This vegan apple crisp is a warm, cozy dessert that combines sweet apples with a crunchy oat topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for chilly evenings!
The best part? It’s guilt-free, as it skips dairy and eggs but still tastes amazing. I love serving it with some dairy-free ice cream on top—so good! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity. If those aren’t available, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Both will work well!
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and helps keep the apples from browning. If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice is a great alternative, or even apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
Brown Sugar: I often use coconut sugar as it’s less processed and has a nice caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, maple syrup or agave can also work in smaller amounts, just adjust your wet ingredients to balance it.
Coconut Oil: For a lighter flavor, you can use vegetable oil or melted margarine if you’re not strictly avoiding all oils. I personally enjoy the hint of coconut from the oil, but your choice will work just fine!
How Do You Get the Oat Topping to Be Perfectly Crunchy?
Getting that topping crispy is key for a great apple crisp! Here’s how to do it well:
- Combine the dry ingredients first: oats, flour, nuts, and spices. This helps distribute everything evenly.
- When adding the melted coconut oil, make sure it’s not too hot. Gradually mix it in until everything looks crumbly.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apple filling. Don’t pack it down too much; this will keep it crisp while baking!
- Bake at the right temperature (350°F) for enough time to get that golden-brown color. Keep an eye on it towards the end! You want it bubbly and lightly browned.
Let it cool slightly after baking so the filling can set up a bit. This will help with cutting perfect squares for serving!
Vegan Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for refined sugar-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat / gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious vegan apple crisp takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you will need to bake it for 40-45 minutes. So, in total, plan for around 1 hour to enjoy your warm dessert! Plus, it tastes even better when enjoyed fresh from the oven or once it has cooled slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This is where all the magic will happen!
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice. This will keep them nice and bright! Then, add in 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and the vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the apples are well coated in the lovely mixture. Once done, spread the apple mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
3. Create the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, chopped nuts, coconut sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Once mixed together, drizzle in the melted coconut oil and stir until all the ingredients are crumbly and combined. This crumbly goodness will give your apple crisp its delightful texture!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Now, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown and the apples to be soft and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once the apple crisp is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This allows everything to set a bit. Serve it warm, straight from the dish, and give it a delightful finish with vegan vanilla ice cream or some creamy coconut whipped cream. Enjoy every bite of this cozy dessert!
This vegan apple crisp is perfectly crunchy on top with tender spiced apples underneath, making it a delightful dessert to enjoy all year round!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can mix varieties for more depth of flavor. Granny Smith is perfect for tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for added sweetness. Just aim for a combination of sweet and tart for the best results!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this apple crisp gluten-free by using rolled oats labeled gluten-free and substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour. Both options will still deliver a delightful crisp topping!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave for a quicker option. Opt for the oven if you want to maintain that crunchy topping!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven for fresh, warm apple crisp!
