The Best Apple Crisp (Without Oats)

A simple but delicious recipe, with a succulent filling, an almond covering rich in butter and a creamy and spicy sauce: this Apple crisp it is made without oats and is perfect for any season.

Cinnamon, almonds and apples, garnished with eggnog cream: this is how your whole winter should smell. I love this crisp apple as much as I love the upcoming season.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make! Even on a busy week, these apple croquettes are very quick to prepare and practically foolproof if you follow all the advice in the recipe.

Have you just started cooking? Aren’t you the best baker? Or maybe you’re looking for a last minute dessert? Don’t worry: this apple crisp got you.

What is the difference between a brittle and a crumble?

Both dishes are based on cooked fruit, but the difference lies in the seasoning. A crumble has a lumpier topping and rarely contains oats or nuts. A brittle has, as the name implies, a crispier, crunchier coating and can include oats, nuts and spices.

Even though this recipe does not contain oats, the combination of the ingredients plus the slivered almonds still gives a nice crunchy sensation from the first bite.

Which apple is best for a brittle or crumble?

When it comes to baking, crispy, tart varieties like Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are fantastic. Crisp and sweet apples, such as Pink Lady and Braeburn, are also fantastic.

My favorite apples for this recipe are a blend of Cripps Pink and Granny Smith. The crunchy texture combined with the balanced sweet and tart flavor make these apples exceptional for crisps and crumbles.

What can I replace butter with in apple crisp?

You can replace the butter with margarine or coconut oil if you’re looking for a vegan version (so make sure the margarine is vegan).

I wouldn’t skip the fat entirely, as it makes a huge difference in the outcome. Fat is what brings all the best ingredients together!

Should you cover crisp apples while cooking?

Only if the surface turns golden before the apples are soft.

If the tops of the chips are getting too dark, but the apples are not yet fully cooked, cover the tops with aluminum foil. This will be enough to prevent the surface from burning and to allow the apples to cook until soft.

How to prevent crisp apples from becoming soggy?

Choose carefully the plate on which you will cook your brittle! Prefer a larger plate, where you can distribute both apples and garnish evenly.

Using a small, deep dish can make everything soggy, as the liquid from the apples will mostly affect the crunchiness of the topping.

How to prepare a crispy apple

1. Start with apples. Peel them, core them and slice them. In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, lime/lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour. The flour is added so that the apple filling can take on a jam-like consistency, preventing it from becoming liquid.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the dressing. Start by cutting the cold butter into the flour and brown sugar. You can use a fork, a pastry cutter, or even your hands. When all the ingredients are well blended, add the almond flakes and mix until evenly distributed. The topping should appear slightly sandy, but with a few bits of butter.

3. Combine the filling and topping. On a large, wide plate, spread the apple mixture evenly. Spread the topping, completely covering the apple filling.

4. Cook until bubbly and golden brown. Check the apples before removing them from the oven: you should be able to pierce them with a fork and feel soft and tender.

Tips for always obtaining the best crunchiness

Don’t forget to peel and core the apples! Using them with the skin on makes a HUGE difference – it completely ruins the texture and texture of your chip. You want your top to be crispy and your filling to be soft and tender.

Using a fork or knife, prick the apples to check for tenderness. It is usually crispy when the top turns golden brown, but you should always test it before removing it from the oven.

Size matters! When choosing where to cook your chips, prefer to use a large, wide baking dish rather than a small, deep one. The topping and filling need to be distributed so that everything cooks evenly!

Storage and freezing

Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered.

This apple crisp freezes well. To freeze, store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 months.

To reheat, leave at room temperature for 1 hour if frozen. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 10 minutes or until hot. You can also use the microwave, 45 seconds to 1 minute.

More autumn recipes

Cinnamon and blood orange rolls
Apple and cinnamon bread
Naturally leavened French toast
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

📖 Recipe