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If you want the perfect autumnal dessert then my gluten free apple crumble is an absolute classic.
This gluten free dessert has a 3-ingredient crumble topping and a sweet-yet-tart apple filling, perfect for making use of the seasonal crop.
Plus making apple crumble gluten free is SO easy.
You may have noticed gluten free flour always produces a more crumbly bake – so it was basically made for this!
There are lots of ways you can customise this gluten free apple crumble (or gluten free apple crisp for my US readers) recipe too.
You can even make this recipe dairy free and vegan.
Apple crumble is honestly my favourite dessert and you simply can’t beat it served hot with custard on a blustery autumn evening.
In the UK, Bramley apples – also known as cooking apples – are available year-round but are picking in August and September.
So that means the turning of the seasons is the perfect time to make a gluten free apple crumble, especially if you have a good crop in the garden!
Does apple crumble contain gluten?
Apple crumble is one of those desserts which usually would contain gluten in the crumble topping.
However this recipe is completely gluten free and safe for people with coeliac disease.
I’ve made this recipe using the same gluten free crumble topping that my Mum used to make when I was a kid.
You may have already tried it in my gluten free apple and blackberry crumble recipe or even my gluten free plum and amaretto crumble.
It’s just one of my favourite desserts and it’s so versatile. Even the most rudimentary gluten free baker can whip this up!
Can you buy gluten free crumble mix?
I have seen a few gluten free crumble mixes for sale in the UK including this M&S Made Without Wheat Oaty Crumble Mix.
However, I’d argue it’s much cheaper and easier to make your own!
Making a decent gluten free crumble only needs butter, sugar and gluten free flour – and you can customise it however you like.
Add in gluten free oats if you like, infuse it with some powdered spices or even chop up some nuts such as pecans and walnuts.
However you like your crumble, I definitely would recommend making it over buying it any day.
Ingredients
So what do you need to make this gluten free apple crumble recipe?
There’s a printable recipe card below with the quantities and method, but for the shopping list you’ll need:
- Cooking Apples – I’d always recommend using cooking apples (Bramley apples) for the best crumble possible. If you can’t find these, Granny Smith work well – and this is the most popular choice in the US too.
- Dark Brown Sugar – If you like your apple crumble really tart then omit this but I think it adds a lovely, toffee-like flavour.
- Cinnamon – Again, this is optional but for me it’s always a must! You can try studding the apples with a 2-3 cloves instead if you like. Just remember to look out for them when you eat the crumble.
FOR THE CRUMBLE:
- Gluten free self-raising flour – I always use the FREEE gluten free self-raising flour, the Asda one or Juvela’s white mix. If you only have plain flour simply add 1.5 tsp baking powder and mix well.
- Unsalted Butter – This makes the best crumble topping in my opinion! If you need your crumble to be dairy free / vegan, just swap this for a hard vegan butter substitute.
- Caster Sugar – This is all you need for the dream crumble. In the US you’ll need superfine or baker’s sugar. You could use light brown sugar if you prefer but I think caster sugar definitely gives the best texture to the crumble.
Don’t forget the full recipe and quantities is in the printable card below.
How to make gluten free apple crumble
Making a gluten free apple crumble is simple and it’s probably one of the best starter bakes if you’re new to gluten free baking.
First you’ll need to peel and chop the apples and then pop them in the pie tin with some dark brown sugar and cinnamon.
If you’re making this ahead of time and don’t want the apples to go too brown, a good tip is to add a little bit of lemon juice too.
Stirring in a small amount shouldn’t affect the flavour but it will stop the apples browning if you’re making the filling earlier in the day or the night before.
Next, make the crumble topping by rubbing the butter, gluten free flour and sugar together with your fingertips.
You’re aiming for a breadcrumb-like consistency. A few lumps is fine but try get rid of any big lumps of butter.
A top tip is to keep shaking the bowl as this will make any big lumps go to the top!
Once you’ve made your crumble mix, simply top the apples and bake – simple.
I like to serve my apple crumble with custard but I know a lot of people prefer ice-cream – let me know in the comments which side you’re on!
My gluten free apple crumble recipe
This basic gluten free crumble recipe serves 4 people and can easily be sized up or down.
Just remember if you’re sizing up a lot to ensure you give the apples enough time to cook and become soft.
If you make this recipe and love it, please do let me know by tagging me on my Instagram or using #theglutenfreeblogger. I love seeing your bakes!
And please do leave a review to let others know you loved it too! It would mean the world to me.
Gluten Free Apple Crumble
This gluten free apple crumble recipe is a great autumn dessert. A 3-ingredient crumble topping with a sweet apple filling. Dairy free option. See notes for alternative fillings and topping ideas.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2-3 large cooking apples
- 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the crumble:
- 150 g gluten free self-raising flour
- 75 g unsalted butter
- 75 g caster sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180'C / Fan 160C / Gas Mark 4.
- Peel and core the apples then cut into 1-2cm chunks. You want enough to cover the base of a 20cm pie dish in a thick layer with no gaps, so you may need 2 or 3 apples depending on their size.
- Place the apple chunks in the pie dish and then add the sugar and cinnamon and stir (you can do this in a bowl then pour into the dish if easier - it's a bit less messy!). Set aside.
- Make the crumble by adding the butter, sugar and flour into a large mixing bowl. Use your fingers to rub the mix together until it forms a breadcrumb consistency. Then pour the crumble over the fruit, making sure the fruit is all covered.
- Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the crumble is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling underneath. You want the fruit to be soft but with a little bite. Remove from the oven and serve hot with custard or ice-cream.
Notes
If you only have plain gluten free flour, simply add 1.5 tsp of baking powder to the flour and mix well before adding to the crumble.
For extra crunch you can add a handful of gluten free oats or even some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
If you cannot find cooking apples then Granny Smith apples also work well. Pears are a tasty alternative to apples too - or try a mix of both!
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Need some more gluten free dessert inspiration?
Want to have a go at some of the other gluten free dessert recipes on the blog?
Give some of these other gluten free bakes and creations a try and see what you think!
There are plenty to choose from depending what sort of dessert you fancy:
- Gluten Free Apple Pie
- Strawberry and Apple Crumble
- Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Easy No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Gluten Free Tiramisu
If you do make this recipe please let me know! I’d love to see your photos using #theglutenfreeblogger, share them in my Facebook group or tag me on Instagram.
And if you have any recipe suggestions, please let me know in the comments what you’d like to see next!
Like this Gluten Free Apple Crumble recipe?
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Hi, I’ve just made an apple and damson gluten free crumble. It was divine. Always have my crumble with vanilla ice cream. Yum xx