Gluten-Free Apple Crumble

Gluten-Free Apple Crumble with Apple Cider Caramel

It doesn’t get much cozier than a warm apple crumble fresh from the oven on a cool autumn day. Easier than a pie, yet just as delicious, a crumble is one of the simplest desserts you can make during apple season.

You really can’t go wrong with a crumble this time of year. This gluten-free apple crumble has tender, juicy apples beneath a golden, crumbly topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy fall dessert.

What’s the Difference Between a Crumble and a Crisp?

Crumbles and crisps are very similar; the main difference is in the topping.

• Crumble – A crumble is made with fruit topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, fat and sugar, then baked until golden and bubbling. Nuts can also be added to the topping.
• Crisp – A crisp is similar but traditionally includes oats in the topping. The oats crisp up as they bake, giving the dessert its name.

This apple crumble also has an extra layer of flavor: a quick homemade cider caramel sauce that’s folded into the apples before the crumble topping is added and baked.

The Best Apples for Apple Crumble

A combination of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor and keeps the crumble from becoming overly sweet. I like to use a mix of Fuji and Granny Smith apples, but Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are also good choices.

Choose apples that hold their shape when baked rather than becoming completely soft. You want the apples to be tender and juicy while still retaining some texture.

Ingredient Notes

For the Caramel

Apple Cider – Use fresh-pressed apple cider or unfiltered apple juice for the best flavor.

Maple Syrup – Adds sweetness to the caramel without refined sugar.

Coconut Cream – Gives the caramel a rich, creamy texture without dairy.

Tapioca Flour – Helps thicken the caramel slightly as it cooks.

Vanilla and Cinnamon – Add warmth and complement the flavor of the apples.

For the Crumble Topping

Tapioca and Almond Flour – This combination creates a tender, crumbly topping without wheat flour or oats.

Grain-Free Baking Powder – Helps keep the topping light.

Palm Shortening or Butter – Palm shortening or vegan butter keeps the crumble vegan and dairy-free. Regular butter can be used if you don't need it to be vegan.

For the Apples

Apples – Use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Fuji and Granny Smith are my preferred combination, but Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are also good choices.

Lemon Juice – Adds a little acidity to balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Tapioca Flour – Helps thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake.

How to Make a Gluten-Free Apple Crumble

1. Make the cider caramel. Simmer the apple cider until reduced to about ¼ cup and syrupy. Whisk together the maple syrup, coconut cream, vanilla, cinnamon, tapioca and salt, then slowly stir the mixture into the reduced cider. Continue cooking until the caramel thickens slightly.
2. Make the crumble topping. Whisk together the almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder and salt. Add the maple syrup, palm shortening or butter and vanilla, then mix until the mixture forms large clumps.
3. Prepare the apples. Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and tapioca flour, then fold in the cider caramel.
4. Assemble. Transfer the apples to a greased 8-inch cast-iron skillet and scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender and bubbling.

Variations

• Skip the cinnamon. For a simpler flavor, leave out the cinnamon and use vanilla to flavor the caramel.
• Add nuts. Scatter sliced almonds or chopped walnuts over the crumble topping before baking.
• Use butter. Substitute butter for the palm shortening if you don't need the crumble to be vegan.

How to Serve Apple Crumble

This crumble can be served warm or at room temperature.

For dessert, serve it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or your favorite dairy-free alternative. A spoonful of plain yogurt on the side also works well.

FAQ

Can I make this apple crumble ahead of time?

The cider caramel and crumble topping can both be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to assemble the crumble. For the best texture, assemble and bake it just before serving.

How do I store leftover apple crumble?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving or enjoy at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to make this. A warm crumble, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you’re done. And if there happens to be some left over, crumble for breakfast with a generous dollop of yogurt on the side is one of my favorite fall treats.