Grain-Free Apple Crisp (Gluten- & Dairy-Free)

There’s nothing like the smell of baked apples, cinnamon, and toasted nuts filling your kitchen on a crisp fall evening.
This Grain-Free Apple Crisp is comfort food reimagined: warm, sweet, and nostalgic, but made entirely with real, anti-inflammatory ingredients that keep your gut and blood sugar happy.

Unlike traditional crisps loaded with flour, butter, and refined sugar, this one uses almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup for a nutrient-dense dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without the crash.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good after dessert... cozy, calm, and balanced.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Filling:

• 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or raw honey

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Topping:

• 1 cup almond flour

• ½ cup gluten-free rolled oats (omit for fully grain-free)

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• ¼ cup coconut sugar or additional maple syrup

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• 4 tbsp coconut oil or ghee, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Transfer to the baking dish.

3. Make the topping: In another bowl, combine almond flour, oats (if using), nuts, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted coconut oil until crumbly.

4. Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Bake 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

5. Cool and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm — plain, or with a spoonful of coconut whipped cream.

Tips for Success

• Swap half the apples for pears for a fun variation.

• Add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth and digestive support.

• For meal prep: portion into mason jars for quick grab-and-go desserts.

Fall desserts don’t have to derail your goals. When you choose whole-food ingredients that support your gut and metabolism, your body responds with better digestion, calmer cravings, and steady energy. Every meal (even dessert) is a chance to send your body a message: you’re safe, nourished, and healing.

Enjoy!

Dr Sheena