Last updated on May 9th, 2024

Fall is here, ushering in sweaters, plaid, and the annual pumpkin spice debate. One more staple of the season is a baked apple cobbler, which traditionally includes wheat flour and refined sugar. For a healthier dessert this season try this gluten-free teff apple cobbler recipe.

Healthy Gluten-Free Apple Cobbler

This updated version of a classic cobbler swaps maple syrup for sugar to complement the natural sweetness of apples, and uses teff and brown rice flours (both are gluten free, of course). Teff’s notable texture creates a mouthfeel similar to that of brown sugar without including refined sugar. Maple syrup sweetens the teff-based topping, which comes out of the oven like baked cookies on top of tender cinnamon maple apples.

Incorporate every last drop of that maple cinnamon goodness by using the same bowl for mixing both the filling and then the topping. After transferring the apple mixture to the baking dish, combine the topping ingredients in the same bowl. The flour will soak up the delightful flavor clinging to the inside of the bowl, and in the end, cleanup will be that much easier.

For a bonus time-saver, there’s no need to peel the apples before chopping. Apple skins are packed with pectin, a type of fiber that promotes a healthy digestive system. Pectin is a prebiotic, serving as food for probiotics, helpful bacterial living in the intestinal tract. An added benefit: pectin may aid in the absorption of iron.

Children following a long term gluten-free diet (like kids living with celiac disease) often have low levels of certain micronutrients, especially iron and calcium. Teff boasts more iron than other grains, and is a good source of calcium. Moreover, teff is comparatively high in other vitamins and minerals often lacking in a gluten-free diet including zinc, magnesium, copper, and B6 (which also helps reverse iron deficiency).

Health benefits aside, this dessert tastes awesome and is so easy to make! Let’s get baking.

How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Cobbler

Ingredients

Filling

Topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a large baking dish. Chop apples into approximately equal sized chunks. In a large bowl, combine maple syrup, lemon juice, water, cinnamon, and arrowroot flour. Add apples and toss to coat well. Transfer apple mixture to prepared casserole dish.

In the same bowl add teff flour, brown rice flour, melted butter or coconut oil, and maple syrup. Stir until completely combined. Topping will have a cookie-dough-like consistency. Distribute topping evenly over apple mixture.

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until apples become tender and topping begins to brown. Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

MAKES 12 SERVINGS

Another yummy dessert: Double Chocolate Sweet Potato Brownies

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Gluten-Free Teff Apple Cobbler

Easy to make gluten-free apple cobbler hot out of the oven. Like baked cookies on top of tender cinnamon maple apples.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time50 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Servings: 12

Calories: 197kcal

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 2 pounds apples
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot flour

For the Topping

• ¾ cup teff flour
• ¾ cup brown rice flour
• 6 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup maple syrup

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a large baking dish. Chop apples into approximately equal sized chunks. In a large bowl, combine maple syrup, lemon juice, water, cinnamon, and arrowroot flour. Add apples and toss to coat well. Transfer apple mixture to prepared casserole dish.
• In the same bowl add teff flour, brown rice flour, melted butter or coconut oil, and maple syrup. Stir until completely combined. Topping will have a cookie-dough-like consistency. Distribute topping evenly over apple mixture.
• Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until apples become tender and topping begins to brown. Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Incorporate every last drop of that maple cinnamon goodness by using the same bowl for mixing both the filling and then the topping. After transferring the apple mixture to the baking dish, combine the topping ingredients in the same bowl. The flour will soak up the delightful flavor clinging to the inside of the bowl, and in the end, cleanup will be that much easier.

For a bonus time-saver, there’s no need to peel the apples before chopping. Apple skins are packed with pectin, a type of fiber that promotes a healthy digestive system. Pectin is a prebiotic, serving as food for probiotics, helpful bacterial living in the intestinal tract. An added benefit: pectin may aid in the absorption of iron.

How did the cobbler come out? Let us know in a comment, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!