Apple Crisp Without Oatmeal
An apple crisp without oatmeal relies on an especially buttery, melt-in-your-mouth topping that becomes extra crunchy due to the lack of grains. This alteration emphasizes the blend of cooked fruit beneath.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 4-5 medium sized apples approximately 2 pounds, preferably using one variety or mixing two kinds like Granny Smith and Golden Delicious
- Juice from half a lemon about 1 tablespoon
- ¼ - ½ cup granulated white sugar OR light brown sugar depending on how much you want them sweeter
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- A dash of kosher salt
- ⅛ – ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch es of ground nutmeg
- Cornstarch slurry made up of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed into about 2 tbsp cold water if needed for thickening
Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 8 oz unsalted butter at room temperature cut into cubes
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- Dash of kosher salt
- Sprinkle of ground nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and slice the apples: Start by washing and peeling 4-5 medium apples. Slice them into thin, half-inch pieces for an even bake.
- Toss with lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the apples to preserve their natural color and add a slight tanginess.
- Mix the spices and sugar: In a bowl, combine ¼ to ½ cup of your preferred sugar (granulated white or light brown), cinnamon, a dash of salt, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
- Coat the apples: Toss the apple slices with the sugar and spice mixture, ensuring the apples are evenly coated. If you need a little extra thickness in the filling, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry, and stir it in.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This forms the base of your streusel topping.
- Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want some larger bits for a flaky texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Crisp
- Layer the apples: Spread the prepared apple filling evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the buttery topping evenly over the apples, gently pressing it down to ensure it sticks.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The apples should be bubbly and soft, and the topping should be crisp and caramelized.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Once out of the oven, let your apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Apple Variety: The best apples for apple crisp are firm, tart apples like Granny Smith. They hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon. You can also mix varieties, such as Granny Smith and Golden Delicious, to get both tart and sweet flavors in each bite.
Use of Sugar: You can use light brown sugar for a more caramelized, deeper flavor or white granulated sugar for a lighter sweetness.
Topping Variations: Add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for some crunch. You can also add rolled oats if you decide to make a more traditional oatmeal topping.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste. You can also add ground ginger for a warm, zesty kick.
Butter Substitute: If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version.