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When the air starts to cool and apples hit their peak, there’s nothing quite like that first spoonful of warm apple crisp. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and smells like fall itself — cinnamon, sugar, and butter melting together in perfect harmony.
But here’s the twist: not everyone wants oats in their crisp. Maybe you’re after that pure, buttery crunch — something that melts in your mouth instead of feeling chewy. If that sounds like you, this apple crisp recipe without oatmeal might just become your new fall tradition.
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What Makes This Version Different
Most apple crisps rely on oats to create texture, but this one skips them entirely. Instead, the topping is built like a golden cookie crust — a crumbly mix of butter, brown sugar, and flour that bakes into something between a shortbread and a caramelized crumble.
It’s sweet, buttery, and crisp in a way that feels more bakery-style than rustic. Think of it as the elegant cousin to the classic apple crisp — familiar, but with a refined edge.
An apple crisp without oatmeal uses a buttery crumble made from flour, sugar, and butter instead of oats, creating a golden, cookie-like topping over baked cinnamon apples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll want to grab before you begin — most of it’s already sitting in your kitchen.
Apples (6 medium) – Granny Smiths are great for tartness, but Honeycrisp adds a natural sweetness that balances beautifully.
Filling:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp flour
Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 tsp nutmeg
💡 Pro Tip: Use cold butter — it’s the secret to that crumbly, golden perfection. Melted butter blends too smoothly, and you’ll lose the crunch.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Crisp Without Oatmeal
1. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples — about 1/4 inch thick. Toss them in a large bowl with the sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. That coating will thicken as it bakes, turning into a gooey, spiced apple filling that clings to every bite.
2. Make the Crumble
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs. It doesn’t have to be perfect — those uneven bits of butter are what create the magic later.
3. Assemble
Spread the apples evenly in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over top — gently, without pressing it down.
4. Bake
Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
5. Cool & Serve
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before digging in. The filling thickens as it cools, giving you that perfect balance of tender apples and crisp topping.
Serving Ideas
This apple crisp practically begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream — that melting cream against warm apples? Heaven.
Or, if you’re keeping things light, try a dollop of whipped cream or even Greek yogurt. Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce, and you’ve got a dessert worthy of any fall gathering.
👉 If you love cozy, crowd-pleasing desserts, you’ll also want to try our White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake — another simple recipe that tastes like it came straight from a bakery case.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how forgiving it is.
To store: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes — that’ll revive the crisp top.
To freeze: Assemble the dish (unbaked), wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
- No oats — just buttery, golden crispness.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Foolproof enough for beginners.
- Customizable — add chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or a pinch of cardamom.
If you’re a fan of comforting fall flavors, check out our guide to Starbucks’ Holiday Menu 2025 (Hello Kitty Edition) — it’s filled with cozy drinks that pair perfectly with this dessert.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 3g |
(Based on 8 servings. Values may vary depending on apple variety.)
Expert Tip
For an extra crunchy topping, refrigerate the crumble for 10 minutes before baking. The colder the butter, the flakier and more distinct your topping will be.
Final Thoughts
This apple crisp without oatmeal proves one thing — you don’t need oats to make something feel like fall. It’s warm, buttery, and hits all the right notes of comfort.
Next time the weekend rolls in, and you’ve got a few apples on the counter, skip the pie crust drama. Make this instead.
Simple. Honest. Delicious.
And if you’re looking for a lighter dessert to balance your fall cravings, our 7-Day Smoothie Weight Loss Plan is the perfect reset between baking sessions.
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Easy Apple Crisp Recipe Without Oatmeal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a large bowl with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the texture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples without pressing down.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use cold butter for a crisp, crumbly topping — melted butter will make it too soft.
- You can prepare and freeze the dish unbaked for up to 2 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven for 10 minutes to revive the crunch.
Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.com, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.
