Apple crisp is a classic fall dessert that brings warmth and coziness to the table. It combines the natural sweetness of apples with a crunchy, golden oat and almond flour topping.
This vegan apple crisp recipe is a simple yet satisfying dessert that offers all the comfort of traditional versions without any dairy or animal products.
Read on to discover how you can make this indulgent yet guilt-free treat!
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Ingredients for Vegan Apple Crisp
Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix for balanced flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep the apples from browning)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for added warmth)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish with a small amount of coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Peel and core your apples, then slice them thinly. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they will cook. You can use a mix of apples, such as tart Granny Smiths and sweeter Honeycrisps, to create a balanced flavor profile.
As you slice, toss the apple pieces in a large mixing bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning. This also adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the sugar.
2. Mix the Filling
To the sliced apples, add the coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of ground ginger if you prefer a little extra warmth. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and stir until everything is well coated. The cornstarch helps thicken the juices as the apples bake, ensuring a syrupy filling without being runny.
Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The apples should form a thick layer at the bottom of the dish.
3. Make the Oat Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, prepare the topping by combining the rolled oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the texture resembles a chunky, crumbly dough.
For extra texture and flavor, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble. This adds a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, baked apples.
4. Assemble the Apple Crisp
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples. The goal is to cover the entire surface of the apples, ensuring each bite has a bit of that crispy, golden topping.
The maple syrup in the topping caramelizes as it bakes, giving the crisp a rich sweetness, while the oats and almond flour create a satisfying crunch.
5. Bake
Place the apple crisp in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. Check on it around the 30-minute mark to see if the topping is browning too quickly. If necessary, cover it with foil for the remaining time to avoid burning the top while allowing the apples to fully soften.
You’ll know the crisp is done when the apples are tender and bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve
Once your vegan apple crisp is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and thicken.
Serve the crisp warm, ideally with a generous scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on the side. The combination of warm apples, crunchy topping, and cold ice cream is simply irresistible!
Tips for the Best Vegan Apple Crisp
- Apple Variety: Mixing different types of apples, such as Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, adds complexity to the flavor. Avoid apples that become mushy when baked, like Red Delicious.
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you need to make this dessert gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t need to make any changes there.
- Customize the Topping: Feel free to play around with the toppings. Swap the pecans for almonds or even add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. If you prefer a sweeter topping, you can increase the maple syrup slightly.
- Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store the apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crispiness of the topping.
Why This Recipe Works
This vegan apple crisp recipe is an excellent fall dessert for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. Even novice bakers can pull off this impressive dish with minimal effort. Second, the combination of tender baked apples and a crunchy, oat-based topping provides a satisfying contrast in textures, making each bite feel indulgent.
The use of coconut oil and almond flour keeps the dessert light yet filling, while maple syrup adds natural sweetness that’s less processed than refined sugar. These plant-based ingredients offer a healthier alternative to traditional butter and flour while delivering the same satisfying flavors.
Moreover, the flexibility of this recipe allows you to adapt it to suit your preferences. Whether you like your apple crisp more tart or sweet, with nuts or without, it’s easy to make this dessert your own.
Conclusion
This vegan apple crisp is a delightful, plant-based twist on a traditional dessert. With its warm, baked apples and crisp oat topping, it’s the perfect dish for cool fall days. Plus, it pairs beautifully with vegan vanilla ice cream, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
So, next time you’re looking for a comforting dessert, give this vegan apple crisp a try. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and your guests won’t even realize it’s vegan!
