Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free) Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, tender apple dessert that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas, and that’s exactly why I adore this Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free). It’s an absolute treat when you want a naturally gluten-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Juicy Granny Smith apples mingle perfectly with a crisp, buttery topping, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. Whether you’re craving a simple dessert or a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is one you’ll be revisiting over and over, especially since it finds the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and cinnamon-spiced goodness.

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free), you’ll only need a handful of ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each element brings its own magic, from the tartness of Granny Smith apples to the richness of cold butter that creates that perfect crumbly topping. The gluten-free flour and oats keep things friendly for sensitive diets without sacrificing texture or taste.

  • Granny Smith apples: These tart apples hold their shape beautifully and provide the perfect tangy base.
  • Lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents apples from browning.
  • White sugar: Sweetens the apples just right, balancing their tartness.
  • Cinnamon: Infuses warm, spicy notes that complement the apples.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances depth and aroma.
  • Rolled oats (certified gluten free): Adds chewy texture to the topping.
  • Gluten free all-purpose flour: Keeps the crisp light and crumbly without gluten.
  • Light brown sugar: Brings rich molasses flavor that caramelizes in the slow cooker.
  • Baking powder (double acting): Helps the topping puff up ever so slightly for a delightful bite.
  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch for warm, aromatic complexity.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Unsalted butter (cold, cut into pieces): Key to creating that flaky, crumbly topping.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free)

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing 6 large Granny Smith apples. Toss them in your slow cooker pot with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 cup of white sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Give everything a good stir so the apples are evenly coated. This step ensures each bite bursts with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spiced flavors.

Step 2: Mix the Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together your gluten-free rolled oats, gluten free all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 3/4 cup of light brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Once combined, cut 8 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want the butter evenly dispersed but still creating small pea-sized clumps for that must-have crumbly texture.

Step 3: Combine and Layer

Using your hands or a spoon, mix the butter and dry ingredients until the mixture looks wet and crumbly. Sprinkle this evenly over the apple layer in your slow cooker. This topping is what will turn golden, crispy, and irresistibly buttery as it slow-cooks on top of the tender apples.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to high. Let it cook for 2 hours, allowing the apples to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully beneath the crisp topping.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

After the initial 2 hours, open the lid partially and let it cook for an additional 1 hour. This final cooking time lets the topping deep-dry slightly and develop its signature crispy finish. Serve warm for the best experience, optionally topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free)

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free) tastes amazing on its own but can be elevated with simple garnishes. Think a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar, a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for pure decadence. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with the warm fruit and crisp texture.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this dish as a cozy dessert after dinner, consider pairing it with something mild to balance the sweetness—like a small cheese plate with aged cheddar or a cup of spiced chai tea. For brunch occasions, it pairs beautifully with creamy yogurt or alongside a stack of gluten-free pancakes to create a full, festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests visually? Serve individual portions of this Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free) in pretty ramekins or small mason jars. Layer with whipped cream between spoonfuls for a rustic parfait effect. Or top it with fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of granola for added contrast and texture. Presentation doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The apple crisp will keep fresh for up to 4 days. When refrigerated, the topping softens a little but reheats beautifully to regain some crispness.

Freezing

This dessert freezes well, which makes it perfect for preparing ahead. Portion the apple crisp into individual containers or freeze the whole dish covered tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free) in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. You can also microwave a single serving for about 1-2 minutes if you’re short on time, though the topping won’t be as crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide great tartness and hold their shape well, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples. Just be mindful that softer apples may cook down more quickly and affect the texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

This version uses butter, so it’s not vegan as written. However, you can swap unsalted butter for a dairy-free vegan butter substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly to make it entirely plant-based without losing the delicious crumbly topping.

What can I substitute for gluten-free oats?

If you’re avoiding oats entirely, you can use chopped nuts or extra gluten-free flour for the topping. Just keep in mind oats add a chewy texture that complements the crumbly topping nicely.

Can I make this crisp in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Definitely! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes uncovered, or until the topping is golden and apples are bubbling. A slow cooker gives a different, more hands-off texture but both ways are delicious.

How do I know when the crisp is done?

Look for bubbling juices around the edges, tender apples when pierced with a fork, and a golden-brown, crispy topping. The slow cooker version requires about 3 hours total on high but ovens can vary.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free) is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make yet impressively satisfying, full of wholesome ingredients that come together in the best way. Whether you’re serving it for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, I hope it brings you as much joy as it does me every single time.

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Slow Cooker Apple Crisp (Gluten Free) Recipe

This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is a comforting, gluten-free dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat and gluten-free flour crumble. Slow cooking allows the apples to soften perfectly while the crisp topping turns golden and crumbly, making it a perfect warm dessert any time of the year.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (1:1 blend)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Place the sliced Granny Smith apples in the slow cooker. Add lemon juice, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well to evenly coat the apples with the mixture.
  2. Make the topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine gluten-free rolled oats, gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, light brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Add butter to topping: Cut the cold butter into small pieces and incorporate it into the flour mixture using a spoon or your hands until the mixture looks wet and crumbly with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
  4. Assemble crisp: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the coated apples in the slow cooker, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Cook the crisp: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to high heat. Cook for 2 hours.
  6. Finish cooking: After 2 hours, open the lid partially and continue cooking for an additional 1 hour to allow the topping to crisp up more.
  7. Serve: Serve the apple crisp warm. Optionally, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of tartness and firmness.
  • Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and flour to keep the recipe gluten-free.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative.
  • Serving the crisp with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream adds a delicious creamy contrast.
  • If your slow cooker runs hot, check after 2.5 hours to prevent overcooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: slow cooker apple crisp, gluten free apple crisp, slow cooker dessert, apple crisp recipe, gluten-free dessert, fall dessert

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