A Cozy, Crunchy Dessert That Brings Everyone to the Table
There’s something so comforting about a warm apple crisp fresh from the oven; sweet, soft apples tucked under a buttery crumble that melts in your mouth.
This apple crisp recipe without oats, is my go-to when I want a classic fall dessert that’s simple, satisfying, and toddler-approved. The best part? You only need pantry staples and a handful of fresh apples to create pure magic.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe Without Oats
- No oats, no problem – You’ll still get that perfect crisp topping without any chewy bits.
- Quick and easy – Just mix, sprinkle, and bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings.
- Family-friendly – Soft, cinnamon-spiced apples make this a hit with little ones.
- Versatile – Delicious on its own, or even better with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy dessert:
- 7 apples – Choose firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best balance of flavor. You can mix and match if you’d like.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Brings warmth and that classic apple pie aroma. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra depth.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This replaces the oats for a crisp, biscuit-like crumble topping. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – Cold butter works best here. It helps create that golden, crumbly texture.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the cinnamon beautifully.
- 1/3 cup sugar – Regular white sugar keeps things simple. You can swap for brown sugar if you like a deeper caramel flavor.
Optional add-ins:
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the apples before baking for extra sweetness.
- A handful of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) mixed into the crumble for a crunchy twist.
Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Crisp (Without Oats)
- Cold butter is key. Warm butter will make the crumble soggy. Use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Slice the apples evenly. This ensures they bake at the same rate and stay tender without turning mushy.
- Don’t skip the salt. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in flavor.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. This helps the juices thicken, creating that luscious apple filling.
- Serve with something creamy. Vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or coconut whipped cream all pair beautifully.
FAQs About This Apple Crisp Recipe Without Oats
Can I use any type of apples?
Yes! A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor. Granny Smith adds tang, while Fuji or Gala bring natural sweetness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the crisp up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to bake, pop it into the oven as directed — you might just need a few extra minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that crisp texture.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Yes! Freeze it baked or unbaked. If freezing unbaked, assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and bake straight from frozen (adding about 10 extra minutes).
Can toddlers eat this?
Definitely! The apples are soft, and the crumble isn’t overly sweet. Just make sure to cut small portions and avoid serving it too hot.
Serving Ideas
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
- Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Serve alongside a cup of spiced tea or coffee for cozy afternoons.
- For breakfast (yes, breakfast!), pair with plain yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Apple Crisp Recipe Without Oats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the crumble: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the butter and rub it between your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Prepare the apples: Peel and slice the apples evenly into wedges. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish in a single, even layer.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
- Cool slightly before serving to let the juices thicken.
- Serve warm — plain, or with a scoop of ice cream or a spoonful of yogurt.
Notes
- For toddlers or infants (12 months+), let the crisp cool completely before serving. You can mash the baked apples slightly for a softer texture.
- For adults, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of caramel for a gourmet twist.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with chilled coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
💬 I’d Love to Hear From You!
If you try this Apple Crisp Recipe Without Oats, please leave a rating or comment below! Your feedback helps others discover the recipe and brings a little extra warmth to our Yum and Yummer kitchen.
More Thanksgiving Desserts to Try
If you loved this apple crisp, you might also enjoy:
- Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Mexican Street Corn Casserole
- Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies