This Easy Vegan Apple Crisp combines tender caramelized apples with a buttery oat topping, creating a perfect fall dessert. Serve with ice cream and savor the flavors of the season!
Whether enjoyed at a cozy gathering or simply as a treat to brighten your day, this Vegan Apple Crisp brings together the heartwarming tastes of fall. And it's perfect for the holidays too!
The soft, warm apples get a sweet caramelized touch, releasing their natural goodness and comforting aroma. Topped generously with a mixture of buttery oats, every bite offers a tasty contrast: the tender fruit below and the crisp, golden topping above.
Looking for more fall desserts? Try my Vegan Apple Pie, Vegan Pumpkin Muffins, and Vegan Pumpkin Bread. This vegan apple crisp is also a fantastic option for breakfast or brunch, so check out my Vegan Brunch Recipes for more tasty ideas!
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🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
- Budget-Friendly. Enjoy a delicious dessert without breaking the bank, thanks to the affordable ingredients used in this dish.
- Accessible Ingredients. You don't need to hunt for exotic items. Everything you need is readily available at your local grocery store.
- Convenient Prep. Prepare in advance and bake just before serving. This time-saving feature lets you enjoy a freshly baked treat with minimal effort.
- Autumnal Bliss. Dive into the cozy, autumnal flavors: soft apples and spices hug it out in every bite.
- Fits Any Occasion. Whether you're chilling with friends, treating yourself, or making it festive, this recipe's got your back.
🧾 Ingredient notes
For the apple filling:
For the topping:
Apples - Go for the sturdier types. Granny Smiths are my go-to apples for baking, but Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji are also good choices. They stay firm and don't turn mushy when baked.
Brown sugar - Switch it up with different sugars like granulated, coconut, or cane. Just make sure it's vegan-friendly.
All-purpose flour - I’ve only made this recipe using all-purpose flour, but I think it could work if you use another type.
If you need a gluten-free option, go for a Gluten-Free Flour Blend.
Rolled oats - Rolled oats are the go-to, though quick oats work too. If you need gluten-free, go for those.
Vegan Butter - I used vegan butter, but coconut oil is also a good alternative.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📋 Variations
Spice up your vegan apple crisp with these tasty twists:
- Nutty Apple Crisp. Add chopped nuts to the topping for an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor.
- Berry Apple Crisp. Introduce a burst of color and flavor by mixing in a layer of mixed berries with the cubed apples.
- Ginger Apple Crisp. Infuse a warm, zesty note by incorporating freshly grated ginger into the mixture of cubed apples.
- Pear & Apple Crisp. Combine the sweetness of pears with the traditional taste of apples for a delightful fusion.
- Coconut Apple Crisp. Experience a taste of the tropics by incorporating shredded coconut into the apple mixture.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF or 180ºC. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (about 23x33 cm).
Step 2: Mix all of the filling ingredients in a large bowl (apples, brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt). Transfer to the baking dish.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine all the topping ingredients except the vegan butter (oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon).
Step 4: Cut in the vegan butter using a pastry cutter or a fork into the oat mixture until well combined.
Step 5: Sprinkle over the filling and bake for about 45 minutes or until the filling is bubbly, the apples are tender, and the topping is golden brown.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
💭 Expert tips
- Choose Firm Apples. Opt for firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well and avoid becoming mushy during baking.
- Cold Butter Trick. Incorporate very cold butter into the oat mixture using a pastry cutter or fork for a crumbly texture to prevent premature melting.
- Peel the Apples. Remove skins as they don't soften well while baking. Use chunks instead of slices to prevent uneven texture and potential mushiness.
- Serve Warm for Perfection. For the best flavor and crisp topping, serve the crisp warm. Leftovers stay good for 5 days, though the topping may soften slightly.
- Baking Dish Choice. Choose glass or ceramic for even baking and consistent texture in your crisp.
❓Recipe FAQs
After baking, it can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.
To maintain its freshness, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Keep in mind that while it will still be safe to eat after this time, the texture might soften, and the topping may lose some of its crispiness.
Absolutely! You can freeze it to prolong its freshness.
Make sure it's fully cooled before portioning and wrapping individual servings tightly in plastic wrap or foil or placing them in airtight freezer-safe containers.
Label and date each wrapped portion and freeze. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge and reheat it to restore its flavors and textures.
While the topping might not be as crispy, freezing lets you savor your apple crisp at your convenience.
Yes! Making it ahead of time is a great idea. Assemble the dish according to the recipe, but instead of baking, cover and refrigerate it until needed.
When ready to enjoy, pop it in the oven following the recipe's instructions, allowing a little extra baking time. This way, you'll have a warm and delightful dessert without the last-minute rush.
Cobbler, crumble, and crisp are baked fruit desserts, each with distinct characteristics.
A cobbler features a fruit base topped with a biscuit-like dough, baked until the topping is fluffy and the fruit is tender.
In contrast, a crumble showcases a fruit layer topped with a mix of butter, sugar, and flour, resulting in a crispy and crumbly texture when baked.
Similarly, a crisp consists of baked fruit, but its topping typically includes oats, yielding a crunchy texture.
While all three offer a delightful combination of baked fruit and a delectable topping, their specific textures set them apart.
It pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings, such as Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream, Coconut Whipped Cream, a drizzle of Vegan Caramel Sauce, or a dollop of Coconut Yogurt.
These toppings complement the warm, fruity flavors of the crisp and add an extra layer of indulgence to your dessert.
🍁 Other delicious fall desserts
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📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
- 2 pounds Granny Smith apples, about 6-7 cups, peeled, cored, and cubed, other varieties can be used
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup vegan butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF or 180ºC. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (about 23x33 cm).
- Mix all of the filling ingredients in a large bowl (apples, brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt). Transfer to the baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine all the topping ingredients except the vegan butter (oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon).
- Cut in the vegan butter using a pastry cutter or a fork into the oat mixture until well combined.
- Sprinkle over the filling and bake for about 45 minutes or until the filling is bubbly, the apples are tender, and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose Firm Apples. Opt for firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well and avoid becoming mushy during baking.
- Cold Butter Trick. Incorporate very cold butter into the oat mixture using a pastry cutter or fork for a crumbly texture to prevent premature melting.
- Peel the Apples. Remove skins as they don't soften well while baking. Use chunks instead of slices to prevent uneven texture and potential mushiness.
- Serve Warm for Perfection. For the best flavor and crisp topping, serve the crisp warm. Leftovers stay good for 5 days, though the topping may soften slightly.
- Baking Dish Choice. Choose glass or ceramic for even baking and consistent texture in your crisp.
Michelle says
Hi Iosune! I made this gluten-free for my hubby and he loved it so much. I use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free oats by the way. I think it's going to be our favorite fall treat!
Adriana @ Simple Vegan Blog says
Hi Michelle! Thank you so much for your kind comment 🙂