Gluten free apple crumble
Enjoy the warm scents of cinnamon and cardamom in your kitchen with our gluten free apple crumble. This dessert features soft, juicy apples under a crisp topping of gluten free oats, almond flour, and a touch of marzipan. The golden crust covers a warm, spiced apple centre, perfectly complemented by a scoop of tangy skyr. Easy to make and delightfully satisfying, this crumble is perfect for anyone who adores the timeless apple and spice combination, without any gluten.
Ingredients
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800 g
Diced apples
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4 tbsp
Sugar
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2 tsp
Cinnamon, ground
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1 tsp
Cardamom, ground
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Crumble
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150 g
Gluten-free oatmeal
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150 g
Butter, diced
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100 g
Marzipan, diced
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100 g
Almond flour
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75 g
Sugar
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50 g
Almonds, coarsely chopped
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1 tsp
Vanilla extract
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1 tsp
Cinnamon, ground
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Salt pinch
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To serve
How to prevent a soggy gluten free apple crumble
To keep your gluten free apple crumble perfectly crisp, start by choosing firm, tart apples that hold their shape when baked, this helps prevent excess moisture. After dicing the apples, you can toss them with a bit of sugar and spices, then let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out extra juices. Drain off any liquid before layering them into the dish. Avoid overloading the dish with fruit, and make sure your crumble topping is well distributed and not packed too tightly, which can trap steam. Lastly, bake until the topping is golden and crisp and the filling is bubbling, this ensures both flavour and texture come through beautifully.
Pro tips for dicing apples quickly and evenly
To dice apples efficiently, start by cutting off each side of the apple close to the core, creating four large sections. Place each section flat-side down for stability, then slice into even strips before cutting crosswise into cubes. Use a sharp knife to make cleaner cuts and reduce bruising. If you’re prepping multiple apples, a mandolin with a julienne blade can speed things up, just mind your fingers. For consistent results, aim for uniform pieces about 1-1.5 cm thick; this helps them bake evenly and gives your crumble a perfectly soft, juicy filling.
Blending tips for a perfect crumble topping, every time
Achieving that irresistible golden crunch on your gluten free apple crumble is all about the right texture. When pulsing the crumble ingredients in a food processor, aim for a mix that resembles coarse breadcrumbs with a few larger clumps. This creates both crunch and softness in every bite. Keep your butter cold and dice it before blending to prevent the mixture from becoming too smooth. Don’t overmix, a few quick pulses are enough. For extra texture, add the chopped almonds at the end and pulse briefly or fold them in by hand. The result? A perfectly rustic topping that crisps up beautifully every time.
Questions about this gluten free apple crumble
Have questions about making or customising your gluten free apple crumble? Whether you're wondering about ingredient swaps or the best way to serve it, we've got you covered. Here are some helpful tips and answers to make sure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.
Can I make this gluten free apple crumble without oats?
Absolutely! If you prefer an oat-free version of this recipe, you can substitute the gluten-free oats with a combination of almond flour and chopped nuts like hazelnuts or pecans for added crunch. Coconut flour can also be used in small amounts, but be cautious, it absorbs moisture quickly. Another great option is crushed gluten-free cornflakes or a gluten-free flour blend to mimic the crisp texture. The key is to maintain a balance of dry and buttery ingredients to ensure that signature golden, crumbly topping.
What can I use instead of marzipan?
If you don’t have marzipan on hand or prefer a substitute, there are several tasty alternatives. A simple swap is a mix of almond flour and a bit of honey or maple syrup to mimic marzipan’s sweet, nutty flavour. You can also use sweetened nut spreads like cashew or almond spread for a creamy twist, just reduce the butter slightly to keep the crumble from getting too soft. Another option is chopped dried fruit like dates or figs, which add natural sweetness and texture. Choose what fits your taste and pantry, and your gluten free apple crumble will still come out deliciously satisfying.
What toppings pair well with this gluten free apple crumble?
This recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to toppings. For a fresh, tangy contrast, serve it with a generous spoonful of skyr as suggested in the recipe. Want something a bit creamier? Try a blend of skyr, lightly whipped cream, and a touch of vanilla sugar, it’s smooth, airy, and subtly sweet. Classic lightly whipped cream is always a winner, adding richness without overpowering the spiced apple flavour. And for the ultimate indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a dreamy, melty finish that pairs beautifully with the warm crumble.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
3704 Kcal
| Fibre | 41.1 gram fibers |
| Protein | 43.5 gram |
| Fat | 236.1 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 354.3 gram |
Do I need to peel the apples before using them?
Peeling the apples is optional and depends on your texture preference. Leaving the skins on adds a bit of colour, and a slightly firmer texture to the crumble. If you prefer a smoother, softer filling, peeling the apples is the way to go. For a balance, you can even peel half and leave the rest with skins on. Just be sure to wash them well if you’re keeping the peels!
Swap apples for pears to try a delicious variation
Looking to switch things up? Try using ripe but firm pears instead of apples for a delightful twist on the classic crumble. Pears bring a naturally sweet, slightly floral flavour that pairs beautifully with the warm spices and nutty topping. Keep the rest of the recipe the same, just adjust baking time slightly if the pears are very juicy. This simple swap creates a cozy, elegant dessert that’s just as comforting and delicious.
Should this gluten free apple crumble be served hot, warm or cold?
This dessert is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven or after a short rest. Serving it warm enhances the comforting spices and allows the topping to stay crisp while the fruit filling remains soft and juicy. Pair it with chilled skyr, cream, or ice cream for a delicious contrast.
That said, it’s also tasty cold or at room temperature, ideal for next-day leftovers or a quick dessert. Just keep in mind the topping may soften slightly as it cools.
No cinnamon or cardamom? Try these warming spice alternatives
Out of cinnamon or cardamom, or just looking to change things up? There are plenty of warming spices that can bring cozy flavour to your gluten free apple crumble. Try using ground ginger for a gentle heat, nutmeg for a sweet, earthy note, or allspice for a bold, clove-like depth.
A pinch of ground cloves or star anise can also add richness, but use sparingly as they're quite strong. Even a dash of pumpkin spice blend can work beautifully. Mix and match to suit your taste and create a spiced crumble that’s uniquely yours.
Craving more? Try these delicious crumble recipes next
If you loved this gluten free apple crumble, there’s more sweet comfort just around the corner. Start with our gluten free banana bread, a moist and naturally sweet bake made with ripe bananas, creamy cottage cheese, skyr, and rich dark chocolate.
For something deeply indulgent, try this rich and satisfying gluten-free chocolate cake, ideal for any celebration or just a chocolate fix.
Or cozy up with our gluten free coffee cake, a warmly spiced treat with a cinnamon swirl and buttery crumble topping, perfect alongside your favourite brew. Each recipe is gluten-free and full of flavour, offering delicious variations to keep your baking fresh and exciting.
