First off—thank you so much for being here. I know how busy life gets, and if you’ve made it to this cozy little corner of the internet, you’re probably craving something warm, easy, and full of comfort. That’s exactly what today’s recipe delivers.
This Deep Dish Apple Crisp skips the pie crust but keeps all the homey, spiced apple goodness we love. It’s the kind of dessert that makes the whole kitchen smell like fall, even in the middle of summer. And let me tell you—when my husband couldn’t even wait for me to grab my camera before diving in, I knew I had a winner.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd, or just craving something sweet without the fuss, this one’s for you.
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🍏 What Is Deep Dish Apple Crisp?
Think of it like apple pie’s laid-back cousin. No crust, no rolling pins, and no stress. Just layers of juicy apples topped with a thick, golden batter that bakes into a crisped, cakey topping. It’s comfort food at its easiest and most irresistible.
🍂 Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp
- No pie crust needed! Huge time saver.
- One bowl for the batter. Minimal cleanup.
- Customizable. Adjust sugar, spices, and apples to your taste.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert. Reheats beautifully.
- Delicious warm, room temp, or cold. (But especially warm.)
🍎 Taste Profile
It’s rich with cinnamon and vanilla, with just the right amount of sweetness. The apples become soft and juicy, almost jammy, while the topping bakes into a golden, slightly crisp, cake-like finish. No dry crumbs here—just a soft and sweet topping that hugs every bite.
✅ Benefits of This Recipe
- Kid-friendly & crowd-approved.
- Uses pantry staples.
- Ready in under an hour.
- Easier than pie but just as cozy.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Apple Base:
- Enough peeled and sliced apples to fill an 8-inch deep-dish pie plate (about 5–6 medium apples)
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix works great.
For the Topping:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (set aside ¼ cup for cinnamon sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Deep 8-inch pie plate or 9×9 baking dish
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Apple peeler and corer
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- No eggs? Try flax eggs or swap for cold butter to make a crumble-style topping.
- Go gluten-free. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Want it less sweet? Cut the sugar by ¼ cup, especially if using sweeter apples.
- Add-ins: Chopped pecans, oats, or even a splash of bourbon for grown-up flavor.
🧁 How to Make Deep Dish Apple Crisp
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.
2. Layer the Apples
Peel and slice enough apples to fill your dish. Spread them evenly.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of the sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the apples.
4. Mix the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
The texture will be thick—more like dough than batter.
5. Top It Off
Drop spoonfuls of the batter over the apples and gently spread it with a spatula.
6. Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. A toothpick should come out clean from the topping.
🍨 What to Serve With It
- Vanilla ice cream (a classic!)
- Whipped cream or crème fraîche
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top
💡 Tips for Apple Crisp Success
- Use firm apples so they don’t turn to mush. Granny Smith adds a tart bite.
- Taste your apples before baking—you may want to adjust sugar.
- For a crunchier topping, toss in ¼ cup oats or chopped nuts.
- Make ahead and reheat gently in the oven before serving.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Pop in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven.
ℹ️ FAQ – Your Apple Crisp Questions, Answered!
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! Use ½ cup cold butter cut into the dry ingredients to create a crumble topping instead.
What apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a combo of both for balance.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 baking dish and add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.
🍽 Final Thoughts: The No-Crust Dessert That’s All Comfort
This recipe is proof that you don’t need a crust to have something comforting, nostalgic, and completely delicious. It’s become one of our go-tos on cool nights, holiday mornings, or when guests pop by and I need a dessert that’s quick, cozy, and guaranteed to please.
🍑 Love Apple Desserts? Try These Next:
📸 Share Your Apple Crisp Magic!
Tried this recipe? Leave a review below and tag your creation on Pinterest or Instagram with #nocrustapplecrisp—I’d love to see your warm-from-the-oven masterpieces!
🥣 Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 48g
- Sugar: 34g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
