Home » Recipes

Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Cranberries

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.

This recipe for Gluten Free Apple Crisp with cranberries combines apples and cranberries with a pecan and oatmeal topping for a tasty skillet dessert that is both gluten free and vegan.

Save This Recipe Form

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes each week!

Apples and cranberries are two of the best tastes of the fall season, and they are combined in this homemade Gluten Free Apple Crisp recipe that is made in a cast iron skillet.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Cranberries

Easy Cast Iron Skillet Dessert

My mom recently gave me her cast iron skillets, because she finds them too heavy now that she is in her 80s. So I have been experimenting with cooking in cast iron, and it is perfect for dishes that go from the stove top to the oven.

Apple Cranberry Crisp topped with ice cream

Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Oatmeal

Many 0f my friends and family are trying to reduce or eliminate the amount of gluten in their diet. This can make it a challenge to come up with a dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone! Apple crisp topping typically contains oatmeal, sugar and flour. To make this recipe gluten free I replaced the flour with chopped pecans. As long as your oats are gluten free this is an easy change to make the apple crisp gluten free. The pecans add a nutty flavor to the dessert that enhances the flavor and makes the topping extra crunchy.

Vegan Apple Crisp

My recipe uses coconut oil instead of butter, which makes it dairy free and vegan. My teenage son has a dairy intolerance which makes it difficult for him to enjoy desserts. Especially during the holidays so many of our favorite recipes have lots and lots of dairy! This quick and easy dessert makes a great ending to a family meal that we can all enjoy. This dairy free and gluten free apple crisp recipe is perfect for a family like mine that has multiple food restrictions.

Cranberry Apple Crisp before adding the oatmeal topping

Apple Cranberry Crisp

I added cranberries to this recipe on a whim, mainly because I love the tart taste of cranberries. The cranberries make it perfect for the fall or the holidays, and they add a nice burst of tartness that offsets the sweet apples.

Vegan Apple Crisp with Oatmeal from the top

Making the Gluten Free Apple Crisp

To make the crisp I sauteed the apples and cranberries in the cast iron skillet on the stove for about 10 minutes to soften them. Once the apples start to lightly brown and the cranberries start to pop it is time to add the oatmeal topping. I used my food processor to mix the pecans and oatmeal with the oil and spices. The topping should be crumbly and coarse, but not as finely processed as breadcrumbs. Once the fruit is topped off it is baked in the oven until the topping is crispy and lightly brown.

apples on a cutting board

Which Apples make the Best Apple Crisp?

One of the best things about Apple Crisp is that the type of apple doesn’t matter much. Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honey Crisp work well, but you can make it with any kind of apple, even soft ones like Fuji or Cortland. Since the dessert doesn’t have a pie crust on the bottom it doesn’t matter if the apple filling is a little more moist and mushy. I usually make Apple Crisp with whatever apples I have leftover in the refrigerator. It is also nice to make it with a couple different types of apples to add variety to the dessert.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Oats and Cranberries with vanilla ice cream on top

What is the Difference Between an Apple Crisp, Crumble or Cobbler?

Apple Crisp and Apple Crumble are basically the same dessert. The main difference is that in America we usually call it Apple Crisp and in England it is more commonly called Apple Crumble. But both are desserts that combine baked apples with a crispy streusel topping usually made from some combination of oats, sugar and flour. Apple Cobbler is different because in a cobbler has a biscuit topping. A cobbler is more difficult to make gluten free, but it you are craving warm Apple Cobbler check out my recipe for that dessert here –> Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe

apple crisp with oatmeal topping
5 from 3 votes

Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Cranberries

Published By Anne
Apples and cranberries are two of the best tastes of the season, and they are combined in this Skillet Apple Cranberry Crisp recipe.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 4
Print Save Rate Pin

Ingredients
 

  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 3 apples
  • 1/2 c cranberries
  • 1/4 c pecans
  • 1/4 c oatmeal gluten free
  • 2 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • Heat an oven proof skillet on low heat while you peel, core and slice the apples.
  • Put the 1 t. of coconut oil in the skillet and saute the apples and cranberries for about 10 minutes.
  • While they are cooking put the pecans, oatmeal, brown sugar, coconut oil, cinnamon and salt in a food processor and process until crumbly. Make sure not to over process the mixture.
  • Spread the topping over the apple and cranberry mixture and then bake for 15 minutes.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimates.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 74mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 14g

Nutrition facts are estimates.

Enjoy this recipe?Follow Family Friendly Foods on Facebook

Apple Crisp Notes

    • Apple Crisp is especially delicious served with ice cream – whether it is vegan or not!
    • I made the Cranberry Apple Crisp in a 6″ cast iron skillet, which was just right for 4 people. But you could double the recipe and use a larger skillet if you are feeding a large family.
    • Walnuts or almonds could be substituted for the pecans for a slightly different taste.

apple crisp with cranberries in cast iron skillet

Find More Apple Dessert Recipes

Apple Crisp with Cranberries - This easy apple dessert recipe combines apples and cranberries with a pecan and oatmeal topping for a tasty skillet dessert that is both gluten free and vegan. #apples #applecrisp #vegan #dairyfree #glutenfree #dessert #appledessert
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

1 thought on “Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Cranberries”

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating