This Apple Crisp Without Oats is a comforting classic that combines tender, spiced apples with a golden, buttery topping. Simple yet decadent, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, showcasing the timeless pairing of apples and cinnamon with a delightful crisp finish.
Ingredients Overview
The core of this recipe is its carefully chosen ingredients. Granny Smith apples, known for their tartness and firm texture, hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness of the topping. All-purpose flour provides the structure for the crisp, while white sugar adds sweetness to both the topping and the spiced mixture. Ground cinnamon enhances the flavor, infusing the dish with warmth and spice. Melted butter adds richness to the topping, creating a golden, crunchy finish. For those seeking variations, brown sugar can replace white sugar for a deeper caramelized flavor, and other apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, can be used for a sweeter profile.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Start by selecting firm, fresh Granny Smith apples. Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet, buttery topping. Peel the apples thoroughly, ensuring no skin remains, then core and slice them evenly to guarantee uniform cooking. Toss the slices with ground cinnamon to coat them fully, enhancing their natural flavor and adding a warm, spiced aroma.
For the topping, combine flour, sugar, egg, and baking powder in a bowl. The mixture will form coarse crumbs, which create a perfect texture when baked. Spread this mixture evenly over the spiced apples in the prepared baking pan. Ensuring full coverage helps the topping bake uniformly into a crisp layer.
To enhance the flavor further, mix cinnamon with additional sugar and sprinkle this spiced sugar over the topping. Drizzle melted butter across the surface, allowing it to seep through the topping and create a rich, caramelized finish.
Baking to Perfection
Place the pan in a preheated 300°F oven and bake for about an hour. Watch for visual cues—when the topping turns a golden brown and the apples beneath begin to bubble, the crisp is ready. Let it cool slightly before serving, as this allows the topping to set while keeping the apples warm and tender.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to adjust sweetness or spice:
Use more or less sugar and cinnamon to match your taste preferences.
Slicing apples evenly:
Consistent slices ensure the apples bake uniformly, avoiding undercooked or mushy pieces.
Tricks for a crispy topping:
Drizzling butter evenly prevents soggy patches and helps the topping bake into a firm crust.
Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?
Yes, pears, peaches, or a mix of berries work wonderfully as substitutes.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for similar results.
Is it possible to prepare the topping or apples ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate them separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Serve this apple crisp warm for the best experience. Pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For added indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the top. It’s also delicious with a mug of spiced cider, hot coffee, or a chilled glass of milk.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with foil or in an airtight container, for up to three days. To reheat, use an oven set to 300°F to restore the topping’s crisp texture, or microwave for a quick warm-up if texture isn’t a concern.
This oat-free apple crisp is a timeless dessert that’s simple to prepare yet delivers on flavor and texture. With its spiced apples and crunchy topping, it’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to personal tastes. Experiment with different fruits, pairings, and spices to make it your own, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic treat.
Ingredients
8 Granny Smith apples
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup white sugar
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon, divided
¼ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup of sugar, egg, and baking powder. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a texture similar to coarse crumbs or cornmeal.
Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples evenly, then toss them with ½ tablespoon of cinnamon to coat. Arrange the spiced apple slices evenly in the greased pan, ensuring a uniform layer.
Spread the prepared flour mixture evenly over the apples, covering them completely. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the top of the flour layer. Drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface to enhance the crispness and flavor during baking.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the topping turns a rich golden brown and the fruit beneath begins to bubble. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm for the best flavor, and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Apple Crisp Without Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon divided
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup of sugar, egg, and baking powder. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a texture similar to coarse crumbs or cornmeal.
- Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples evenly, then toss them with ½ tablespoon of cinnamon to coat. Arrange the spiced apple slices evenly in the greased pan, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Spread the prepared flour mixture evenly over the apples, covering them completely. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the top of the flour layer. Drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface to enhance the crispness and flavor during baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the topping turns a rich golden brown and the fruit beneath begins to bubble. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm for the best flavor, and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
