Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Walnut Graham Cracker Topping {DF}

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!

5 from 1 vote

Print

Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Walnut Graham Cracker Topping {DF}

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

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.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6

Calories: 159 kcal

Author: Vicky

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees C.
2. In a bowl combine apples with lemon zest, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss.
3. In a small bowl combine graham cracker crumbs with walnut crumbs and coconut oil. Mix.
4. Place apple mix in oven safe cast iron skillet, or other oven safe cookware.
5. Top with walnut graham cracker crumble.
6. Bake for 30 minutes.
7. Serve as is or top with vegan caramel sauce and melted dark chocolate chips (optional)

Recipe Notes

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.