Easy Apple Crisp Recipe Without Oats
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There’s just something about a good old apple crisp that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. When the leaves start falling and the air turns cool, I always find myself craving that cozy combo of baked apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. A lot of recipes toss in oats for crunch, but this one keeps it simple with a buttery topping that takes me straight back to my grandma’s kitchen.

This old-school apple crisp keeps it simple in the best way. Sweet cinnamon apples and a buttery golden topping come together without any oats, just how grandma used to make it. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and it always hits the spot. If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and a little nostalgic, this recipe’s a winner. Grab your apples, preheat the oven, and let’s get baking.
Ingredients You Will Need

- Apples
- Sugar
- Butter
- Flour
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Eggs
Equipment You May Need
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Apple Peeler Corer Slicer
- Mixing Bowl
- 9″x13″ Pan
- Wooden Spoon
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples to use for apple crisp? Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work well because they hold their shape during baking and provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the topping. I always use Granny Smith apples for baking.
Is it necessary to peel the apples? Peeling the apples is optional and depends on your preference. Some people enjoy the extra texture and color that apple peels add, while others prefer a smoother filling.
How do I prevent the topping from becoming too soggy? Avoid overloading the apple crisp with too much liquid, and don’t skip the baking step. Ensuring the apples release their moisture and the topping turns golden brown will help prevent sogginess.
Can I store leftover oat-free apple crisp? Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to maintain the crispiness of the topping.




Substitutions and Variations
Flavor Variations:
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add zest from oranges or lemons to the topping for a citrusy note that complements the apples.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract in the topping or mixed with the apples can enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Brown Butter: Use brown butter instead of regular butter for a richer, nuttier taste.
Fruit Variations:
- Mixed Berries: Combine apples with other fruits like berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for a mixed berry crisp.
- Pears: Incorporate sliced pears with or instead of apples for a delightful apple-pear crisp.
- Stone Fruits: Experiment with peaches, plums, or cherries for a unique twist.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
If you like this apple crisp, you might also like my Apple Coffee Cake or my Apple Dumplings. You may also enjoy these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies or these Cinnamon Apple Snacks.
Final Thoughts
This dessert is perfect for fall, and it filled our home with the warm aromas of the season as it was baking. It was very quick and easy to make as well. I will make this again, possibly for Thanksgiving. I hope you like it, too. Let me know if you make it by commenting below.

Apple Crisp Without Oats
Ingredients
Filling
- 10 Cups Apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1½ Cups Sugar
Topping
- ⅔ Cup Butter melted
- 1½ Cups Sugar
- 2 Cups Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1½ teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 2 Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Grease 9"x13" pan and set aside.
Filling
- Stir 1½ cups sugar into apples and arrange in 9"x13" pan.
Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, 1½ cups sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and eggs.
- Crumble over sliced apples.
- Bake at 350℉ for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.

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I can’t get enough of the flavors in this apple crisp! It was so easy to make, and is absolutely perfectly seasoned. A classic that we will repeat for sure!
Thank you! I’m happy liked it! 🙂
Made this apple crisp and it turned out amazing! Big thanks for a recipe that’s both simple and delicious!
Awesome! That’s great to hear. 🙂
I can’t begin to thank you enough for this apple crisp recipe. I hgv and a family member who cannot under any circumstances eat oats. It lands her in the hospital every time. I made this for her and she loved it, in fact the whole family did! I added a bit of an apple pie spicd blend I had and it was perfect. This is a fantastic treat!
This makes me so happy, Patricia! I’m glad she enjoyed this recipe, and that apple spice blend sounds amazing. I will have to try that next time. 🙂