Baked Apple Crisp with Oat-Almond Crumble – No Sugar, No Gluten, All Fall Vibes

Introduction

Is there anything more fall than the sweet aroma of apples baking in cinnamon and spice? Apple crisp is basically a warm hug in a dish. But what if you’re trying to skip the sugar and gluten this season?

Good news: this Baked Apple Crisp with Oat-Almond Crumble delivers all the autumn comfort without the crash, bloat, or guilt. It’s crunchy, warm, lightly sweet, and goes perfectly with a chilly breeze and fuzzy socks.

Why Go Sugar-Free & Gluten-Free?

Because feeling good should taste good, too.
Sugar-free means no blood sugar roller coasters. Gluten-free means happy tummies and less inflammation. This dessert is:

• Perfect for diabetics or prediabetics

• Great for gluten-intolerant or celiac folks

• Friendly to anyone who just wants to eat smarter

The Beauty of Baked Fruit Desserts

Nature really knows what she’s doing.
When apples bake, they soften and caramelize, releasing their natural sugars and creating a gooey, saucy texture. Add a crisp nutty crumble on top? Chef’s kiss.

Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Special

• Fresh apples – crisp, juicy, and naturally sweet

• Gluten-free rolled oats – gives that traditional crumble feel

• Almond flour – adds nuttiness and healthy fats

• Coconut oil – heart-healthy and buttery without the butter

• Sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit – the sweet touch without consequences

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 1 9×9” baking dish

• Large mixing bowls

• Apple corer/peeler or just a knife

• Spatula or wooden spoon

• Oven (of course!)

Full Ingredient List (With Measurements)

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled & sliced

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit syrup

• 1 tbsp arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)

For the Oat-Almond Crumble:

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats

• 1/2 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

• 1/4 cup sugar-free syrup or monk fruit sweetener

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the Apples

• Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples

• Toss them in a bowl with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, arrowroot, and sweetener

• Stir until well-coated and juicy

Step 2 – Make the Oat-Almond Crumble

• In a separate bowl, combine oats, almond flour, salt, melted coconut oil, syrup, and vanilla

• Mix until crumbly but moist – it should clump together slightly

Step 3 – Layer and Assemble

• Spread apple mixture evenly into the baking dish

• Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples

Step 4 – Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

• Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges

Step 5 – Cool Slightly and Serve

• Let it rest for 10–15 minutes so it thickens

• Serve warm with your favorite topping (we’ll get to that below)

Best Apple Varieties for Crisps

• Granny Smith – tart and firm, holds shape well

• Honeycrisp – sweet and juicy

• Pink Lady – balances tart and sweet

• Mix two varieties for best flavor and texture combo

Sweeteners That Work Best (Without Sugar)

• Monk Fruit Sweetener – zero-calorie and natural

• Stevia Drops – concentrated sweetness, use with caution

• Sugar-Free Maple Syrup – perfect for that fall flavor vibe

• Always taste test your mix—sweetness varies by apple type!

Flavor Variations & Add-Ons

Cinnamon-Spice Twist

Add a pinch of cloves, allspice, or ginger for a deeper spice profile.

Nuts and Seeds

Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or sunflower seeds into the crumble for extra crunch.

Cranberries or Raisins

Toss a handful into the apple mix for tang and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• With a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream

• A dollop of Greek yogurt

• Drizzled with almond butter

• Topped with dairy-free coconut whipped cream

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

• Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore crisp

• Freezing? Yes! Freeze in portions and reheat directly—best within 1 month

Nutritional Highlights

• High in fiber from apples and oats

• Low glycemic load with no added sugar

• Good fats from almonds and coconut oil

• No empty calories—just real, whole food comfort

Troubleshooting Guide

Crumble Not Crisp Enough?

Add 1–2 tbsp extra almond flour or bake for 5–10 minutes more uncovered.

Apples Too Soggy?

Use firmer apples and reduce baking time slightly.

Too Dry?

Add a splash of almond milk or more syrup to the filling next time.

Why Everyone Will Love It

It’s cozy, nostalgic, and smells like fall.
But more than that—it’s inclusive.
Whether your guest is vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, or just picky—they’ll eat this and ask for seconds.

Conclusion

So next time the leaves are turning and your craving kicks in, skip the boxed mix and make this Baked Apple Crisp from scratch. It’s:

• Sweet without sugar

• Crispy without gluten

• Comforting without compromise

And most importantly—it’s pure fall in a bowl.

FAQs

1. Can I use pears instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears make a great alternative, though they’ll soften more when baked.

2. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! In fact, they won’t even notice it’s sugar-free. It’s naturally sweet and soft.

3. Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?

Totally! Just use the same amount of melted unsalted butter if you’re not dairy-free.

4. Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional. If you like a more rustic feel and extra fiber, leave them on.

5. Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, prep the filling and topping separately, store in the fridge, and assemble just before baking.