This Grain-Free Paleo Apple Crisp recipe is easy to put together and so delicious, no one will miss the grains! It’s sweet and delicious, loaded with sugary-tart apple flavor, Paleo-friendly, and dairy-free (assuming you use coconut oil instead of butter). I’ve tried this grain-free apple crisp recipe with fresh mixed berries, peaches and apricots too – it’s equally delicious. I usually swap cardamom for the cinnamon when I’m using berries, but otherwise everything is just the same.
Serving this paleo apple crisp:
I serve this grain-free apple crisp recipe warm for dessert, sometimes topped with whipped coconut cream or ice cream. Is also perfect at room temperature the next day, I eat it for breakfast if there’s any left!
Choosing nuts for this grain-free apple crisp recipe:
About that topping: you can definitely substitute pecans or chopped almonds for the walnuts. I often blend walnuts and pecans for mine. You'll want to make certain your coconut is unsweetened too - not only will that add a bunch of sugar, but it will cause the coconut to overpower the flavor. In this recipe, the coconut is really just there to add texture and body to the crumble topping.
Choosing apples for your grain-free apple crisp:
The best apples to use in a crisp are tart baking apples, such as Granny Smith, Pippin or Lady apples. Pink Lady apples (also called Cripps Pink) are a pink & green skinned hybrid that also work well. Fuji apples will also work well in this gluten-free apple crisp.
For more apple details, check out this amazing apple infographic, a drawing by Sean Seidell.
More gluten-free apple goodness:
If apple desserts are what you're looking for, this French Apple Cake from my friend Alison should absolutely be the next thing you bake.
More Paleo dessert ideas:
If grain-free, Paleo-friendly desserts are your thing, these Fresh Figs with Date Caramel, Dark Chocolate + Pistachios and Grain-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies are fabulous.
Grain-Free Paleo Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoon maple syrup, divided
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoon tapioca starch
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup coconut, grated or finely shredded
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ¼ cup butter or coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- Lightly grease a 9 or 10-inch deep dish pie pan or cast iron skillet.
- In a large bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, vanilla, tapioca starch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon salt until well mixed. Pour apple mixture into prepared pan, scraping down sides to get all the juice into the pan.
- Add walnuts, coconut, coconut flour, butter or oil, and remaining maple syrup, cinnamon and salt into the same large mixing bowl and stir to thoroughly combine. Crumble this mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until apples are bubbly and top is golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
photo credit: Katie Roletto
Here are a couple of gluten-free apple crisps to try:
Single-Serving Apple Crisp with Whiskey & Ginger:
This single serving apple crisp (or double serving, if you're feeling generous) is made with one apple and flavored with a healthy dose of whiskey and ginger. It's easy to make gluten-free by using gluten-free oats.
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe:
This simple gluten-free apple crisp from Rachelle of Footloose and Gluten Free will have people thinking you spent hours preparing. We won't tell anyone...
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