Black Pepper Free Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Warm, bubbling apple filling beneath a golden, crumbly oat topping — this is the kind of dessert that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible. The apples get tossed with maple syrup, arrowroot starch, and Ceylon cinnamon before baking, which gives the filling a glossy, jammy texture that holds together beautifully without any gummy starchiness. Ceylon cinnamon is the real star here — it's noticeably softer and more floral than the cassia variety most people keep in their spice cabinet, and it carries the whole dish. The topping comes together by working cold butter into rolled oats and almond flour until you get those perfect pea-sized crumbles, then a drizzle of maple syrup binds it just enough to clump without turning dense. After about 40 minutes in the oven, you get deep golden edges, bubbling fruit, and a crisp that genuinely earns its name. For anyone navigating spice sensitivities, this recipe is naturally free of black pepper in every component — no seasoning blends, no spice mixes, nothing hidden. Let it rest for ten minutes before serving and the filling thickens into something truly scoopable and satisfying.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the apple filling
- 6 medium apples (about 3 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
For the oat topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- ½ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the maple syrup, Ceylon cinnamon, and arrowroot starch until every slice is evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!