Warm Paleo Apple Crisp with Almond Flour Topping

Filled with the classic tastes of autumn — crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts — this gluten-free and Paleo-friendly Paleo Apple Crisp is an easy, comforting dessert the whole family will enjoy.

paleo apple crisp in a wooden bowl topped with a scoop of ice cream on a marble surface

This recipe is…
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe Ingredients
Recipe Variations and Modifications
How to Make Apple Crisp
Gluten-Free Fruit Crisp Recipe Tips
How to Serve Apple Crisp
How to Store and Reheat
Frequently Asked Questions
More of Our Best Fall Baking Recipes
Paleo Apple Crisp Recipe

This recipe is…

GFGluten Free
DFDairy Free
PPaleo
VGVegetarian

Apple crisp is an enduring American favorite for a reason: tender, spiced apple filling under a golden, crunchy topping is the perfect cozy dessert. This version keeps the classic flavor profile — tart-sweet apples, warming cinnamon, and a buttery topping with chopped walnuts — while using Paleo-friendly, grain-free ingredients so it fits a gluten-free, grain-free lifestyle without sacrificing texture or taste.

We prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their balance of tartness and texture, but any firm, flavorful apples will work. This recipe is also a flexible template: swap the apples for other firm fruits, adjust spices, or substitute nuts to suit what you have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe

A classic trio of fall flavors: apple, cinnamon, and walnuts
Minimal prep — about 20 minutes to assemble
Paleo-friendly and grain-free while still tender and crisp

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Recipe Ingredients

Below are the ingredients you’ll need for the filling and the crumble topping. Ingredient notes and simple substitutions are included so you can tailor the recipe.

Ingredients for paleo apple crisp sit in a variety of bowls and plates on a light grey surface.

For the filling:

Apples – 3 pounds (about 6 apples), Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, cored and thinly sliced
Coconut sugar – 1/4 cup
Paleo baking flour – 2 tablespoons (helps thicken the juices)
Lemon juice – 4 tablespoons fresh
Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
Sea salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Water – 1 tablespoon

For the crumble topping:

Paleo baking flour – 1 1/2 cups (about 156 g)
Walnuts – 1/2 cup, chopped (substitute pecans or almonds if preferred)
Coconut sugar – 1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
Butter or ghee – 8 tablespoons, melted (use ghee for dairy-free)
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

The recipe card below includes exact measurements, timings, and nutrition information.

Recipe Variations and Modifications

Adapt this crisp to your taste or pantry:

Different fruit: Try pears, plums, or sliced peaches in place of or combined with apples.
Extra spice: Add a pinch of ground cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for depth.
Different nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans, hazelnuts, or sliced almonds for a different crunch and flavor.

How to Make Apple Crisp

This apple crisp is straightforward to prepare. Follow these steps to assemble and bake.

A spiced apple mixture sits in a white ceramic rectangle dish on a light grey surface.

A paleo crisp mixture is stirred in a stainless steel bowl on a light grey surface.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Core and thinly slice six apples; peel them if you prefer. In a large bowl or directly in a 1.75-quart baking dish, toss the apple slices with coconut sugar, paleo baking flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, sea salt, and a tablespoon of water until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the crumble by whisking together paleo baking flour, chopped walnuts, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter or ghee and vanilla until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Paleo crisp mixture is tossed over apples in a white ceramic rectangle dish on a light grey surface.

Paleo apple crisp sits in a white ceramic dish prior to baking on a light grey surface.

Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering as much surface as possible for a crisp, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake at 350°F for about 45–55 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is browned and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Gluten-Free Fruit Crisp Recipe Tips

A few finishing touches elevate this dessert:

Caramel: A drizzle of salted caramel (made with dairy-free ingredients if desired) pairs beautifully with the warm apples.
Creamy topping: Serve with whipped cream or chilled coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream warms into the crisp for an indulgent contrast of hot and cold.

How to Serve Apple Crisp

Serve warm from the oven or at room temperature. Top each portion with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped or coconut cream, or a light drizzle of caramel. A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts adds texture and visual appeal.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the crisp in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F until heated through and the topping is once again crisp, about 10–15 minutes depending on portion size.

paleo apple crisp in a white rectangular dish with some spooned out into a wooden bowl and topped with a scoop of ice cream

Frequently Asked Questions

What is paleo baking flour?

Paleo baking flour blends grain-free flours such as almond, coconut, and cassava to mimic the behavior of traditional flours. It can be used to thicken fillings and provide structure in grain-free baking. If you don’t have a commercial blend, a homemade mix of almond and cassava flour can work in many recipes, though texture may vary slightly.

What is the difference between a cobbler, a crisp, and a crumble?

These desserts all feature baked fruit with a topping, but the toppings differ. A cobbler has dollops of biscuit-like dough baked on top. A crumble uses a streusel of butter, flour, and sugar. A crisp is similar to a crumble but usually includes oats or nuts to add extra crispness and texture.

More of Our Best Fall Baking Recipes

the side view of a piece of apple coffee cake on a plate sitting next to the dish of coffee cake, a mug of black coffee, and a basket of apples

Apple Crumb Cake (Apple Coffee Cake)

Paleo Pear Tart

Paleo Pumpkin Spice Granola 3 Ways {nut-free}

paleo apple cinnaomon muffins on a marble board surrounded by apples

Paleo Apple Cinnamon Muffins

If you tried this recipe for Paleo Apple Crisp, please leave a star rating and tell us how it turned out in the comments section below.

Paleo Apple Crisp

4.25 — Votes 8

By Amber Goulden

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 45 mins

Total: 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 8 servings

With a bushel of fall flavors like apples, cinnamon, and walnuts, this Paleo Apple Crisp is an easy and comforting autumn dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients

Filling

3 pounds apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, about 6 total, cored and thinly sliced (skin on or off)
1/4 cup coconut sugar
2 tablespoons paleo baking flour
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon water

For the Crumble

1 1/2 cups (156 g) paleo baking flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
8 tablespoons butter or ghee, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place all of the filling ingredients in the bottom of a 1.75-quart casserole dish and toss to combine so the apple slices are evenly coated.
Whisk together the flour, chopped walnuts, coconut sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Stir in the melted butter or ghee and the vanilla until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is browned and crisp. Let cool slightly, then serve warm with Paleo-friendly ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Nutrition

Additional Info

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 418

Keyword: almond flour, apple crisp, dessert, grain free, healthy, paleo, vegetarian