Classic Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Recipe
You can’t beat an old classic like a gluten-free apple crumble. Easy to make and very comforting on any night of the year.
This scrummy dessert is basically a hug on a plate – perfect for those of us who need to dodge gluten but still want something utterly delicious.
Imagine soft, warmly spiced apples nestled underneath a gorgeous, crumbly topping that’s crisp and golden, all without a speck of wheat flour in sight.
Whether you’re coeliac, wheat-sensitive, or just fancy trying something a bit different, this pudding is guaranteed to make your taste buds do a little happy dance.
It’s comforting, it’s easy to whip up, and honestly? Nobody would ever guess it’s gluten-free!
Table of Contents
What you’ll love about this recipe
Dietary Inclusivity
Who says people with gluten sensitivities miss out? Not me! This crumble means everyone can dive into a delicious dessert without worrying about tummy troubles. Coeliac friends, rejoice!
Ridiculously Easy to Make
Seriously, even a kitchen novice could nail this. Chop some crisp apples, mix a few ingredients, and bung them in the oven. It’s basically foolproof cooking – no fancy chef skills required!
Comfort Food Supreme
On a chilly British afternoon, nothing beats a warm apple crumble. It’s like a cuddle in pudding form – all those soft, spiced apples and crispy topping? Pure comfort, no questions asked.
Adaptable
Want to jazz it up? Go wild! Throw in some cinnamon, nuts, a handful of sultanas, and maybe a cheeky splash of vanilla. This recipe is more flexible than a yoga instructor.
Healthier Than Your Average Dessert
Using gluten-free oats and alternatives like almond flour means you’re getting some extra nutrients. It’s basically a health food… well, sort of!
Ingredients
- Fruit Base: 2 large cooking apples, softened with a little water and sprinkled with cinnamon
- Crumble Topping:
- 200g gluten-free self-raising flour
- 50g butter
- 100g brown sugar
- 2 tbsp desiccated coconut (a unique twist!)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free oats (optional)
Instructions
Preheating
Preheat your oven to a toasty 200℃ (gas mark 6). This ensures a perfectly golden, crisp crumble top that’ll make your kitchen smell absolutely divine. Pop your oven shelf in the middle for even baking.
Apple Preparation
Gently simmer your chopped cooking apples in a saucepan with a splash of water. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully soft and starting to break down. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. The apples should look slightly mushy but still hold some texture – we’re not making apple sauce, after all!
Dish Transfer
Carefully transfer your softened apple mixture into a lovely oven-proof dish. Spread them evenly across the bottom, creating a luscious fruity base. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the apples for a warm, spicy kick.
Crumble Topping
Here’s where the magic happens! In a bowl, rub the cold butter into the gluten-free flour using your fingertips. Work quickly and lightly, creating a texture that resembles rough breadcrumbs. This technique is crucial – you want lots of little buttery nuggets that’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Sweet Addition
Stir in the golden caster sugar and desiccated coconut. The sugar will help create a gorgeous caramelised top, while the coconut adds a delightful nutty twist to your classic crumble.
Topping Application
Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously over the prepared apples. Don’t pack it down – you want a lovely, uneven surface that’ll create crispy peaks and valleys when baked.
Baking Brilliance
Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top with bubbling apple juices peeking through the edges. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot, crispy crumble and cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible! 🍨
Tip: Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving – this allows the filling to set slightly and prevents molten apple burns! 😉
What to serve with gluten-free apple crumble
Vanilla ice cream is the absolute champion accompaniment for gluten-free apple crumble. The cold, creamy scoop creates a mind-blowing contrast with the warm, spiced dessert. As the ice cream melts slightly over the hot crumble, it creates a magical flavour combination that’s simply irresistible.
Delightful Alternatives
If ice cream isn’t your thing, whipped cream offers an elegant alternative. Light and airy, it adds a soft, creamy element that complements the buttery crumble and spiced apples perfectly. For those feeling adventurous, you might even experiment with different cream variations like cinnamon-spiced cream.
Unexpected Pairings
For the truly daring, some food enthusiasts suggest serving apple crumble with a slice of sharp cheddar or blue cheese. This unexpected pairing provides a delightful contrast to the dessert’s sweetness, creating a unique flavour profile that might surprise your taste buds.
Pro Serving Tips
Whichever topping you choose, serve your gluten-free apple crumble warm, allowing the flavours to truly shine. Let it cool slightly after baking – about 30 minutes – to ensure the filling sets and you don’t burn your tongue on molten apple goodness!
Are you ready to try my gluten-free Apple Crumble? Then let’s get started:
Classic Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Recipe
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping Board
- Oven Proof Dish
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 Large cooking apples
- 200 g Gluten-free self-raising flour
- 50 g Butter
- 100 g Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Desiccated coconut
- Ice cream to serve
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200℃ (gas 6).
