These individual, quick and easy gluten free apple crisps feature a crunchy cookie crust and come together in no time—perfect for a simple dessert or make-ahead treat.
This post was part of a sponsored collaboration with Goodie Girl Cookies. All opinions are my own.
Quick & Easy Gluten Free Apple Crisp
If you love gluten free apple desserts, this version is designed to be fast, uncomplicated, and delicious. I originally shared a different apple crisp variation in the past, and this year I wanted to offer another simple, individual-sized option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for small gatherings or weeknight treats.
These desserts are made in single portions, which makes them ideal for serving right away or for making ahead and reheating. They reheat beautifully in the oven and can also be enjoyed cold if you prefer. The combination of warm, tender apples and a crunchy cookie-based crust gives a satisfying contrast in every spoonful.
Cookie Crust
The secret to keeping this recipe quick is using pre-made gluten free cookies for the crust. You can choose a certified gluten free oat cookie or any crunchy gluten free cookie you like. In this recipe I used Goodie Girl Toffee Crunch cookies for their buttery toffee flavor and occasional chocolate chips—those bits add extra interest to the crust. Use whatever gluten free cookie you prefer to match your taste.
When preparing the crust, pulse the cookies briefly so they break into coarse crumbs instead of turning to dust. Mix those crumbs with a little melted butter and a touch of brown sugar to bind everything together. This creates a crisp, slightly chewy topping that contrasts nicely with the soft apple filling. The recipe yields enough crust to top several individual servings, so you can adjust the amount to suit your preference for more or less crunch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is wonderful on top, but the crisps are also delicious on their own.
Appley Goodness
One of the best things about this dessert is how few ingredients you need: apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, butter, and crushed gluten free cookies for the crust. Most kitchens will already have these components on hand. The apples cook briefly on the stovetop with butter and sugar to soften and release their natural juices, and a touch of lemon brightens the flavor.
This recipe works well with a range of apple types—choose whatever you like based on sweetness or tartness preference. If you’re serving guests, consider offering a small scoop of ice cream or whipped cream as an optional topping. The individual portions are convenient for presentation and allow everyone to enjoy their own crisp straight from the oven or after cooling.
Storage and reheating are simple: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for a few days, and warm individual portions in a preheated oven until heated through. The cookie crust will regain some of its crispness when warmed. You can also assemble the apple filling and the crumb topping separately in advance and combine them just before baking for the freshest texture.
Do you prefer apple desserts with or without ice cream?
Individual, Quick & Easy Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped apples
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed gluten free cookies
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter (for crust)
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar (for crust)
Instructions
- Combine the chopped apples, 4 Tablespoons butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt in a saucepan.
- Stir over medium heat until the butter melts and the apples begin to soften.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 minutes, until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Divide the cooked apples among 4-ounce jars or small baking dishes.
- In a food processor or by hand, combine the crushed gluten free cookies with 2 Tablespoons melted butter and 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, pulsing or mixing just until the crumbs are moistened and hold together when pressed.
- Divide the crumb mixture evenly over the apple-filled jars or dishes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until the topping is warmed through and slightly crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature.