Easy & Delicious Gluten-Free Crumb Topping Recipe

When it comes to pies, the crumb topping can make all the difference. And for those with specific dietary needs, finding a recipe that adheres to those needs without sacrificing taste can be a challenge. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I understand the importance of healthy and delicious food options. That’s why I am excited to share with you my gluten-free crumb topping recipe for pies.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who desires a crumbly, flaky gluten-free pie crust with a delicious crunch on top. Whether you are someone who prefers dairy-free or vegan options, or if you have celiac disease, you don’t have to miss out on the simple pleasure of apple pie or mixed berry pie.

With my gluten-free crumb topping recipe, you can guarantee that your pies will become the hit of any gathering. Not only does this crumble topping taste incredible, but it’s also easy to make and uses only simple ingredients.

So let’s jump into the world of baking and get ready to make delicious pies that everyone can enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gluten Free Crumb Topping for Pies
Gluten Free Crumb Topping for Pies

Attention, all pie lovers! I’ve got a fantastic gluten-free crumb topping recipe that’ll elevate your pies to a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to indulge in scrumptious apple, blackberry or mixed berry pies, without compromising their gluten-free diet.

Trust me; you’re going to love this recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, this crumble topping is incredibly easy to make – it’s just a matter of mixing together a few simple ingredients. And speaking of ingredients, everything you need for this crumb topping is gluten-free, dairy-free and free from any artificial additives or flavors.

Plus, this topping recipe will give your pie the perfect finishing touch. The crumbly texture provides the right amount of sweetness and crunchiness, which will complement your pie filling perfectly.

You can also switch things up with this recipe by experimenting with different types of pie fillings. Whether you prefer apple pie, blackberry pie or mixed berry pie filling, this crumb topping will complement each one of them wonderfully. It’s versatile enough to suit every taste bud.

And if you’re someone who enjoys getting creative with food presentation, then this crumble topping is the ideal opportunity to take things up a notch. Dress up your pies aesthetically with beautifully laid out sprinkle patterns on top.

Overall, I’m confident that you’ll love this gluten-free crumb topping recipe as much as I do. With its easy-to-make nature and versatility coupled with its ability to make any homemade pie taste just like an indulgent dessert from a high-end pastry shop, there’s no reason not to try it out. So why not give it a shot? Your taste buds will thank you for it!

Ingredient List

 Satisfy your sweet tooth with a gluten-free crumb topping for pies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a gluten-free crumb topping for pies

Let’s dive into the ingredients you will need to make this delicious gluten-free crumb topping for pies. Don’t worry about finding specialized items, almost everything is readily available at your grocery store. The recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be customized for vegan diets. Here’s what you need:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (240g) gluten-free flour blend
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) almond flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (18g) dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) sea salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter or vegan butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract

Note: Be sure to check the labels of the gluten-free flour blend and almond flour to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

The Recipe How-To

 Add some crunch to your favorite fruit pies with this simple recipe
Add some crunch to your favorite fruit pies with this simple recipe

Now that we have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe how-to! It’s important to note that this crumb topping can be added to any kind of pie and is gluten-free. So, choose your favorite fruit filling and let’s get started.

Step 1: In a Mixing Bowl

In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients including gluten-free flour blend, brown sugar, cinnamon, dried basil, and sea salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are combined.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour melted butter (or vegan butter if dairy-free) and vanilla extract into the mix. Stir until the mixture is crumbly.

Step 3: Mix It Up

Using your fingers, mix all of the ingredients together until they form a coarse and crumbly texture.

Step 4: Top Up Your Pie

Place your pie crust in a baking dish or pan. Put a layer of fruits over it, pour 3/4 cup granulated sugar on top of it, then sprinkle over it the crumble topping.

Step 5: Bake and Broil

Bake for about 40-45 minutes at 375°F until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown. Turn off oven and put on broil setting for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the crumb topping.

Now you have done an amazing job preparing your homemade gluten-free crumb topping for pies! Serve it with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Enjoy every single bite without any hesitation!

Substitutions and Variations

 This crumb topping is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities
This crumb topping is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities

One of the great things about this gluten-free crumb topping recipe is that it’s very versatile – you can easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have or prefer! Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

– Gluten-Free Flour Blend: You can use any store-bought gluten-free flour blend that you like, or make your own. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, but feel free to experiment with others. If you can’t find a gluten-free flour blend, you can try using almond flour or coconut flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be different.

– Sugar: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a mix of both. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try using a few drops of liquid stevia instead.

– Butter: If you’re dairy-free, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Make sure whichever option you choose is solid at room temperature for the best texture.

– Cheese: Some people love adding a bit of shredded cheese to their crumb topping for a savory twist. Try mixing in some grated parmesan or cheddar cheese for an extra bit of flavor!

– Herbs: For an herby twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil or thyme to the crumb mixture. This works especially well if you’re making a savory pie like quiche.

– Lemon Juice: Adding a little bit of fresh lemon juice to the crumb mixture adds a nice tangy flavor and helps balance out the sweetness. Try adding 1 tablespoon to start and adjust as needed.

With these substitution options in mind, don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Serving and Pairing

 A crumbly, buttery, and golden-brown pie topping that's gluten-free
A crumbly, buttery, and golden-brown pie topping that’s gluten-free

This delicious Gluten-Free Crumb Topping for Pies is an excellent way to enhance the natural sweetness of any pie. This crumbly topping adds a satisfying crunch that will keep you coming back for more. You can use it to top your favorite fruit pies such as apple pie, mixed berry pie or blackberry pie, and it will make your dessert go from great to outstanding in no time.

This gluten-free crumble topping goes well with any pie filling, whether it’s sweet or tangy. It pairs perfectly with a creamy, dairy-free apple crisp or a vegan apple pie. The subtle flavor of dried basil infused into the crumble topping also makes it a great choice for matching with paleo apple crumble toppings too!

I also recommend pairing this crumbly treat with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture and rich flavor of vanilla beautifully complement the warm and rustic flavor of the crumb topping.

Lastly, if you decide to serve your pie at brunch, adding a cup of hot coffee or tea on the side will create a delightful balance between the flavors and aromas.

Regardless of how you choose to serve this crumbly creation, one thing is for sure: you won’t be disappointed with how easy it is to make delicious gluten-free pies with this topping!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Make your fruit pies stand out with this gluten-free crumb topping
Make your fruit pies stand out with this gluten-free crumb topping

The great news about this gluten-free crumb topping recipe is that you can easily make it ahead of time! In fact, you could make a large batch during the weekend and store it in an airtight container in your pantry for up to a month.

Once you’ve baked your delicious gluten-free apple pie with this amazing crumb topping, storing it correctly is essential. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to three days. If you plan to eat the pie beyond that, you might want to consider freezing it.

To reheat refrigerated pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the filling is warm and bubbly. If reheating from frozen, remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil and unwrap the pie while it’s still frozen. Then, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Make sure to check it regularly and tent with foil if you notice it browning too much.

Don’t have an oven or just looking for a quicker option? No worries! You can reheat individual slices of the pie in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds on high. But be cautious with microwaving too long as it can lead to a soggy crust.

Remember that while reheating a pie isn’t quite like having it fresh out of the oven, with this recipe, you’ll be amazed how easy it is to make a delicious dessert in advance without sacrificing quality taste!

Tips for Perfect Results

 Don't let gluten intolerance stop you from enjoying a delicious homemade pie
Don’t let gluten intolerance stop you from enjoying a delicious homemade pie

When making a gluten-free crumb topping for pies recipe, there are a few important tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure the perfect results every time. Here are some expert tips that will help you make the crispiest, tastiest gluten-free crumb topping.

Firstly, make sure that you use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help the topping to bind together well and not fall apart during baking.

When mixing the crumb topping ingredients together, be careful not to overwork the mixture. You want to mix it just enough so that it becomes slightly crumbly, but still holds together when pressed between your fingers.

