Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Apple Crumble

This gluten-free apple crumble recipe is loaded with the season’s best apples and topped with crisp chunks of apple-spiced goodness.

A cast iron pan of apple crumble laying on a wooden table with apples and cinnamon sticks.

Welcome to my kitchen! If you’re like me, you adore simple, comforting recipes that bring a taste of home to any gathering. This gluten-free apple crumble is a go-to favorite on my small Maine farm, perfect for cozy family after-dinner desserts or entertaining guests. 

What sets it apart is its delightful blend of wholesome ingredients like coconut flour and rolled oats, creating a crispy, golden topping that perfectly complements the sweet, tender apples beneath. It’s a versatile treat that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Flour & Sugar

I have played with variations of this recipe for several years now and have finally perfected it. Rolled oats, which technically do not contain gluten and are well-tolerated by most gluten-free people, have replaced the white flour. Rice flour is pretty easy to find these days and adds to the binding ability of this mixture. You can substitute the rice flour for whatever gluten-free flour blend you prefer, or if you are not wheat-free, you are welcome to just use ordinary wheat flour. Coconut flour helps soak up the fruit juices to avoid a soggy crumble and adds a nice, subtle coconut flavor to the mix. Brown sugar (or, alternately, coconut sugar) adds an amazing caramel color and flavor to the topping.

A Note on Butter

This recipe does contain butter and a fair amount of it. I am a firm believer in eating healthy fats and not shying away from traditional saturated fats like butter, drippings, and lard. We eat very little sugar in our house, so this crumble is considered a real treat.

For this apple crumble, I use sweet eating apples, as it reduces how much sugar you need. However, you can use tart cooking apples if you prefer; you may just need to sprinkle them with a tablespoonful of sugar or two (or not).

The Apple Crumble Recipe

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

  • 4-6 apples
  • 3 cups of gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1 cup of coconut flour
  • 1 cup fine rice flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • 2 sticks of cold butter (8oz or 210g)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF.

Core and slice the apples (you can peel them too if you prefer) and place them in the bottom of a large casserole dish.

Cored and sliced apples in a red enamel pot.

In a food processor, add all the dry ingredients and pulse until you get a fine crumb. Add in the cubed old butter and pulse until well mixed and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Dry ingredients in a food processor.

Sprinkle the topping over the apples and press down firmly.

Sprinkling the crumb topping over the sliced apples.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until crisp and golden. Serve with cream, ice cream, coconut cream, or plain old milk (the favorite option in our house!). Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. Is delicious the next day cold for breakfast.

A plate of apple crumble with milk dribbled over it.

Alternatives

This crumble topping is also delicious on any fruit you like, my personal favorite is fresh or stewed apricots. Peaches, plums, nectarines, pears, quince, berries, and cherries all also work beautifully. It is a great way to use up those fruits in the fruit bowl that the kids have deemed a day too old to eat.

Serving Suggestions

This gluten-free apple crumble is a versatile delight that pairs beautifully with a variety of serving options. For a classic indulgence, top it off with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing the warm crumble to meld deliciously with the cold, creamy goodness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try it with a drizzle of coconut cream for a tropical twist. And for those who prefer a simpler approach, serving it with a splash of cold milk brings out the comforting flavors of home.

Storing and Reheating

Storing and reheating this apple crumble is a breeze! After allowing any leftovers to cool completely, simply transfer them into a sealed container and pop them in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. 

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you have a couple of options. For a quick and easy reheat, simply scoop out the desired portion and microwave it for about 30-60 seconds until warm. If you prefer to maintain the crispy texture of the topping, preheat your oven to 350°F, place the crumble in an oven-safe dish, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Whether you prefer tart Granny Smiths, sweet Honeycrisps, or a combination of both, feel free to experiment and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences.

Yes, you can easily make this apple crumble vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative such as vegan margarine or coconut oil. Simply ensure the butter substitute is cold and solid when incorporating it into the crumble topping. Additionally, opt for non-dairy options like coconut cream or almond milk when serving to maintain the vegan-friendly status of the dish.

Absolutely! This apple crumble can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for future enjoyment. After baking and allowing it to cool completely, tightly wrap the crumble (either as a whole or in individual portions) in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired, either in the microwave or oven.

Definitely! Consider incorporating chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or sprinkle a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness. You can also add a dash of nutmeg or a pinch of ginger to the crumble topping for a warm, aromatic touch. Experiment with different flavor combinations to make this recipe your own!

If you enjoyed this gluten-free apple crumble recipe, you’re in for a treat with these other delightful creations from my kitchen! 

For a taste of autumn in every sip, try my homemade apple cider recipe, bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of freshly pressed apples. Or, indulge in the velvety smoothness of my apple butter, slow-cooked to perfection with just the right balance of spices. And if you’re craving the vibrant taste of summer, don’t miss out on my blueberry cobbler, featuring juicy Maine wild blueberries. Each recipe promises to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of homemade goodness to your table.

If you’ve found value in this blog post and enjoyed reading it, why not share it with your Pinterest community? Pin the image below and spread the love!

A pinterest-friendly image of my homemade gluten-free apple crumble in a cast iron pan sitting on a wooden table with a red and white dishcloth.

This gluten-free apple crumble recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion or craving. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or cold straight from the fridge for breakfast, its comforting flavors and crunchy topping are sure to leave you craving more. So whip up a batch, savor the taste of home, and explore the endless possibilities of homemade goodness with my other beloved recipes linked below. Happy baking!

Apple crumble in a cast iron pan sitting on a wooden table with a red and white dishcloth underneath.
5 stars

Gluten-Free Homemade Apple Crumble

This gluten-free apple crumble recipe is loaded with the season's best apples and topped with crisp chunks of apple spiced goodness.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes

This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase using the links in this recipe, I may earn a commission.

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Pan or Casserole Dish
  • Food Processor

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Core and slice the apples (you can peel them too, if you prefer) and place in the bottom of a large cast iron pan or casserole dish.
    4-6 medium Apples
  • In a food processor add all the dry ingredients and pulse until you get a fine crumb.
    3 c. Rolled Oats, 1 c. Coconut Flour, 1 c. Rice Flour, 1 c. Brown Sugar, 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
  • Add in the cubed old butter and pulse until well mixed and the mixture holds together when pressed.
    2 sticks Butter
  • Sprinkle the topping over the apples and press down firmly.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes until crisp and golden.
  • Serve with cream, ice cream, coconut cream or plain old milk.

Notes

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week.
Peaches, plums, nectarines, pears, quince, berries, and cherries all also work beautifully.

Nutrition

Calories: 809kcal | Carbohydrates: 113g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 355mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 1007IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Keyword: Apple
Servings: 6
Calories: 809kcal
Author: Dana Thompson

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