Paleo Apple Crisp is one of my favorite fall recipes. And this grain, gluten, and dairy free paleo apple dessert is simple and delicious.
Apple picking with my daughter seems like yesterday. Climbing up ladders that were propped up against trees to score the out of reach fruit was a favorite of hers.
Then it was apple dishes for days. And you know we always chose the largest bag so we had quite an abundance. But apples keep well for a while, so it’s all good.
These days, apple picking has taken a back seat to driving lessons, sporting events, and clothes shopping.
With time a precious commodity, it’s a good thing this grain-free apple crisp is a super simple and quick recipe.
Making Your Paleo Apple Crisp:
You’ll want a sturdy baking pan, and I just treated myself to a pan similar to this (mine is 19cm 7″), which I love. This pan will get plenty of use this fall and is the perfect size for two servings. For a larger almond flour apple crisp recipe, simply double the recipe and use an 8 x 8 pan.
Which type of apples works best? In this recipe, I used Gala apples because it is what I had, but I have used Fuji and granny smiths. Not being fussy, I would try any type of apple in this recipe.
I call this the two bowls and a cutting board recipe. The apples and a few spices in one bowl and the topping in the other. Use the cutting board to slice apples and nuts.
For your efforts, you will be rewarded with a house with the aroma of cinnamon and apples. And that equals cozy.
If there happen to be any leftovers, try warming up for breakfast or have it cold (amazing!). Or better yet, make two so there is a guaranteed future breakfast! The breakfast topping of choice: drizzle with a bit of maple syrup.
Some Things You Will Love About This Paleo Apple Crisp:
- Less sugar than traditional apple crisp (and no refined sugar)
- Is super easy to make
- Can be made ahead and makes great leftovers
- Healthier treat for kids
- Customizable – add some cranberries or other dried fruit
- Great healthy breakfast idea
Ingredients For Your Grain-Free Apple Crisp:
This apple crisp recipe combines fresh apples with chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, tapioca starch/flour, coconut sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, orange juice, almond flour, and sea salt to make a delicious dessert. And, what a great healthy breakfast idea.
Related:
The almond flour apple crisp would be a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner dessert. With a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream or coconut whipped cream, it would be divine!
PIN for later!
*Recipe updated 9/2017

An easy Paleo apple crisp recipe that is grain, gluten and dairy free using less sugar/sweetener than most traditional crisp recipes. Make a double batch and have some for breakfast!
- 2 Medium sized Apples (peeled and sliced)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I like ceylon cinnamon)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts of your choice ( I used almonds, walnuts and pecans)
- 1 tablespoon almond flour
- 1 tablespoon tapioca flour/starch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Spray a glass casserole dish with oil spray (I use coconut oil)
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Peel and slice apples and place in large mixing bowl.
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To the apples, add the lemon juice, orange juice, cinnamon and sea salt. Toss with a spoon to combine.
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Spread the apple mixture in the prepared casserole baking dish. Set aside.
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the topping ingredients. Stir to combine well.
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Spread topping over the top of the apples and place in preheated oven.
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Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until apples are tender and cooked through.
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Add your favorite non-dairy topping; ice cream or coconut whipped cream are great choices!
Easy to Pin It Strip:
Jessy @ The Life Jolie says
Yum- I LOVE Apple Crisp- I live in Western New York where we have an abundance of beautiful apples so I’m always looking for new Apple Crisp recipes! I cannot wait to try this!
Christine says
Thanks Jessy! Love western NY!!
Saarah says
Apple Crisp is SUCH a classic dish! I love your addition of cranberries and pumpkin seeds! Yum!
Christine says
Thanks Saarah!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
This apple crisp sounds to die for! Fruit desserts are always the ones I gravitate to — if it’s a choice between apple crisp and a brownie — I want a warm, cinnamon-y apple crisp every time. Beautiful recipe!
Christine says
Thanks Lisa!
Platter Talk says
Coconut cream sounds so good with an apple crisp!
Christine says
Thanks so much!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I have had a life-long love affair with apple crisp, so I am very happy to find a lighter version that is chock-full of wholesome ingredients. And served with coconut whipped cream?! Just WOW. This looks amazing
Christine says
Yes, Michelle, it’s so great to be able to make this gluten free!
Janette | Culinary Ginger says
This is the perfect fall dessert and the choice of nuts are the perfect topping.
Christine says
Thanks!
Jessica @Small Bites by Jessica says
Is there anything better than apple crisp in the fall!?! Love this version!
Christine says
I agree!
Sarah says
Ooooh I love the addition of orange juice! I bet that adds a great twist! Also loving the clean and healthy ingredients! What a perfect crisp!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
This looks delicious– I love desserts that rely on fruit for sweetness rather than loads of sugar! This sounds perfect for my family.
Luci's Morsels says
This looks absolutely delicious! I can’t even believe this is Paleo! Yummy! I MUST try this.
Jackie says
Could I use corn starch instead of tapioca?
Christine says
Hi Jackie! I have not tried with cornstarch as I don’t use it, so I am not sure. My guess is that it would work.