- Peel and chop the apples. Put them in a saucepan with a little water and cook until soft.
- Place the cooked apples into an oven-proof dish, and sprinkle over some cinnamon if using.
- Rub the butter into the flour until like breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the sugar and the coconut.
- Place the crumble mix over the top of the cooked apples.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown.
- Serve with ice cream.
Nutrition
If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for more gluten-free dessert recipes, then check out these 👇
- Gluten-free apple cake
- Gluten-free apple sauce
- Gluten-free banana bread
- Gluten-free apple muffins
- Gluten-free rhubarb and raspberry crumble bars
- Gluten-free apple and raspberry crumble
- Gluten-free apple and custard dessert pots
Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of my gluten-free apple crumble recipe:
Avoid Cross-Contamination
If you’re preparing gluten-free apple crumble in a kitchen that is not entirely gluten-free, take precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
Use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces to prevent gluten from coming into contact with the ingredients.
When possible, do not use wooden utensils, cutting boards, and rolling pins that are used with gluten.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When making a gluten-free apple crumble, your apple selection is crucial. I recommend using a mix of apple varieties to create a more complex flavour profile.
Granny Smith apples provide a wonderful tartness and structural integrity, while sweeter varieties like Golden Delicious can balance the overall taste. This combination ensures your crumble has depth and character.
Flour and Texture Considerations
Selecting the right gluten-free flour is absolutely essential. High-quality 1-to-1 flour blends, such as those from Freee, work wonderfully. If you’re using plain gluten-free flour, consider adding 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to mimic self-raising flour.
The key to a perfect crumble is maintaining a lumpy, uneven texture – so resist the urge to overmix!
Flavor Enhancement Techniques
To elevate your gluten-free apple crumble, experiment with additional flavours.
Generously sprinkle warm spices like cinnamon throughout the dish, and don’t be afraid to add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. A splash of vanilla extract can transform the entire dessert, while a tablespoon of lemon juice helps prevent apple browning and adds a bright, fresh note.
Baking and Serving
Bake your crumble at around 200C for approximately 20-30 minutes. Patience is key – allow the dessert to cool for 30 minutes after baking, which helps the filling set properly.
For the ultimate indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast that’ll make your gluten-free apple crumble absolutely irresistible.
Storage
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long! 😉
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Crumble Naturally Gluten-Free?
Traditional apple crumble typically contains gluten because it’s made with wheat flour. However, you can easily transform this classic dessert into a gluten-free version by using alternative flour blends, fruits or specialized gluten-free ingredients.
What Flour Can I Use?
Numerous gluten-free flour options work wonderfully for creating the perfect crumble topping. Almond flour offers a nutty flavour, while certified gluten-free oat flour provides a traditional texture. Buckwheat flour adds an interesting depth, and pre-mixed gluten-free baking blends are often the most foolproof option.
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Absolutely! You can use almost any other fruit such as pears, cranberries, blueberries, and peaches. Use whatever takes your fancy.
Are All Apples Gluten-Free?
Great news for apple lovers – all fresh, raw apples are naturally gluten-free! Whether you prefer the tartness of Granny Smith, the sweetness of Honeycrisp, or the crisp texture of Fuji apples, you can confidently use them in your gluten-free crumble.
Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Modern baking offers fantastic alternatives to traditional butter. You can easily swap regular butter for dairy-free margarine, plant-based butter alternatives, or coconut oil. This modification can also make your crumble suitable for vegan diets.
Is It Suitable for Low FODMAP Diets?
Those following a low FODMAP diet should be cautious. Most apple crumble recipes exceed recommended serving sizes during the elimination phase. Portion control and careful ingredient selection are crucial for those with specific dietary requirements.
Why Might My Crumble Topping Not Be Crunchy?
Achieving the perfect crunchy topping can be tricky. Common culprits for a soggy crumble include excess moisture, incorrect butter temperature, or overmixing the topping. Professional bakers recommend chilling the crumble mixture before baking to help create that desired crisp texture.
Pro Tip: Experiment and have fun! Gluten-free baking is an art, and each attempt helps you perfect your technique. 🥧
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Becky Terrell ✍️
Hi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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Comments
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This gluten-free apple crumble is an absolute winner! The topping is perfectly crisp and buttery, while the apples are tender and packed with warm cinnamon flavour. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and doesn’t feel “gluten-free” at all—it’s just delicious. I added gluten-free oats for extra crunch, and it was divine. Perfect with ice cream or custard, it’s a cosy dessert I’ll definitely make again.
Simple, classic, and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.