Apple crisp is a beloved dessert that embodies cozy comfort in every bite. Traditionally made with a streusel topping, this oatless version goes back to the old-fashioned roots of apple desserts, offering a smooth, buttery topping without the chewiness of oats.
Perfect for those who prefer a more pastry-like crumble or have dietary preferences, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of apples with a crunchy golden topping. It’s a nostalgic dish often served during fall, holidays, or anytime apples are in abundance.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
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6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Crumble Topping (No Oats):
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3/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Substitutions:
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Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Dairy-free: Substitute with cold vegan butter or coconut oil.
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Less sugar: Reduce sugars by 25–30% without affecting texture much.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Make the Apple Filling
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In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla extract.
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Pour the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping
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In another bowl, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt.
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Add the cold cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or fingers to mix until crumbly (pea-sized pieces).
4. Assemble and Bake
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Evenly spread the topping over the apples.
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Bake in preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and apples are bubbling.
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Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Use firm apples like Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
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Cold butter is key – it creates a crumbly, crisp topping.
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Don’t overmix the topping – clumps are good!
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For extra crispiness, sprinkle turbinado sugar over the topping before baking.
Variations and Customizations
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Add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the topping for crunch.
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Spice it up with cloves or ginger for a deeper flavor.
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Make it mini: Bake in ramekins for individual servings.
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Low-carb option: Replace sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
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Vegan: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
Serving Suggestions
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Best served warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
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Pair with a cup of spiced chai, hot apple cider, or dessert wine.
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Garnish with mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 320
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Carbohydrates: 48g
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Protein: 2g
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Fat: 14g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 30g
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Cholesterol: 30mg
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Sodium: 120mg
(Based on 8 servings; may vary based on ingredients used)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and refrigerate the unbaked dish for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q2. How do I store leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed.
Q3. Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze unbaked or baked apple crisp (tightly wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.
Q4. Why is my topping soggy?
Too much moisture in apples or warm butter in topping could be the reason. Use firm apples and cold butter.
Q5. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses as a substitute.
Closing Thoughts
This apple crisp without oats is a timeless dessert that offers all the comfort of tradition with a smooth, buttery finish. Whether you’re avoiding oats or just want a simpler take, this crisp is a satisfying treat that’s hard to resist. Give it a try and make it your own!
We’d love to hear how your apple crisp turned out – leave a comment or share your photos!
