There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm apple crisp on a chilly evening. The aroma of cinnamon, the slight tartness of baked apples, and the golden, crumbly topping make apple crisp a classic dessert that’s easy to prepare and loved by many. This vegan apple crisp recipe is not only simple but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re making this for a holiday dinner or a cozy night in, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You Will Love This Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep and just a few pantry staples, this apple crisp comes together quickly.
- Perfectly Vegan: No dairy or animal products here, but just as delicious, if not better! Vegan butter and maple syrup give it a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Warm and Cozy Flavors: Cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup bring a cozy sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or add a few extras to make it your own.
- Versatile Dessert: This apple crisp is as delicious on its own as it is with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
Ingredient Notes
- Apples: Choose a variety of apples for a balanced flavor. Granny Smith apples are tart, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples bring sweetness. Mixing them gives depth to the filling.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity brightens the apples, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. You could also substitute it with agave nectar if you prefer.
- Cinnamon and Vanilla Extract: Essential for that warm, cozy flavor. They work beautifully with the apples and make the whole kitchen smell heavenly.
- Rolled Oats: Oats give the topping its signature crispiness. Avoid quick oats, as they don’t provide the same texture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the topping together, but you can substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor to the crisp topping. Coconut sugar works as a great alternative.
- Vegan Butter: Keeps the topping moist and allows it to crisp up as it bakes. You can also use coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
- Walnuts: Optional, but they add a lovely crunch. Pecans are another great choice.
Recipe Tips for the Best Vegan Apple Crisp
- Slice Apples Evenly: Uniform slices will bake more evenly, so try to keep them around the same thickness.
- Mix Ingredients Well: Make sure all apple slices are evenly coated with maple syrup and spices, and that the topping ingredients are thoroughly combined for an even crumble.
- Use Fresh Cinnamon: Fresh spices make a big difference in flavor. If your cinnamon is over a year old, it’s worth replacing it.
- Baking Time and Dish: Use a 9×13 baking dish for even baking. Keep an eye on the topping to prevent over-browning.
- Let it Cool Slightly: Allowing the apple crisp to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking will make it easier to serve and allow the flavors to meld.
Vegan Serving Suggestions for Apple Crisp
- Vegan Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture of vegan ice cream, such as vanilla or salted caramel, is perfect with warm apple crisp.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a light, fluffy touch.
- Drizzle of Extra Maple Syrup: For those with a sweet tooth, a light drizzle of maple syrup can take the flavor up a notch.
- Warm Breakfast Option: This apple crisp also makes a comforting breakfast when served with dairy-free yogurt.
How to Store Vegan Apple Crisp
- Room Temperature: Apple crisp can be left covered at room temperature for up to two days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. The topping may lose some of its crispness, but it will still taste delicious.
- Freezer: Apple crisp can be frozen. Cool it completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven to restore its original texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Apple Crisp
1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste great.
2. Can I use other fruits in this crisp?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or berries can be added or substituted for apples. Just be mindful of the moisture level, as some fruits are juicier and may need a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
3. What other nuts can I use?
If you don’t have walnuts, try pecans or almonds, which also add a lovely crunch to the topping.
4. Is it possible to make this apple crisp oil-free?
Yes! Substitute the vegan butter with applesauce or coconut oil for a lower-fat version. However, the texture may be less crispy.
Essential Equipment for Making Vegan Apple Crisp
- 9×13 Baking Dish: For an even bake and perfect portion sizes.
- Mixing Bowls: Separate bowls for the filling and topping make preparation easy.
- Apple Peeler and Corer: If you make apple desserts often, this tool will save you time and effort.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Cooling Rack: Allows the apple crisp to cool evenly, enhancing the texture.
A Dessert to Warm Your Heart
This vegan apple crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert, ideal for chilly nights, family gatherings, or a cozy treat just for you. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s packed with flavor and free of animal products. It’s a great way to celebrate fall or add warmth to any day of the year.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or an experienced plant-based cook, this apple crisp is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe, or do you have your own version of apple crisp? Maybe you’ve experimented with different fruits or added your favorite toppings? Share your tips, questions, or flavor variations in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag @healthy.living.enthusiast on Instagram if you post a photo of your apple crisp – I’d love to see your delicious creations!
Vegan Apple Crisp
This Vegan Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert featuring juicy apples, a cinnamon-spiced oat topping, and natural sweetness from maple syrup. Perfect for fall, it’s simple, satisfying, and pairs beautifully with vegan ice cream.
Ingredients
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted vegan butter
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish lightly or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well to coat the apples evenly. Spread the apple mixture in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted vegan butter, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until the ingredients are well-combined and crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling, covering the apples completely. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally topped with vegan ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Combining sweet and tart apple varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, adds depth to the flavor and a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Letting the crisp sit for 10–15 minutes after baking helps the filling set and enhances the flavors, making it easier to serve.
- For a crispier topping, use melted vegan butter and mix well with the oats and flour, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated before baking.
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