To get a perfectly crispy and golden brown crumb topping, bake your pie at a high temperature for the first 15 to 20 minutes. This will set the crust and allow the topping to turn golden brown quickly. Then, reduce the temperature and continue baking until the fruit is cooked through and bubbly.

Another handy tip is to layer the crumb topping on top of the fruit mixture in an even layer, patting down gently with your hands. This helps to prevent any gaps in the topping and ensures that every bite has a delicious crunch.

Lastly, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or dried basil to the crumb mixture for added flavor complexity. These subtle additions can take your pie to new heights of deliciousness.

By following these simple tips and techniques, you can make a delicious gluten-free crumb topping for pies that will make everyone’s taste buds sing!

FAQ

As with any recipe, questions may arise. Therefore, in this section, I’ll be addressing some frequently asked questions to help make sure that you achieve the best results possible when making this gluten-free crumb topping for pies. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the kitchen, keep on reading for some helpful tips and tricks!

How do you keep gluten free pie crust from falling apart?

Creating a pie crust free from gluten can be a challenging task, as these crusts are often susceptible to crumbling. However, you can avoid this by starting your dough with one egg mixed into the dry ingredients. Once combined, add just enough water to form the dough. This will help your crust maintain its shape and stay intact.

What is crumb topping made of?

All of these terms – crumble, streusel, and crumb topping – refer to a similar concept in baking. They are all essentially a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter that can be added as a topping to various baked goods like muffins, cakes, and pies.

Why is my gluten free pie crust so crumbly?

When it comes to making a gluten-free pie crust, adding too much flour can ruin the texture and make it crumbly. Additionally, overworking the dough can turn it from tender and flaky to hard and tough. Luckily, using plastic wrap can simplify the clean-up process.

What is the crumb topping for apple pie by Paula Deen?

Let’s talk about creating a crispy topping for our recipe! To make this yummy topping, we need to mix 3 tablespoons of flour, a tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt together in a bowl. Next, we’ll use a fork to work in a tablespoon of butter until the mixture becomes flaky. After that, we can simply sprinkle the mixture over the crust to give it some extra crunch.

Bottom Line

As a nutritionist and food blogger, I strongly recommend you try out this Gluten-Free Crumb Topping for Pies recipe. Not only is it easy to make and requires readily available ingredients, but it’s also healthy, organic, and free from gluten, dairy, and any other allergens.

Whether you’re a pie lover or someone looking for a healthy and delicious dessert option, this recipe will not disappoint. You can top any pie of your choice with this crumb topping – be it an apple pie, mixed berry pie or blackberry pie- you name it!

Moreover, the fact that it’s gluten-free means that even those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can indulge in their favorite dessert without any worry. The substitution options make the recipe incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flours and sugars to achieve your desired taste.

In conclusion, this Gluten-Free Crumb Topping for Pies recipe is a game-changer in the dessert world. It provides a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor or texture. So gather your ingredients and start baking – I guarantee you won’t regret it!

Gluten Free Crumb Topping for Pies

Gluten Free Crumb Topping for Pies Recipe

When I make potted pies for my family I always used frozen sheets of puff pastry for the top. Now being gluten free I either use mashed potato or breadcrumb topping. Here's my version of the crumb topping. You can easily vary the amounts to suit your taste or use a different cheese. I usually make breadcrumbs out of GF bread that is becoming stale and freeze them for future use. The pie in the photo I am posting was heated for 30 minutes at 200C....for a longer period of time use a lower temp. The topping can also be placed under the griller to brown over an already cooked pie filling.
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 0 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Gluten-free
Calories 46.8 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, parmesan)
  • 1 dash dried basil

Instructions
 

  • Mix the breadcrumbs and the grated cheese.
  • Spread over the top of the pie.
  • Sprinkle with dried basil or herb of your choice.
  • Cook as for regular pastry pies.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 14gCalories: 46.8kcalCarbohydrates: 1.2gProtein: 2.8gFat: 3.5gSaturated Fat: 2.2gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 136.4mg
Keyword < 15 Mins, Australian, Dessert, Easy, Free Of..., Pie
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