Grain-Free Apple Cranberry Crisp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is cozy, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s grain-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The warm apple-cranberry filling pairs beautifully with the crunchy almond and walnut topping, creating a dish that’s satisfying yet nourishing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the filling:
4 medium to large baking apples (about 2 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 tablespoon arrowroot flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

For the topping:
1 ¼ cup (122 grams) almond flour
⅓ cup walnuts, finely chopped
½ teaspoon cinnamon (more if desired)
Pinch of fine sea salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil or grass-fed butter, at room temperature

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, cranberries, arrowroot flour, cinnamon, salt, and honey/maple syrup. Mix until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to the baking dish.
3. In another bowl, prepare the topping by mixing almond flour, walnuts, cinnamon, and salt. Add vanilla, honey/maple syrup, and coconut oil or butter. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
4. Sprinkle topping evenly over the fruit mixture.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Substitute pears for apples for a pear-cranberry crisp.
• Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy twist.
• Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• For a vegan option, choose coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
• Add extra spices like nutmeg or cloves for a warmer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. You can also microwave individual portions, though the topping may soften.

FAQs

Can I make this crisp ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the crisp up to 1 day in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer filling, but you can leave the skins on for extra texture and fiber.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but reduce the honey or maple syrup since dried cranberries are sweeter.

What type of apples are best?

Firm baking apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady work well.

Is almond flour the same as almond meal?

No, almond flour is finer and works best for this recipe, though almond meal can be used in a pinch.

Can I make this nut-free?

Yes, omit the walnuts and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Can I freeze the crisp?

Yes, freeze baked crisp for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish.

Is this crisp paleo-friendly?

Yes, it’s both paleo and gluten-free when using honey or maple syrup.

What can I serve with this dessert?

Vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or Greek yogurt are great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Grain-Free Apple Cranberry Crisp is a deliciously wholesome dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the tartness of cranberries under a crunchy almond-walnut topping. Easy to make and adaptable to different diets, it’s the perfect seasonal dessert for gatherings or weeknight treats.

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