A super simple gluten free apple crisp with a crunchy walnut graham cracker topping. Naturally Gluten Free + Dairy Free and can be made vegan. A perfect Fall dessert.
Don’t apples make you instantly think of fall? This is the ultimate apple dessert season. There’s just something in the crisp New England fall air, that you want to be frolicking in apple orchards and baking up a storm with them, feeling that strong familiar aroma floating through the kitchen.
Confession time – I’ve actually never been to an apple orchard.
Time to get over to one, especially since that seems to be a top activity here in Massachusetts.
Instead I’ve been cheating and buying my “farm fresh” apples at the grocery store. Gasp. I know.
Don’t tell anyone, or I might not longer be deemed fit to bake with apples in the fall.
Earlier this year I made hasselback baked apples, which were delightful, but this time around I wanted something a bit different.
A gluten free apple crisp was in order.
I have tried this recipe two different ways. First with the apples, skin on, halved and thinly sliced and layered one slightly overlapping onto the next in a large cast iron pan.
And this time around I peeled and chopped the apples, tossing them in a bit of lemon zest, lemon juice and cinnamon.
Apples are sweet enough so no extra sugar needs to be added.
This recipe works both ways – it’s just a matter of preference, though I have to say, in my gluten free apple crisp I prefer the apples nicely chopped.
The lemon juice and zest add a lovely burst of fresh flavors – seriously lemon and lime zest are two of my favorite kitchen companions. They just bring recipes to life. Are ya with me?
The apples are baked topped with a walnut graham cracker crumble. Look out for those gluten-free graham crackers in stores (or vegan ones to keep this recipe entirely plant based). Instead of butter I mixed the crushed nuts and crackers with solid coconut oil – to get that streusel texture.
I love the combination of walnuts and apples together – especially when baked, and the gluten free graham crackers add a lightly sweet cinnamony honey taste and crunchy texture too.
The balance of flavors in this gluten free apple crisp is just perfect. Soft cinnamon lemon apples topped with a crunchy walnut graham cracker mix.
For the ultimate way to serve this make sure to also drizzle a bit of vegan caramel sauce (the same sauce from my vegan caramel chocolate turtles) and melted chocolate.
This is one of those super simple to make yet impressive fall desserts that are perfect on a cool night (preferably with a crackling fire in the background). A nice living room scene I’ve painted for you right?
This would also work as a Thanksgiving dessert alongside the classic pecan pie and pumpkin pie. Next time you’re craving a fall apple dessert be sure to give them gluten free apple crisp with walnut graham cracker topping a try!
I know you’re going to love it!
- 3.5 cups peeled and cubed apples 5-6 small apples
- 1 lemon zested
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup walnuts crushed,
- 1/2 cup gluten free graham crackers crushed (use vegan graham crackers for vegan version)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil solid, not liquid
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees C.
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In a bowl combine apples with lemon zest, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss.
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In a small bowl combine graham cracker crumbs with walnut crumbs and coconut oil. Mix.
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Place apple mix in oven safe cast iron skillet, or other oven safe cookware.
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Top with walnut graham cracker crumble.
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Bake for 30 minutes.
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Serve as is or top with vegan caramel sauce and melted dark chocolate chips (optional)
TO make vegan caramel sauce bring 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1/4 cup maple syrup to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons sunflower seed butter and mix until smooth for 1-2 minutes.
jacquee | i sugar coat it! says
I am not a fan of cooked fruit, but that crisp sure sounds like a treat! Looks so tempting
Vicky says
Thanks! I also am not normally a fan of cooked fruit but something about baked apples always makes me happy!
Just Jo says
Oh I really love the combination of apples and walnuts (and *anything* with graham crackers is good in my book lol). And shhh, I’ve never been to an orchard either, I won’t tell on you 😉
Vicky says
Haha glad I’m not the only one not going to apple orchards all fall to get my apples!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
I love this idea. I always have a hard time finding gluten-free graham crackers I like. What brand do you prefer? Looks delicious!
Vicky says
I like the Schar gluten free graham crackers (I can find them at Wegman’s) http://www.schar.com/en-us/products/us-cookies/honeygrams
Dahn @savor the Best says
I love apple crisps, I could eat them all year long but really only seem to make them in the fall. The graham cracker topping sounds so good, I am going to have to do this
Vicky says
Thanks! I also only seem to make them in the fall!
Taylor says
Vicky this looks soooooo good! Like, I’m drooling. Combine apples and caramel and you’ve got me sold. I also love that you used graham crackers here – I’m gonna have to try this the next time I make apple crisp!
Vicky says
Thanks so much! Yes the caramel drizzle on top is a super nice touch : ))
Nancy says
Healthy food. My family will love this!