake straight from frozen!
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble everything in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake for a stress-free dessert!
Fun Variations & Customizations! 🎉
🌱 Vegan Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and honey for maple syrup.
🍑 Peach-Apple Crisp: Replace half the apples with sliced peaches for a summer twist!
🍏 Tart & Tangy: Use Granny Smith apples for a sharper, tangier flavor.
🍂 Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp: Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice for an extra cozy fall flavor.
What to Serve with Apple Crisp 🍽
☕ Hot Apple Cider or Chai Tea – Complements the warm spices beautifully.
🥛 Almond or Oat Milk Latte – A dairy-free pairing that’s light yet comforting.
🍨 Caramel Drizzle & Ice Cream – Take it to the next level with salted caramel sauce.
🥂 Glass of White Wine (Like Riesling) – A little sweet, a little tart—just like the apples!
Hosting Tip: Serve in individual ramekins for a stylish, personal touch at dinner parties!
Recommended Kitchen Tools (Amazon Picks!) 🛒
✔ 8×8 Baking Dish – Perfect for even baking.
For a warm, comforting Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp, the GoodCook 8×8″ Square Cake Pan is a must-have! Its even heat distribution ensures your cinnamon-spiced apples bake to tender perfection, while the scratch-resistant nonstick coating makes serving and cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re making a gluten-free crisp or another cozy dessert, this durable steel pan delivers golden, crisp toppings every time.
✔ Apple Peeler & Slicer – Saves time!
Make prep work a breeze for your Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp with this Upgraded Apple Slicer & Corer Set! 🍏 This kitchen essential features 8 super sharp stainless steel blades, making it quick and easy to core and slice apples perfectly every time. Plus, it comes with a peeler, two fruit forks, and a citrus peeler tool—everything you need to effortlessly prepare fresh fruit for your crisp or any delicious fall dessert.
✔ Mixing Bowls – Essential for prep work.
Prepare your Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Crisp with ease using the Cuisinart Mixing Bowl Set! This durable 3-piece stainless steel set includes 1-1/2‑Quart, 3‑Quart, and 5‑Quart bowls—ideal for tossing crisp apple slices, blending your gluten-free flour, and mixing the perfect cinnamon-spiced topping. With its dishwasher, freezer, and refrigerator safe design, cleanup is a breeze.
✔ Whisk & Silicone Spatula Set – For easy mixing!
Take your Gluten-Free Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp to the next level with the Umite Chef Silicone Cooking Utensil Set! This 15-piece non-stick, heat-resistant set includes everything you need—from a flexible spatula for blending your crisp topping to a slotted turner for easy serving. The stainless steel handles provide durability, while the silicone heads are gentle on your bakeware. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup!
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp is the ultimate gluten-free, refined sugar-free dessert that still delivers all the comforting, cozy flavors you love! With naturally sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping, this crisp is the perfect balance of indulgent yet wholesome.
✨ Try it today and enjoy a warm, golden bite of fall flavor! ✨
Now It’s Your Turn To Make Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp!
✔ Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it!
✔ Share with friends who love healthy desserts!
✔ Bookmark this for your next cozy baking day!
Enjoy your warm, spiced, and delicious apple crisp! 🍏🍯🔥
Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp (Gluten-Free & Refined Sugar-Free)
Equipment
- 8” x 8” baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup real maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons 100% unsweetened apple juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup almond flour
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup honey (preferably local)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional for Serving:
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Freshly whipped cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oven & DishAdjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Lightly grease an 8” x 8” baking dish and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Apple FillingIn a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt to the apples. Stir until well coated. Set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Crisp ToppingIn a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, almond flour, sliced almonds, honey, and melted butter until the oats are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Assemble the Apple CrispPour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, pressing down lightly to help it adhere.
- Step 5: Bake the CrispPlace the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.If the top is nicely browned, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.Continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and apples are tender.
- Step 6: Serve & EnjoyRemove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations
- Prefer a crunchier topping? Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Make it vegan: Substitute coconut oil for butter and maple syrup for honey.
- For extra flavor: Add ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the filling.