This Vegan Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert made with sweet apples and a crunchy oat topping. It’s simple and delicious, perfect for cozy evenings!
Honestly, there’s nothing like the smell of apples baking! I love to scoop it with some vegan ice cream on top. Who needs dairy when you have this tasty treat? 🍏😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the crisp. Honeycrisp works great too! If you can’t find these, any firm apples will do. Just avoid apples that get mushy when cooked.
Lemon Juice: This is key for brightening the apple flavor. If you don’t have lemon, try lime juice or even a bit of apple cider vinegar. It helps to keep apples from browning too!
Brown Sugar: I often use coconut sugar for a healthier twist. It gives a slight caramel flavor. If you prefer no sugar at all, try maple syrup or agave as a substitute, just adjust the quantities for sweetness.
Oats: Rolled oats are my go-to for that perfect crunch! If you’re gluten-free, make sure to get certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats work too, but they can get mushy.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, you can skip them entirely or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Apples?
Getting the apples ready is critical for a tasty crisp! Here’s a quick guide:
- First, wash, peel, and core the apples. Then slice them thinly. This helps them cook evenly.
- Mix the sliced apples with lemon juice and spices right away so they don’t brown. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to marinate their flavors.
- Once coated, layer them in your baking dish. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
These steps will help you achieve a delicious filling to balance the crispy topping!
Vegan Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for refined sugar-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Vegan Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll spend about 1 hour for a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or not!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crisp will bake evenly from the start! While it’s heating up, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little coconut oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice. Then add in 1/4 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together until the apples are well-coated. Once mixed, transfer this fruity goodness into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, and chopped nuts (if you choose to add them). Add the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar as well. Then, pour in the melted coconut oil (or vegan butter) and vanilla extract. Stir everything until crumbly and well mixed. This topping is where the magic happens!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make it nice and even so every spoonful will have that delicious crunch!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown, and the apples should be tender. It will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
6. Cool Down and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the crisp from the oven, and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes (if you can wait!). Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top for an extra treat.
Enjoy your cozy and delicious homemade Vegan Apple Crisp! It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Can I Use Any Type of Apple for This Crisp?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their tartness and sweetness, you can use any firm apples. Just avoid overly soft varieties as they may turn mushy while baking.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free rolled oats and substitute the all-purpose flour with a favorite gluten-free flour blend. This will keep the crisp delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive diets!
How Do I 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 (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
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 a day. Assemble and bake just before you’re ready to serve for fresh, warm apple crisp!
