Golden Maple Caramel Apple Crunch

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 6 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup maple sugar
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
• 1/3 cup maple sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup melted butter or dairy-free alternative (e.g., melted coconut oil or vegan butter)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter or vegan butter
• 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, maple sugar, gluten-free flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, maple sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter (or dairy-free alternative) and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble the Crisp: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish.

5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.

6. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, butter, and coconut milk (or heavy cream). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

7. Serve: Once the apple crisp is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the crisp before serving.

This gluten-free Caramel Apple Crisp with maple sugar is delightful served warm, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!