GF Apple Crisp with Caramel Sauce

Warm apple pie spiced gf apple crisp with caramel sauce and an easy crumbly oat topping that tastes like the real deal. Serve this classic dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Instead of using all-purpose flour, I use a combination of three types of flour to add a lovely texture and nutty flavor. To keep this recipe gluten-free, make sure your oats and flour are all certified gluten-free.

GF APPLE CRISP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I wanted to create this recipe because I wanted to deliver something that all of us can enjoy this holiday season. This dessert is so amazingly good. It is honestly just plain really good.

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR OPTIONS

For this specific recipe, I have chosen to use multiple different flours. While that might daunghting, I can promise you that I have experimented a lot to get this recipe just right. I use a lot of these flours on a regular basis and am hoping once you try this recipe that you will too.

The buttery crisp topping is made with a combination of almond flour, oat flour, sweet rice flour and cornstarch. The result is a crumbly topping with the addition of yummy gluten-free oats.

WHAT IS ALMOND FLOUR?

Almond flour has become a popular alternative to wheat flour. It is low in carbs and packed with healthy nutrients. Almond meal and almond flour are made from ground almonds. The process involves blanching almonds in boiling water to remove the skins, then grinding and sifting into a very fine flour.

Almond flour is not the same as almond meal. The process to make Almond meal is by grinding the almond with their skin on, which results in a coarser flour.

Almond flour is the main ingredient in French macarons and is commonly used in cakes, cookies and quick breads. The great thing is that it can be easily made right at home.

WHAT IS OAT FLOUR?

Oat flour is made from just one basic ingredient: gluten-free rolled oats. Oat flour offers a mild nutty flavor and a tender crumb. The extra fine flour texture makes it a good choice for gluten-free recipes and baked goods. To make oat flour at home-just pour your gluten-free rolled oats into your blender or food processor and blend until the oats have turned into a fine flour.

WHAT IS SWEET WHITE RICE FLOUR?

Sweet white rice flour is stone ground from high-starch short grain glutinous rice. It has a very fine texture and a natural flavor. Sweet rice flour is ideal for baking and for thickening sauces, soups and gravies.

Glutinous rice flour is a great option for baking gluten-free breads, muffins and cakes. It is naturally gluten-free and low in fat. Sweet rice flour adds moisture to baked goods. Despite its name- it is not sweet at all.

WHAT ARE GLUTEN-FREE OLD FASHIONED OATS?

Rolled oats are referred to as old-fashioned whole oats. In addition to oatmeal, rolled oats are commonly used in baked goods, muffins, cookies, granola and granola bars. Gluten-free oats are a perfect way to add some fiber to your diet.

When it comes to baking- always use the old fashioned oats and not the quick cooking oats. Quick cooking oats do not have as much texture and cook much faster. This, therefore means they will have a mushier texture. They will also be less chewy than regular old fashioned oats.

DO I NEED TO PEEL APPLES FOR THE GF APPLE CRISP WITH CARAMEL SAUCE?

I personally like to peel my apples for all desserts. I do not care for apple peels in my apple crisp as I prefer the soft texture of the baked apples.

CAN THIS APPLE CRISP BE MADE AHEAD?

If you want to make ahead, you can make the crumbles in advance and store them in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to a month. If you store them in the freezer, make sure they are defrosted before using.

You can also slice your apples up to a day ahead of time. Just make sure you toss them with some lemon juice so that they do not brown. Make sure you wait to add the sugar, cornstarch and spices until you’re ready to assemble. You don’t want the apples to release too much liquid.

When you’re ready to assemble- toss the apples with the remaining ingredients and top with the crumble mixture. Put in the oven and bake.

WHAT TYPE OF APPLES ARE THE BEST TO USE FOR DESSERTS?

First of all, you want to make sure you use an apple that will hold up to heat and baking. Granny smith apples are a great choice as they are naturally tart which balances nicely with the sweetness.

Pink ladies are another great option to use in this dessert. My personal favorite for this dessert are Macoun apples, ever crisp and pink ladies. Use different apple varieties. It helps the filling have a little more texture.

WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVERS?

Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

WHY I AM USING CARAMEL SAUCE?

Caramel goes well with vanilla ice cream, and the sauce tends to bring out the flavors of the apple crisp.

WHAT OTHER TOPPINGS CAN I USE?

After taking your gluten-free apple crisp out of the oven, you can top it with whipped cream, ice cream or fresh fruits. Make you that if you’re using fruit that you don’t use too much as you really want the flavor of the apples to shine through. You can also sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon and sugar on the dessert. If you want to really go crazy, you can add a small amount of bourbon and honey on the top of the crisp right before you remove it from the oven.

HOW TO REHEAT GF APPLE CRISP WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

• Pre heat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Make sure the oven is preheated before putting in to reheat.
• Cover the crisp with aluminum foil.
• Place the apple crisp in the oven and allow it to reheat for 15-25 minutes depending on the oven.
• Once it is heated up, take out and serve.
• Don’t forget the scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• You can always use the microwave to reheat.

WHAT IS THE BEST FLAVOR ICE CREAM TO USE?

No apple dessert is complete without vanilla ice cream. Well, in my honest opinion, I think classic Vanilla ice cream is the ideal choice for cobblers and crisps. You want an ice cream flavor that brings out the spices and vanilla extract used in this recipe. By all means, you can use your favorite type of ice cream but I do think vanilla is the best choice. Another great recipe to use vanilla ice cream is my Easy GF Blueberry Cobbler.

INGREDIENTS NEED

Apple Filling-

• 7 Medium Apples- you can use Evercrisps honey crisp or Granny Smith or a combination of all three.
• 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
• Juice of one Lemon
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/2 Tsp Apple Pie Spice
• 2 Tbsp melted butter for the bottom of the pie pan
• 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 Tbsp Caramel Sauce

Gluten-Free Oat Crisp Topping

• 1 Cup Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1/2 Cup Finely Almond Flour
• 3 Tbsp Sweet Rice Flour
• 1/4 Cup GF Oat Flour
• 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
• 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
• Pinch of Salt
• 5 Tbsp Melted Unsalted Butter
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar
• 4 Tbsp Caramel Sauce

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING GF APPLE CRISP WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

• Preheat oven to 375 Degrees F.
• In a large bowl, prepare the apple filling.
• Peel the apples then cut them to the core.  Slice them 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and place them in the bowl.
• Add the granulated sugar, corn starch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, apple pie spice and salt-toss well to combine.
• Melt 7 Tbsp of unsalted butter and put 2 tbsp of butter in the bottom of the pie dish.
• Then add the apples to the pie dish.
• Now it’s time for the topping.  Combine the rolled oats, almond flour, sweet rice flour, oat flour, corn starch, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.  Mix together.
• Add the remaining melted butter and mix to combine.  Try to incorporate the butter as best as you can.  I use my hands for this.  You want it to clump together when you pinch it.
• Top the oat mixture over the apples and make sure the apples are covered well.  It is okay if you don’t use all the topping.  I had just little left over which was totally fine.
• Bake for about 40-45 minutes until bubbling and the apples are soft and tender.
• If you find the topping is browning too fast towards the end-cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and enjoy.
• Serve warm by itself or with Vanilla ice cream.

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SHOP THIS POST-

Classic Pie Dish

Mixing Bowls

GF Oat Flour

Almond Flour

Sweet White Rice Flour

Rolled Oats

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