Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Recipe: Crispy Topping, Tender Apples

Make this gluten-free apple crumble for an easy, reliable fall dessert. This recipe is simple enough for any level of baking experience and always a crowd-pleaser.

A Note from Teri on Gluten Free Apple Crumble

I prefer cooking to precise baking, which is why a crumble feels perfect to me: it’s rustic, forgiving, and showcases seasonal fruit. I often keep a jar of the dry crumble mix on hand so I can quickly pull something together at the cabin or when apples are abundant. This apple crumble is inspired by my love of apples and the many ways I use them throughout the season—salads, roasted sides, quick snacks, and desserts. It’s the recipe I return to when I want a warm, comforting dessert that’s naturally gluten free when made with oat flour and rolled oats labeled gluten free.

Apples are versatile, nutritious, and delicious. I love visiting the farmers market and sampling different varieties—each one brings a slightly different texture and sweetness to the crumble. Use your favorite baking apples or a mix for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients and Variations

• Unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
• Pecans, toasted
• 6–8 medium apples, sliced (peel on or off, as you prefer)
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Apple juice
• Old-fashioned rolled oats
• Brown sugar (light or dark)
• Oat flour
• Kosher salt

If you don’t have oat flour, make your own by grinding 1/2 cup of oats in a food processor for about 2 minutes, then stir and measure 3/4 cup for the recipe. Using dark brown sugar will deepen the color and flavor of the crumble topping.

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Crumble

Step One: Prep the Crumble

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×11 or 9×11 oval baking dish with a tablespoon or so of butter and set it aside.

Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over low heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and roughly chop.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then remove from the heat.

In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and apple juice until well coated. Spread the apples evenly in the prepared dish.

In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, oat flour, and kosher salt. Stir in the toasted pecans, then pour the melted butter over the oat mixture and mix until crumbly. Spoon the crumble topping evenly over the apples.

Step Two: Bake the Crumble

Bake the dish until juices bubble around the edges and the topping begins to brown, about 35–40 minutes. Cover the pan and bake a bit longer, about 5–10 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the topping is nicely browned. For a chewier topping, cover part of the bake; for a crispier topping, leave the crumble uncovered for the entire bake time. Both approaches work well—choose the texture you prefer.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through, or serve slightly chilled—both are delicious. Leftover crumble also works well spooned over yogurt or with a scoop of ice cream.

Try These Other Gluten Free Dessert Recipes

• Gluten Free Chocolate Orange Cupcakes
• Gluten Free Blueberry Lemon Loaf
• Gluten Free Blondies
• Holiday Orange Gluten-Free Bundt Cake

If you try this Gluten Free Apple Crumble, leave a review and share how you served it. It’s a flexible recipe—swap nuts, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in dried fruit to suit your taste.

Gluten Free Apple Crumble

• Author: Teri Turner
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Oven
• Diet: Gluten Free