Healthy Apple Peach Crisp (Gluten-Free & Oat-Free)

We first fell in love with this Healthy Apple Peach Crisp (Gluten-Free & Oat-Free) on a summer camping trip in the Okanagan, BC. We were searching for comforting, nourishing meals and desserts that highlighted local ingredients, but they also had to be fuss-free (because camping!). That’s when this Easy Apple and Peach Crisp won our hearts. It’s naturally gluten-free and made without oats, which makes it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions – or anyone simply wanting a lighter twist on a classic fruit crisp. Over time, it’s become one of our camping favourites: quick to prep, wholesome, and designed with nutrition in mind. In this post, we’ll also share some easy ingredient substitutions so you can make it more conventional or even lower on the glycemic index.

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Even when you’re on the road or camping, it’s nice to indulge in something sweet and special, right? The trick is keeping it light and healthy, so it fuels your adventures without weighing you down. One of our favourite ways to do this is by leaning on local ingredients. Whether it’s a handful of freshly picked apples or just a pinch of locally sourced salt, these little touches bring so much character to your meals and connect you to the place you’re exploring.

During our recent September trip to the Okanagan, we did a bit of everything—soaking up the stunning landscapes, wandering through orchards and wineries, and indulging in the sweetest, ripest apples, prunes, and peaches at every stop. Naturally, we couldn’t resist turning this bounty into a healthy, gluten-free, and oat-free breakfast crisp. It felt like the perfect way to enjoy the flavours of the region while keeping things nourishing and simple.

There’s truly nothing like biting into fruit that’s been picked straight off the tree. If you ever find yourself travelling through a region like the Okanagan, trust me—it’s a must-do experience!

And with just a little effort, you can take those fresh, ripe fruits and transform them into easy, gorgeous camping meals. That’s exactly where this No-Oats Apple Crisp comes in. It highlights local apples, peaches, and prunes with minimal prep, and the best part is that you can easily swap in whatever fruits you have on hand wherever your travels take you.

Why You Will Love This Healthy Apple Peach Crisp Recipe

• Balance Textures: One of the best things about this healthy apple peach crisp recipe is the delightful balance of textures. The combination of crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, and puffed quinoa creates a satisfying contrast that makes each bite a pleasure.
• Healthier Indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients like seeds, nuts, and the natural sweetness of fruits, this camping apple peach crisp offers a guilt-free and even oat-free dessert option.
• Super Easy to Cook, Even When Camping: With a little prep, this dish can become one of your camping highlights. It can be cooked in just 10 minutes over a portable camping stove or in a cast-iron skillet over a campfire, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
• Easy to Customize: This gluten-free peach crisp with apples is versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or seasonal ingredients. Feel free to swap in other fruits like berries or pears, or add different nuts and spices to create your own unique version.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a cozy dessert after a main meal, this apple and peach crisp is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Healthy Apple Peach Crisp (Gluten-Free & Oat-Free) Ingredients

• Puffed Quinoa: This light and fluffy grain is a great alternative to old-fashioned oats, adding a delicate crunch and a subtle, almost coffee-like aroma to your crisp. It’s also perfect if you’re avoiding oats but still want that classic crisp texture. We like using this puffed quinoa (Amazon link) for our no-oats apple peach crisp.
• Pecan Nuts: One of our favourite nut options for granola or crisps. Pecans add a slight caramel flavour. They can also be substituted with walnuts, which offer a more earthy taste.
• Hazelnuts: Another excellent nut choice, hazelnuts contribute a subtly earthy flavour and can be replaced with almonds if preferred.
• Hemp Hearts: These tiny powerhouses add a light, crumbly texture to the crisp while packing in plant-based protein and healthy fatty acids. If you’ve tried some of our other recipes, you’ve probably noticed we sprinkle them on all kinds of dishes (even desserts like Vegan Popsicles) for an extra boost of nourishment. Curious why we love them so much? Here’s a great breakdown of hemp seed health benefits that might make you just as obsessed as we are!
• Flax Seeds: An ingredient of choice. We like to add a couple of tablespoons of flax seeds for crunch and as a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) – a precursor to Omega-3.
• Dried Figs: Our favourite dried fruit for granola, figs bring a delightful southern vibe to the dish.
• Coconut Oil: This helps create that perfect crumbly texture while adding an extra layer of aroma and flavour. It’s also a great choice for cooking oil when sautéing fruits.
• Maple Syrup: With its earthy, deep aroma, maple syrup enhances the caramel notes in the granola.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon transforms this recipe into a heavenly treat. Opt for natural extracts without artificial flavours.
• Sea Salt: Don’t skip this! A pinch of sea salt adds a delightful balance and enhances the overall flavour.
• Seasonal Fruits and Berries: We intentionally don’t specify particular choices here, as you can use anything from apples and pears to plums and cherries that will shine under the crust. Explore what you have available, and you won’t go wrong!
• Cinnamon: Wraps the sautéed fruits in a warming and cozy aroma.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap puffed quinoa for old-fashioned oats if you prefer a more traditional crisp texture.
• Use pears, plums, or any other seasonal fruits and berries instead of peaches and apples – keeping it fresh, creative, and seasonal makes all the difference.
• Try swapping maple syrup for monk fruit(a healthy sweetener choice for a lower-glycemic option).

