If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delicious and healthier this holiday season, my Gluten-Free Gingerbread Apple Crisp is the perfect option. This is a Christmas Twist on my classic Classic Gluten Free Apple Crisp recipe. It blends the sweetness of tender baked apples with the spicy warmth of gingerbread and a crunchy, gluten-free topping. Made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, oats, and natural sweeteners, this dessert is a treat you can feel good about. Plus, it’s made with natural sweeteners, so it’s ideal for anyone looking to cut back on sugar while still enjoying a warm, comforting dessert. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive, following a specific diet, or simply love healthy desserts, this recipe is for you!
Apple crisp is one of those timeless desserts that never goes out of style. The combination of soft, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crispy, buttery topping is pure magic. But this gingerbread version takes things to the next level! The unique flavors of ginger, cinnamon, & nutmeg infuse every bite, making this dessert feel extra special and festive.
Not only is this recipe gluten-free, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving a delicious homemade treat, this gingerbread apple crisp is sure to impress.
BE SURE TO SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD FOR LATER!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp:
- Gluten-Free: I use almond flour and oats in the crisp topping, making this dessert safe for those with gluten intolerance.
- Refined Sugar-Free (Mostly): Instead of refined sugars, I sweeten this dessert with maple syrup & monk fruit, keeping it healthier and more nutritious. I do put a tad of molasses in the topping to give this apple crisp that authentic gingerbread taste, but you can omit that if you want to be completely refined sugar free.
- Vegan-Friendly Option: This recipe is easily adaptable to be vegan-friendly by simply swapping butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil.
- Packed with Nutrients: Apples are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, while oats provide heart-healthy beta-glucan fiber. Plus, the almond flour adds healthy fats and protein.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 8-9 Granny Smith apples (2.5 pounds apx.)
- 1/3 cup organic maple syrup
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- Zest of 1 large lemon or orange
- Squeeze of 1/2 lemon or orange (1 tbsp apx)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Topping:
- 1 cup almond flour (packed, organic)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup brown monk fruit (or coconut sugar, or refined sugar free sweetener of choice. Do 1/4 cup if you don’t like super sweet)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp organic molasses
- 1/2 cup butter (grass-fed, unsalted, cold and cubed)
- 1 cup oats (organic old fashioned)
How To Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive or avocado oil spray. Set aside.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Slice them pretty thin. You don’t want huge chunks of apples.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the apples, maple syrup, corn starch, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, monk fruit, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Roughly stir in the molasses (it will be sticky and will mix better into the crumble when you cut the butter in). Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and the butter and molasses is evenly distributed in the crumble. Stir in the rolled oats.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sliced apples in the baking dish. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft. Check at the 45 minute mark, because some ovens bake faster than others!
- Serve immediately plain or with a scoop of ice cream on top. I like to serve mine with my high protein cottage cheese ice cream.
How To Store Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies at room temperature for up to 4 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
How Can I Make It Dairy Free?
You can use a dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead to make these dairy free.
Can I Make/Prep This Ahead of Time?
This dessert can totally be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days. Reheat in the oven to crisp it up again before serving. I would do this at 350 for around 10-15 minutes.
Check Me Out On Social Media!
I post all of my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up-to-date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
This Gingerbread Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert to enjoy during the holiday season or any time you’re craving something warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re gluten-free or not, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking rotation. The blend of spiced gingerbread and sweet apples is a winning combination, and the crispy topping is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy a deliciously festive treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Gluten Free Gingerbread Apple Crisp
If you're looking for a dessert that's both delicious and healthier this holiday season, my Gluten-Free Gingerbread Apple Crisp is the perfect option. This is a Christmas Twist on my classic Classic Gluten Free Apple Crisp recipe. Made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, oats, and natural sweeteners, this dessert is a treat you can feel good about. Plus, it’s made with natural sweeteners, so it’s ideal for anyone looking to cut back on sugar while still enjoying a warm, comforting dessert. Whether you're gluten-sensitive, following a specific diet, or simply love healthy desserts, this recipe is for you!
Ingredients
Filling:
Topping:
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive or avocado oil spray. Set aside.
-
Peel, core, and slice the apples. Slice them pretty thin. You don't want huge chunks of apples.
-
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the apples, maple syrup, corn starch, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined.
-
Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish.
-
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, monk fruit, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Roughly stir in the molasses (it will be sticky and will mix better into the crumble when you cut the butter in). Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and the butter and molasses is evenly distributed in the crumble. Stir in the rolled oats.
-
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sliced apples in the baking dish. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft. Check at the 45 minute mark, because some ovens bake faster than others!
-
Serve immediately plain or with a scoop of ice cream on top. I like to serve mine with my high protein cottage cheese ice cream.
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 281kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.2g25%
- Saturated Fat 6.9g35%
- Cholesterol 24mg8%
- Sodium 123mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 35.9g12%
- Dietary Fiber 5.5g22%
- Sugars 21.7g
- Protein 3.8g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding.