This Recipe for Apple Crisp may be made without any oats but trust me, you won’t even miss ’em in this one! It’s healthy, naturally gluten free, and a guilt free dessert recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds. Spoiler alert: It’s best served up with a scoop (or two!) of ice cream!
You may have stumbled upon this recipe for apple crisp because you’re looking for a healthy but downright delicious dessert recipe. Or maybe you’re looking for a gluten free alternative to a classic dessert that you just know will be a hit amongst the entire family. Maybe you’re trying to get the kids to eat more apples. Or maybe you went apple picking with the kids and have too many to know what to do with. We’ve all been there. Am I right?
Either way, the apple Gods are working for you today cause, baby, this is a guilt free apple dessert recipe that seriously checks off ALL OF THE BOXES. I just know you’re going to love it!
Ok, ok. So, I’m not much of a dessert person. And every time I post a dessert recipe, I always have to make it a point to confess that I ain’t no baker, either. But the beauty of this recipe for apple crisp without oats is that you don’t have to be a dessert person or a baker to love it. It’s so easy to make, even the most novice cooks can whip it up effortlessly.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep work (cause, ya know…sometimes, ain’t nobody got time for that!) this apple crisp recipe is a perfect introduction to the world of baking. Plus, its super comforting and the irresistible combination of tender baked apples and crunchy topping will make you feel like a culinary master, even if you’ve never baked a dessert in your entire life.
So, whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a quick and satisfying treat or a kitchen newbie eager to impress, this apple crisp recipe is sure to become a staple in your life.
Who needs oats, anyway?!
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE APPLE CRISP WITHOUT ANY OATS
YES! You can have your dessert AND eat it too with this healthy apple crisp recipe. It uses few, simple, and wholesome ingredients that’ll make you feel good about indulging. Let’s get into them in a little bit more detail down below:
- Apples: The star and base of this apple crisp recipe with no oats. They provide natural sweetness and fiber to the dish. Choose a variety that holds up well to baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of acidity and tangy flavour to the apples. Lemon juice also helps prevent the apples from browning too quickly once they’re sliced.
- Honey: Used to sweeten the apple mixture and the topping. It adds sweetness without the need for refined sugar keeping this apple crisp recipe light and healthy. It also brings additional flavour to the dish. You can use maple syrup instead, if you prefer.
- Cinnamon: A warm and aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with apples. It adds a lovely flavour to both the apple mixture and the topping.
- Nutmeg: Compliments the flavour of cinnamon and adds depth to the dish. It’s often used in combination with cinnamon in apple recipes for a warm and comforting flavour.
- Almond Flour: This gluten-free flour alternative is made from finely ground almonds. It adds a nutty flavour and helps create a crispy topping without oats. Almond flour is also rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Walnuts: Add crunch and texture to the topping. They’re also a good source of healthy fats, protein and various nutrients. I used walnuts because that’s what I had on hand. However, feel free to choose your favourite variety or use a combination of different ones. Pecans and almonds also work great in this recipe.
- Coconut Oil: Binds the topping ingredients together and helps create a crispy texture when baked. It’s a healthier alternative to butter and adds a subtle coconut flavour to the dish.
HOW TO MAKE THIS HEALTHY RECIPE FOR APPLE CRISP (NO OATS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy recipe for apple crisp no oats in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right apples. Opt for firm and slightly tart apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Softer apples may turn mushy during baking and we definitely don’t want that in this delicious apple crisp recipe!
- Try to slice the apples into uniform thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Thicker slices may require longer baking time, while thinner slices may cook too quickly and become mushy. You want them to be juuuuust right.
- Coat apples well. Make sure to toss the sliced apples thoroughly with lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that all the apple slices are evenly coated with flavour and sweetness and that there will be a delicious balance of flavour in every single bite!
- Prepare topping properly. Mix the almond flour, chopped nuts, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon until well combined. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix, or the topping may become too dense.
- Use the proper baking dish. I recommend using either an 8×8 or 9×9 square baking dish for this recipe. This size should provide enough room for the apple slices to spread out evenly and for the topping to cover them adequately. EXTRA TIP: Ensure that whatever dish you choose has enough depth to accommodate the apples and topping without overflowing during baking.
- Spread ingredients evenly. Spread the coated apple slices evenly in the baking dish, and then sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. This helps ensure that each bite has a balanced combination of apples and topping.
- Check for doneness as all ovens are different. Bake the apple crisp until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning or burning.
- Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. EXTRA TIP: Serve with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate treat! There is something to be said about the cold ice cream against the warm apple crisp…. mmmmmm… need I say more?! However, whipped cream or caramel sauce also works wonders!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Apple crisp and apple crumble are similar desserts, but they have subtle differences:
Topping Texture: The main difference lies in the texture of the topping. In an apple crisp, the topping typically contains oats, which provide a crunchy and oat-y texture when baked. On the other hand, an apple crumble usually omits oats, resulting in a more crumbly and streusel-like topping. However, in this recipe for apple crisp, the delicious gluten free topping made with almond flour replaces any need for oats.
Ingredients: While both desserts generally consist of baked apples with a topping, the specific ingredients in the topping can vary. Apple crisp toppings often include oats, flour, butter, and sugar, along with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. In contrast, apple crumble toppings usually consist of flour, sugar, and butter, sometimes with added spices or chopped nuts, but without oats.
Geographic Variation: In some regions, the terms “crisp” and “crumble” are used interchangeably, and the distinction between the two may not be strictly observed. In other regions, there may be a clearer distinction between the two desserts based on the presence or absence of oats in the topping.
The best apples for apple crisp are those that hold their shape well during baking and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness. Here are some popular apple varieties that are commonly recommended for apple crisp:
Granny Smith: These tart apples are firm and hold their shape well when baked, making them an excellent choice for apple crisp. They provide a nice contrast to the sweet topping.
Honeycrisp: Known for their crisp texture and sweet flavour, Honeycrisp apples add a delicious juiciness to apple crisp while still holding their shape.
Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet, juicy and crisp, making them a great option for apple crisp. They add natural sweetness to the dessert without becoming overly soft during baking.
A crumble topping without oats can be made using a combination of flour, sweetener and fat, along with optional flavourings such as spices or nuts. In this recipe, we use almond flour, chopped nuts, coconut oil, honey and cinnamon. This crumble topping will bake up crispy and golden without the need to add any oats. It provides a delicious contrast and crispy topping to the soft fruit filling underneath.
If your apple crisp is not as crispy as you’d like, there could be a few reasons why.
Not Enough Fat: The crispiness of the topping largely depends on the fat content. Make sure you’re using enough butter, coconut oil or whichever fat you’ve chosen for your recipe. The fat helps create a crisp texture as it melts and interacts with the other ingredients during baking.
Too Much Moisture: If the apple filling is too wet, it can make the topping soggy instead of crispy. To prevent this, try using firmer apple varieties and avoid adding too much liquid to the filling. You can also toss the sliced apples with a bit of flour or cornstarch before adding them to the baking dish to help absorb excess moisture.
Not Enough Baking Time: Ensure that you bake the apple crisp for a sufficient amount of time to allow the topping to crisp up and turn golden brown. Keep in mind that baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the topping, so it’s essential to check for doneness rather than relying solely on the recommended baking time.
Improper Mixing: When preparing the topping, be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can cause the fat to melt too much and result in a denser, less crispy topping. Mix the ingredients just until they come together into a crumbly texture.
Inadequate Spreading: Ensure that you spread the topping evenly over the apple filling before baking. An uneven layer of topping can lead to uneven baking and inconsistent crispiness.
Apple crisp can typically last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days if stored properly. To maintain its freshness and texture, place the apple crisp in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Before storing, allow the crisp to cool completely to room temperature to prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. When ready to enjoy again, reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Yes, you can freeze apple crisp after baking. To freeze, allow the apple crisp to cool completely to room temperature first. Once cooled, wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can portion the apple crisp into individual servings and wrap each portion separately. Place the wrapped apple crisp or portions into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for extra protection.
Frozen apple crisp will typically maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw the apple crisp overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the thawed apple crisp in the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until heated to your liking. Reheating from frozen directly in the oven is also possible; however, it may take longer and could result in a softer topping.
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RECIPE FOR APPLE CRISP NO OATS
Ingredients
FOR THE FILLING
- 6 medium Apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ¼ cup Honey or Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
FOR THE TOPPING
- 1 cup Almond Flour
- ½ cup Walnuts or Pecans chopped
- ¼ cup Coconut Oil melted, plus more for greasing
- 2 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- Ice Cream,Whipped Cream, or Caramel Sauce* optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 baking dish with a bit of coconut oil.
- In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix almond flour, chopped nuts, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon to create the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Allow it to cool slightly before serving with some whipped cream, caramel sauce or a scoop or two of ice cream, if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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