Apple Crisp Without Oats is a comforting and easy-to-make dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a buttery, crunchy topping, without using oats. Perfect for those with oat sensitivities or anyone looking for a unique twist on the classic apple crisp, this recipe delivers a sweet, tangy, and satisfying treat.
Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and optional nuts, it’s ready in under an hour and is ideal for family dinners, holidays, or cozy evenings at home. Serve it warm with ice cream or caramel sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
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What is Apple Crisp Without Oats?
Apple Crisp Without Oats is a delectable dessert featuring tender, spiced apples baked under a buttery, crunchy topping made primarily from flour. Unlike traditional apple crisps that rely on oats for texture, this version uses a clever combination of flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes nuts, to create a satisfying crisp that perfectly complements the soft, warm apples.
It’s a fantastic option for those with oat sensitivities or simply looking for a different take on the classic dessert. The result is a sweet, tangy, and comforting dish that’s easier to make than pie and just as satisfying. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering, this oat-free apple crisp is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and experience the simple pleasure of homemade apple crisp without the oats!
Key Ingredients for Apple Crisp Without Oats:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-8 Medium Apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced: The type of apple you choose will impact the final flavor. A mix of sweet and tart varieties is ideal.
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the apple juices.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Provides warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Prevents the apples from browning and brightens the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Butter, cut into small pieces: Adds richness and flavor to the apple filling.
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crispy topping.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the topping and helps it crisp up.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Cold Unsalted Butter, cut into small pieces: Essential for a flaky and crisp topping. Keep it very cold!
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder: Provides lightness to the flour mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Optional: 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (such as pecans or walnuts): Adds extra crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Apple Crisp Without Oats
This Apple Crisp Without Oats recipe is incredibly easy and quick to put together, ready in just about an hour. The combination of tender, spiced apples underneath a crunchy, buttery topping is simply irresistible.
You’ll love how straightforward it is to prepare, with minimal ingredients needed, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and baking time is around 40 minutes.
- Preparation Time: ~ 20 minutes
- Baking Time: ~ 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Thicker slices will take longer to cook.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices.
- Add the butter pieces to the apple mixture and toss again lightly.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the butter pieces, the flakier the topping will be. Avoid overmixing the butter; it should still be in small clumps.
- If using nuts, stir them into the topping mixture.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the apple mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Crumble the topping evenly over the apple mixture, ensuring all the apples are covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can check the apples’ tenderness by inserting a fork into the center – it should slide in easily.
- If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 4: Cool and Serve:
- Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.
- Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp
This Apple Crisp Without Oats is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The main highlight is the crunchy, buttery topping made without oats, which provides a satisfying contrast to the tender, spiced apples beneath. Making it at home also provides cost-saving benefits, as compared to buying a store-bought version, allowing you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients. What makes it special is the careful balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice that enhances the apple flavor, paired with the rich, crumbly topping that melts in your mouth.
If you enjoy this oat-free apple crisp, you might also want to try our classic Apple Pie recipe for another comforting apple-based dessert. Give this Apple Crisp Without Oats a try today and enjoy a warm, homemade treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What to Serve Apple Crisp With:
To elevate your Apple Crisp Without Oats experience, consider pairing it with complementary dishes and sides:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream melts into the warm crisp, creating a heavenly combination of temperatures and textures.
- Whipped Cream: A lighter alternative to ice cream, whipped cream adds a delicate sweetness and airy texture to the dish.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, decadent flavor.
- Cinnamon or Maple Syrup: A simple yet delicious addition, these syrups complement the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For a unique and savory twist, try serving a slice of sharp cheddar cheese alongside the warm apple crisp. The salty cheese contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the dessert.
- Hot Tea or Coffee: The perfect warm beverages to enjoy with a slice of apple crisp on a cozy evening.
Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Crisp Without Oats:
To ensure your Apple Crisp Without Oats turns out perfectly every time, here are some valuable tips:
- Use Cold Butter: Keep your butter very cold until you’re ready to cut it into the flour mixture. Cold butter creates small pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in a flaky and crisp topping.
- Don’t Overmix the Topping: When combining the butter and flour mixture for the topping, avoid overmixing. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs with small clumps of butter still visible.
- Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala are all good choices.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the topping.
- Add Spices to the Topping: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crisp topping as well.
- Use Lemon Juice: Tossing the apples with lemon juice not only prevents them from browning but also brightens the overall flavor of the filling.
- Prevent Burning: If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Nuts about Nuts: If adding nuts, pecans and walnuts are recommended. However, avoid using macadamia nuts as they increase the fat content of the dish.
- Bake at the correct temperatures: Baking at the right temperature is crucial. Baking the cake at too low a temperature may cause a crusty top; conversely, baking it above the recommended temperature may cause the bottom to burn
Health Benefits of Apple Crisp
While apple crisp is often seen as a treat, it can offer certain health benefits due to its key ingredient: apples. Apples are a good source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, which aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. They also contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium, contributing to overall health.
Cinnamon, another ingredient frequently used in apple crisp, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s important to note that apple crisp should be consumed in moderation, as it typically contains high levels of sugar and butter. Making adjustments, such as reducing the sugar content or using whole wheat flour for the topping, can help make it a slightly healthier option.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the apple crisp to cool completely before storing. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the remaining apple crisp to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the apple crisp. Let it cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. Frozen apple crisp can last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the refrigerated apple crisp in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, bake for 30-40 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Be aware that the topping may not be as crisp when microwaved.
- Air Fryer: Place apple crisp in air fryer at 350F for about 5 mins – this will keep the topping at its crispness.
Final Thoughts:
This Apple Crisp Without Oats recipe is the perfect solution for those looking for a comforting and delicious dessert without the traditional oats. The crunchy, flour-based topping pairs beautifully with the tender, spiced apples, creating a delightful treat that everyone will love.
Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply craving a warm and satisfying dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Find more in Pinterest. and Our Pumpkin Protein Bread.
Apple Crisp FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use a variety of apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji. A mix of sweet and tart apples will give the best flavor.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
You can substitute the brown sugar with more granulated sugar, but the brown sugar adds a richer, caramel-like flavor to the topping.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both the filling and the topping. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Yes, adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the topping will add extra crunch and flavor.
Apple Crisp Without Oats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Add butter pieces and toss lightly.
- In another bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
- Spread apple mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce if desired.