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Apple Crisp Without Oats

A buttery, crispy apple crisp made without oats, featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden crumb topping that stays perfectly crisp. This oat-free version delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling
  • 6 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Crisp Topping
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife for slicing apples
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork or pastry cutter

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Peel, core, and slice apples into even 1/4-inch slices.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch until every slice is evenly coated.
  4. Pour the apple mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it in an even layer with a spatula.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt.
  6. Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a fork or pastry cutter to break it into pea-sized pieces, working quickly to keep everything cold.
  7. Stir in the sliced almonds if using, mixing gently just until combined.
  8. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples, gently pressing it down slightly with your fingers.
  9. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let the apple crisp rest for 10 minutes on the counter before serving.

Notes

Mix at least two apple varieties for complexity in flavor. Keep butter cold until the last second for maximum crispness. Don't skip the lemon juice as it brightens the flavor. The crumb topping can be made ahead and refrigerated. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.