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This Classic Apple Crisp recipe is an easy old-fashioned dessert that makes you feel all warm and cozy– the ultimate comfort dessert, no matter the season. And what sets this recipe apart is there’s double the topping so everyone gets plenty.
Made with fresh baked cinnamon apples and brown sugar oatmeal topping from simple pantry ingredients– it’s the perfect dessert.

This is one of the first recipes I worked to perfect when I started eating gluten and dairy free years ago. The hubs’ favorite dessert is apple crisp so it was important I create a recipe we could both enjoy. And this is it. Nowadays the whole family gathers around the table with a warm bowl of crisp topped with dairy free ice vanilla ice cream.
And it’s nice not to have everyone fighting over who gets more crisp topping since this recipe has plenty of yummy crisp topping for everyone.
Another reason to bake this dessert– breakfast leftovers. This classic apple crisp is one of the best ways to start the day; some might even say it tastes even better the next morning. Side note– this is great to serve with breakfast on Christmas morning.

apple crisp recipe ingredients and tips
- apples— I use a mix of Granny Smith and Honey Crisp or Gala, 5 large apples works for this recipe or 6 medium size
- cinnamon
- brown sugar
- fresh lemon— fresh lemon in recipes is always best
- gluten free old fashioned oats— Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- gluten free flour— Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
- dairy free butter— Earth Balance Butter Sticks are always my go-to (this is soy free too)
- optional— dairy free vanilla ice cream or whipped topping (So Delicious CocoWhip)
- allow the crisp to set for 15 minutes after you take it out of the oven; this lets the melted brown sugar mixture to slightly thicken
- this crisp recipe can easily be doubled and placed in a 9 x 13 inch pan


more delicious recipes
- pecan pie bars— this is another dessert we enjoy year round! These layered ooey gooey bars are mouthwatering
- pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting— this rich pumpkin bread with frosting is the best way to enjoy pumpkin during the fall
- fudgy brownie cookies— these homemade cookies have all the best parts of a brownie– the fudgy cake-like middle, chewy edges, and crackly crust

Here’s what readers are saying about this recipe
- Tina M on Facebook said– “I made this. YUMMMM.”
- Cheryl T on Instagram commented–“The apples are tender and the topping is so good.”
lastly
Pop this classic comfort dessert in the oven and wait for the delicious crisp smell to waft through the house. There’s just nothing else as mouthwatering. Then top the sweet apples with a brown sugar cinnamon oat crumble topping and even a scoop of dairy free vanilla ice cream. The result is irresistible.
Go ahead and take time to pin other recipes from my website for your upcoming meal and dessert needs. You’ll find something for everyone.
And have you signed up for my email list? This is a must-do for exclusive tips, product info, and other important alerts.
Eat well and feel well,
Jill
Classic Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 6 c apples peeled, cored, and sliced suggestions in post
- ⅔ c packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gluten free all-purpose flour suggestion in post
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Crisp Mixture
- 1 c old fashioned gluten free rolled oats
- 1 c gluten free all-purpose flour suggestion in post
- 1 c packed brown sugar
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ c dairy free butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- optional- dairy free ice cream or whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare a 9 x 9 baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large bowl place sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Gently stir mixture and set aside.
- In another large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon together. Then add in cubed dairy free butter and mix with a pastry blender. Once the mixture is pea-sized crumbles set aside.
- Place apples evenly in the baking dish.
- Top apples with crisp mixture and bake for 35-40 minutes. Brown sugar mixture will be bubbling on the sides.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
I tried this and it was amazing!
They you so much for the review, Ashely. I’m thrilled you like this recipe too! Jill