I think this might be the best apple crisp I’ve ever made. Apple crisp has always been one of those desserts that feels like home to me – warm, cozy, and just the right balance of simple and special. Honestly, I’ll take it over apple pie any day! It’s quicker to throw together, and you still get all those same cozy flavors without the extra fuss.

But here’s the thing: the topping is everything. It’s supposed to be crunchy and buttery, the perfect contrast to those soft, cinnamon-spiced apples. Too often, I’ve made crisps where the topping goes soggy or doesn’t quite deliver. This time, I skipped the flour and used a mix of oats, hazelnuts, brown sugar, and butter. It baked up golden and crisp, and stayed that way – even the next day.

It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly how apple crisp should be.

😍 Why You’ll Love My Flourless Apple Crisp

The topping on this flourless apple crisp is everything. It’s golden, buttery, and packed with crunch, thanks to the mix of oats, hazelnuts, and brown sugar. And I will shout this from the rooftops: it stays crunchy, even after it cools or sits overnight – this is a no-soggy crisp zone!

Since it’s naturally gluten-free (as long as you are using gluten-free oats!), this recipe is one you can confidently share with just about anyone. Skipping the flour doesn’t just keep the topping crisp, it also makes the whole thing feel lighter, which means there’s always room for seconds.

It’s incredibly simple to make too. No pie crust, no complicated steps – just toss the apples, pulse together the topping, and bake. It’s quick enough for a weeknight treat but still special enough to bring to the holiday table.

You can also prep it ahead of time, which makes it perfect for hosting. Put it together earlier in the day, then bake it fresh while you’re eating dinner. And if in case you were wondering, I can speak from experience and say that it’s just as delicious cold the next day… straight out of the serving dish… when no one’s watching… 😉

🗒️ Ingredients

Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, they hold their shape and balance the sweetness perfectly.

Cinnamon: Adds that warm, cozy spice that makes apple desserts so comforting.

Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness throughout.

Orange zest and juice: A subtle citrusy kick that brightens the apples.

Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the filling without overpowering it.

Unsalted butter: The key to a rich, golden, and crisp topping.

Old-fashioned oats: Gives the topping its signature chewy texture and heartiness.

Nuts (hazelnuts or pecans): Add crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor to the topping.

Dark brown sugar: Sweet and slightly molasses-y, it caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

👩‍🍳 How to Make My Flourless Apple Crisp

🔥 Preheat your oven to 375°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish (or use non-stick spray if you prefer).

🍏 Peel, core, and chop the apples into a large dice. Toss them in a bowl with cinnamon, a pinch of salt, orange zest, orange juice, and one tablespoon of sugar. Spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.

🧈 In a food processor, pulse the butter, oats, hazelnuts (or any nut you like), brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt until it resembles coarse sand—don’t over-process, you want a bit of texture.

👋🏼 Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, gently pressing it down to make sure it covers the fruit well.

⏲️ Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.

🥄 Let the crisp sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. It’s perfect with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

🥳 Enjoy

🎩 Tips and Tricks

• Choose the right apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this crisp because they’re tart and hold their shape when baked. If you want a sweeter option, you can mix in some Fuji or Honeycrisp apples.
• Make the topping ahead of time: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the topping in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This will help you get dinner on the table faster.
• Toast the nuts: For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly toast the hazelnuts (or any nuts you use) before adding them to the topping. This brings out their natural richness and adds a nice depth of flavor.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Let the apple crisp cool for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set a bit and makes it easier to serve. Plus, it’ll taste even better once the flavors have had time to meld.

🌟 Variations

Apple and Pear Crisp: Combine apples with pears for a slightly different texture and flavor profile, while still keeping the apple essence. Pears add a touch of sweetness and softness that complements the tartness of the apples.

Spiced Crisp: Add a little more depth to your cinnamon by mixing in ginger, cardamom, or a pinch of ground cloves. This will give the topping a richer, spicier flavor without changing the basic ingredients.

Chocolate Drizzle: For those who love a sweet touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate or chocolate ganache over the top of the crisp before serving. It’s a rich contrast to the warm, spiced apples.

🤲 Substitutions

• Granny Smith Apples: If you can’t find Granny Smith apples, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples. These are sweeter but still hold their shape well when baked.
• Hazelnuts: Swap hazelnuts for other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Each brings its own unique flavor and crunch to the topping.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: If you don’t have old-fashioned oats, quick oats will work, but they will create a finer texture in the topping. If you want a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats.
• Unsalted Butter: You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute if you want a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that coconut oil will add a slight coconut flavor.
• Dark Brown Sugar: If you prefer a lighter sweetness, you can substitute dark brown sugar with light brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a different flavor. Maple syrup or honey can also be used, but you’ll need to adjust the consistency of the topping since liquid sweeteners will make it wetter.
• Kosher Salt: If you don’t have kosher salt, you can use table salt, but use less (about half the amount), as table salt is more concentrated.
• Orange Zest and Juice: If you’re out of oranges, you can substitute with lemon zest and juice, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for that same tartness and brightness.

📓 This Flourless Apple Crisp is Best served with

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Your favorite hot drink (spiced chai tea, coffee, mulled wine)

👝 How to Store Leftover Flourless Apple Crisp

Let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. While the topping will stay crisp for a couple of days, it may soften slightly if stored for longer, not that it ever lasts longer than a few days in my household!

🧠 Common Questions