💡 Nutritionist POV: “This crisp skips the refined sugar and leans on seasonal fruits for natural sweetness, with just a little maple syrup. Bonus: it’s gluten-free and oat-free (helpful for people with dietary restrictions). Nuts and seeds add healthy fats to keep you full and help keep blood sugar steady—no sugar spikes here! If you’re watching your sugar, try keeping the maple syrup minimal or swap it for monk fruit. Curious? Here’s a great breakdown of monk fruit health benefits to learn why it’s such a popular alternative.”

If you’re craving more energizing and nourishing treats, don’t miss our Black Bean Protein Cookies (with Carob) or these Nut-Free Protein Balls (Paleo-friendly)—both are perfect for quick fuel on the go!

Gluten-free Apple and Peach Crisp Ingredients:

Ingredients For Healthy Apple Peach Crisp (Gluten-Free & Oat-Free)

• 1 cup quinoa puffs
• 1 cup pecan nuts or walnuts
• 1 cup hazelnuts (can substitute with almonds)
• 1/4 cup hemp hearts
• 1/4 cup flax seeds
• 3-4 dried figs, chopped
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

Ingredients For the Sautéed Fruits

• 2 apples, sliced
• 2 peaches, sliced
• 3-4 small prunes, pitted and sliced
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• Coconut ice cream (optional)

Easy Apple & Peach Crisp Step-by-Step:

1. Prepare the Granola
(Can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for about two weeks)

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine quinoa puffs, chopped nuts, hemp hearts, flax seeds, and chopped dried figs.
2. Combine with Sweeteners: Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt and melted coconut oil the the nut mix. Stir well.

1. Roast the Granola: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Let it cool completely before storing.

2. Sauté the Fruits

1. Heat the Skillet: In a clean skillet, heat a small amount of coconut oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Apples: Add the sliced apples and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

3. Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle in 1 tsp of cinnamon powder and toss to coat the apples evenly.
4. Add Peaches and Prunes: Add the sliced peaches and prunes to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the fruits are tender and slightly caramelized.

Transfer to Bowl: Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the cooked fruits to a serving bowl while still warm. Assemble the crisp by sprinkling 1/2 to 1 cup of your homemade granola over the sautéed fruits.

Ideas for Serving:

• Ala Mode: Serve it warm with a scoop of dairy-free coconut ice cream on top for a classic dessert.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer the crisp with plant-based yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack.
• Cheese Pairing: Pair with a slice of sharp goat cheese for a piquant sweet and savoury combination.
• Fruit Compote: Spoon some extra peach or apple compote on top for added fruitiness.

Handy Tips to Improve Your Camping Apple Peach Crisp Experience

• Soak Dried Fruits: Soak dried fruits in hot water for about 5 minutes before chopping and adding them to your granola. This not only enhances their flavor and makes them softer and easier to chew, but it also helps remove any residual chemicals that may be present on their skin.
• Soak and Dry Nuts: We prefer not to roast the nuts beforehand. Additionally, soaking them overnight with 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar and then drying them in the oven at 190°F (90°C) until completely dry can significantly improve their digestibility. This process helps to neutralize phytic acid, making the nutrients more accessible.
• Use Fresh Spices: Incorporate fresh spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for added warmth and flavour.
• Experiment with Oils: While coconut oil is a popular choice, try using other oils like avocado.
• Add Seeds: Boost the nutritional profile by adding seeds like chia, pumpkin, or sunflower seeds. They provide healthy fats, a bit of additional protein, and additional crunch.
• Mix in Superfoods: Consider adding superfoods like cacao nibs or maca powder for extra nutrients.
• Sweeten Naturally: Instead of refined sugars, opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup, yacon syrup, or monk fruit extract. These alternatives provide a depth of sweetness while helping to keep your granola healthier for your glucose levels.
• Store Properly: To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its crunchiness and flavour.

If you’re on the hunt for more camping-friendly breakfast ideas, check out our Crushed Broccoli with Parmesan and Eggs – it’s simple, nourishing, and perfect for mornings in the great outdoors.

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