Introduction

Looking for a comforting dessert with a wholesome twist? This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp with Quinoa combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp oat and quinoa topping for a delicious dessert that’s both hearty and satisfying.

The cooked quinoa adds a subtle nutty flavour and extra texture while boosting the nutritional value of this classic favourite. Serve it warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect ending to any meal.

📋 Quick Recipe Facts

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes
Servings	8 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Course	Dessert
Method	Baking
Diet	Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally gluten-free
Uses cooked quinoa for added texture and protein
Simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for fall baking or year-round comfort desserts
Delicious served warm or cold

🥣 Ingredients

Apple Filling
7 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Crisp Topping
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups certified gluten-free rolled oats
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or medium casserole dish, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, gluten-free oats, brown sugar, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
Cut the butter or margarine into the oat mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the topping is lightly golden.
Allow the crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

💚 Tips from The Gluten Free Oven

Use a mix of apple varieties for the best balance of sweetness and tartness. Combining apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala creates wonderful flavour and texture.
Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing it into the topping to help keep the crumb mixture light.
Leave a little texture in the apples. Chopping them into similar-sized pieces helps them cook evenly without turning to mush.
For the crispiest topping, let the baked crisp rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

🌿 Make It Your Own

Stir dried cranberries or raisins into the apple filling.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for additional warm spice.
Replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a richer caramel flavour.
Serve on its own or with your favorite toppings

⭐ Perfect Pairings

This apple crisp is delicious served with:

Hot apple cider
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh whipped cream
Vanilla Greek yogurt
Hot coffee
Chai tea

🥄 Kitchen Skills

How to Make the Perfect Crisp Topping

A great fruit crisp is all about creating the right topping texture. When mixing the butter into the dry ingredients, use a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingertips to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Leaving a few small pieces of butter throughout the mixture is actually a good thing—they melt during baking and help create a crisp, golden topping.

Avoid overmixing, as this can make the topping dense instead of light and crumbly. Once you’ve sprinkled the topping over the apples, resist the urge to press it down. Leaving it loose allows hot air to circulate during baking, giving you a beautifully crisp topping with plenty of texture.

🥡 Storage

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through

❤️ From My Kitchen to Yours

There’s something special about the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen. This recipe takes a classic family favourite and gives it a wholesome twist with the addition of quinoa, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight treat, I hope it becomes one you’ll make again and again. Happy Cooking!