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Apple Crisp Without Oats

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Who says you need oats to make a good apple crisp?! This apple crisp recipe without oats has tender, cinnamon-spiced apples tucked beneath a golden, crunchy almond flour topping. And yes, it’s every bit as cozy as the classic!

I’m all for a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, you barely had to lift a finger. This easy apple crisp comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients, a couple of bowls, and absolutely zero fancy baking skills. The apples bake up soft and sweet, while the almond flour, chopped nuts, and cinnamon create a buttery-tasting crunch without a single oat in sight. Oh, and did I mention it’s naturally gluten-free?!

Got a bunch of apples to use up? SAME. Between this crisp, my air fryer apples, and these adorable puff pastry apple roses, there’s no shortage of ways to put them to good use. But when I’m craving something warm and comforting, this apple crisp is hard to beat. Especially with a generous drizzle of homemade caramel sauce over the top. Trust me on that one!

apple crisp in a bowl with ice cream, glass of milk in the background, cinnamon sticks in the front.
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✳︎ Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Without Oats

  • No oats? No problem! Almond flour and chopped nuts make a golden, crunchy topping with plenty of texture.
  • Beginner-baker approved. No complicated techniques, no special equipment, and no need to be a baking pro.
  • All those cozy apple pie vibes. Warm cinnamon, tender baked apples, and a sweet, nutty topping. Need I say more?!
  • Naturally gluten-free. No wheat flour or oats required, just a handful of ingredients that work beautifully together.
  • Even better with ice cream. That warm apple crisp and cold, melty vanilla ice cream combination? YES PLEASE.

Ingredients for Apple Crisp Without Oats

ingredients for recipe for apple crisp no oats - apples, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, lemon juice, walnuts, coconut oil

No oats, no regular flour, and no complicated ingredients! This easy apple crisp gets its cozy cinnamon flavour from a handful of pantry staples, while almond flour and chopped nuts create that golden, crunchy topping we all know and love. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Apples: The star of the show! Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Granny Smith adds a nice tart contrast to the sweet topping, while Honeycrisp and Fuji bring a little extra sweetness.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens up the apple filling and helps keep the sliced apples from browning while you prepare everything else.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness to both the apples and the topping. Either works beautifully, so use whichever you have on hand. Maple syrup brings a slightly deeper flavour.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Because what’s apple crisp without cinnamon?! It adds that warm, cozy flavour to both the filling and the topping. If you’re all out, check out my cinnamon substitutes guide for a few warming spices that work beautifully with apples!
  • Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds extra warmth and depth to the cinnamon-spiced apples. A little goes a long way!
  • Almond Flour: Our secret weapon for making apple crisp without oats! It gives the topping a tender, slightly crumbly texture and a lovely nutty flavour. Use finely ground almond flour for the best consistency.
  • Walnuts or Pecans: Add a satisfying crunch that complements the softer almond flour topping. Chop them into small pieces so you get a little nuttiness in every bite.
  • Coconut Oil: Helps bind the topping ingredients together and encourages them to turn golden as they bake. Melt it before mixing so it distributes evenly.

Find the full ingredient list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

apple crisp on a spoon over a bowl with some and ice cream and a pan with more

How to Make the Best Apple Crisp Without Oats (Tips & Tricks)

  • Choose apples that can take the heat. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are all great choices because they hold their shape as they bake. You want tender apple slices, not applesauce hiding under your topping!
  • Keep those slices consistent. Try to cut your apples into evenly sized slices so they soften at the same rate. Too thick and they might still be firm when the topping is golden. Too thin and they can turn mushy.
  • Don’t overmix the topping. Stir the almond flour, chopped nuts, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon just until everything is combined. You’re aiming for a moist, crumbly mixture, not a smooth paste.
  • Spread the topping evenly. Scatter it over the apples in a relatively even layer so it bakes consistently. No need to press it down! Keeping it loose helps create those lovely little crunchy bits.
  • Watch for golden edges. Almond flour and nuts can brown fairly quickly, especially with honey in the mix. Start checking toward the end of the 30–35 minute baking time. If the topping is browning before the apples are tender, loosely cover the dish with foil.
  • Check the apples, not just the clock. The topping should be golden and the apples should give easily when pierced with a fork. Every oven is a little different, so those visual cues are more reliable than the timer alone.
  • Give it a few minutes to settle. Let the apple crisp rest for about 10–15 minutes before digging in. The filling will settle slightly, and you won’t burn your tongue on molten-hot apples. Been there!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

