It’s hard to go wrong with a warm batch of homemade apple crumble (also referred to as “apple crisp”) when it comes to fall and winter baking. It’s that combination of sweet, cinnamon-kissed apples topped generously with oats and brown sugar streusel and baked to a golden brown perfection.
What is the best part of all? There is no need for a pie crust when making a crisp/crumble. A pie pan is used to layer the apples, which are then topped with an easy crumb topping, and then baked in the oven.
Despite the fact that you will have to do a lot less work, you will still get all of the satisfaction of apple pie. You can find all the details, along with the recipe, by reading on.
One taste of this delicious dessert and you won’t believe it is both gluten-free and refined-sugar-free!
Also note that the addition of fresh thyme adds a subtle savory note to the otherwise sweet flavor profile of this classic recipe, although if you prefer sweet over savory, omit the thyme!
Here is a link to a downloadable/printable recipe card!
| Prep Time: 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: 45–50 minutes |
| Serves: 4 – 6 |
Ingredients:
6 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1/3 c. real maple syrup
2 T. 100% apple juice (sugar free)
1 t. ground cinnamon
½ t. ground allspice
1½ t. fresh thyme leaves (you can omit this ingredient if you prefer sweet over sweet/savory)
¼ t. salt
Topping Ingredients:
1 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 c. almond flour
1/3 c. almonds, sliced
1/3 c. honey, preferably local
3 T. unsalted butter, melted
To Serve: (Optional)
Vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
Directions:
- Place top oven rack in the center position and preheat oven to 350° Grease an 8” x 8” baking dish and set aside.
- Place apples in a large non-reactive bowl (use a bowl made of glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or metal coated with enamel) and toss with fresh lemon juice. Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Toss to combine and set aside.
- Combine topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
- Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Spread the topping evenly across the top in a uniform layer, as well.
- Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes. If the top layer is nicely browned, cover dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the apple crisp is nice and bubbling. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm with some vanilla bean iced cream or freshly whipped cream, if desired.
Enjoy!