  • Make Ahead: Want to get a head start? Prepare the apple filling and almond flour topping a few hours in advance and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to bake, spread the apples into your baking dish, sprinkle the topping over top, and bake as directed. Keeping them separate helps prevent a soggy topping!
  • Storing Leftovers: Let your apple crisp cool before transferring it to an airtight container or covering the baking dish tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  • Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this apple crisp after baking! Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
baked apple crisp in a baking dish with two scoops of ice cream

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You don’t need oats to make a golden, crunchy apple crisp topping. This recipe uses almond flour, chopped walnuts or pecans, coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon instead. The almond flour creates a tender, crumbly topping, while the nuts add that satisfying crunch. You won’t miss the oats one bit!

Apple crisp and apple crumble are very similar desserts, and the names are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, apple crisp is associated with an oat-based topping, while apple crumble typically has a more flour-based, crumbly topping. But oats aren’t a requirement! This version gets its crunch from almond flour and chopped nuts instead.

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are all great choices because they hold their shape during baking. Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast to the sweet topping, while Honeycrisp and Fuji bring a little more natural sweetness. You can even mix a couple of varieties for the best of both worlds! Not sure which apples to choose? Check out my guide to the different types of green apples to find the best ones for baking.

Almond flour creates a more delicate, crumbly topping than traditional oats, so don’t expect quite the same texture. For the best crunch, use chopped nuts, avoid overmixing or pressing down the topping, and bake until it’s golden brown. Also, make sure the apples are tender before removing the crisp from the oven. If the topping starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.

Cloche with heart.

more cozy apple and fruit desserts to try

Still craving something sweet and cozy? From warm, cinnamon-spiced apples to fruity treats with a little extra crunch, here are a few more homemade favourites worth making!

Made this recipe? ⭐️ If you tried it, leave a star rating in the recipe card! It helps other home cooks know it’s worth making (and makes my day, too!).

apple crisp in a bowl with ice cream, glass of milk in the background, cinnamon sticks in the front.

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe Without Oats

This easy apple crisp recipe without oats features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, crunchy mixture of almond flour and chopped nuts. Naturally gluten-free, easy to make, and even better served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients
  

For the Apple Filling

  • 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Oat-Free Topping

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • ½ cup walnuts or pecans (chopped)
  • ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional, for Serving

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with coconut oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
    sliced apples in a bowl covered in cinnamon.
  3. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
    sliced apples with cinnamon in a square baking dish.
  4. In a separate bowl, stir together the almond flour, chopped walnuts or pecans, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon until the mixture is moist and crumbly.
    walnut topping for apple crisp in a bowl with a rubber spatula.
  5. Sprinkle the almond flour mixture evenly over the apples without pressing it down.
    apple crisp with a crumbly topping in a baking dish.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil.
    baked and golden apple crisp without oats in a square baking dish.
  7. Let the apple crisp rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce, if desired.

Notes

Best Apples: Use firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. A mix of tart and sweet apples works beautifully!
Use Almond Flour, Not Almond Meal: Finely ground almond flour gives the topping a more delicate, even texture. Coarser almond meal will produce a more rustic result.
Watch the Topping: Almond flour, nuts, and honey can brown quickly. If the topping gets too dark before the apples are tender, loosely cover the dish with foil.
Keep It Crumbly: The topping should look like moist crumbs, not a smooth dough. Avoid packing it down over the apples.
Sweetener Swap: Honey and maple syrup both work here. Use the same amount of either, keeping in mind that maple syrup adds a slightly different flavour.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven for a crisper topping, or microwave for a quick treat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 102IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

Don’t skip the good stuff —

scroll up above the recipe card for ingredient notes, tips & tricks, and easy swaps/variations.
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