This Vegan Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert made with sweet apples and a crunchy oat topping. It’s simple to make and perfect for cozy nights!
I love how the sweet smell fills the house while it bakes. And the best part? It’s guilt-free, so I can enjoy a second helping without a care! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Fuji) creates the perfect balance in flavor. If you can’t find these, other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well!
Lemon Juice: This brightens up the apple flavor! If you’re out of fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice or even apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor. Coconut sugar is a great less-refined option, and you can use white sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to reduce the sweetness if needed!
Rolled Oats: I love using rolled oats for that chewy texture, but quick oats can substitute if it’s what you have. Gluten-free oats are also available if needed.
Pecans: Chopped pecans bring extra crunch, but feel free to skip them or substitute with walnuts or almonds. You can also leave them out for a nut-free version.
How Do I Get the Perfect Oat Topping?
Creating that ideal crumbly topping is key for a good apple crisp! Here are some steps to ensure it’s just right:
- Mix the oats with flour and any nuts you’re using first. This helps disperse everything evenly.
- When adding melted coconut oil, don’t pour it all at once! Drizzle it slowly while stirring the mixture until crumbly clumps form. This gives you better texture.
- A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the topping, so don’t skip it!
For the best crisp, let it cool slightly after baking before serving. This helps the topping set up just right while the filling stays warm and delicious!
How to Make Vegan Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4 medium apples; a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Fuji works well)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for less refined)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter substitute)
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and 40-45 minutes for baking. Overall, set aside about an hour for a deliciously warm Vegan Apple Crisp. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a bit of coconut oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice. Next, add in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the apples are evenly coated and then spread this yummy mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Mix the Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, chopped pecans (if using), salt, and any remaining cinnamon. Stir it all together until mixed well.
4. Add the Coconut Oil:
Pour the melted coconut oil over the oat mixture. Stir everything together until you get crumbly clumps. This is what will make your crisp topping delicious!
5. Assemble and Bake:
Now, sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender. It’s going to smell amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow your Vegan Apple Crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. If you’d like, top it off with vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for that extra special touch.
7. Enjoy!
Grab your fork and dig in! This warm, comforting dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall when apples are in season. Enjoy the crunchy topping with the soft, sweet apple filling!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Apple Crisp?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like pears, blueberries, or peaches. Just adjust the sugar slightly based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose—tart fruits may require a bit more sugar.
How Do I Store Leftover Vegan Apple Crisp?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The recipe will taste just as delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Oil?
If you’re not a fan of coconut oil, you can use vegan butter or another neutral oil like avocado oil or canola oil. Just remember, the flavor may vary slightly, but the result will still be great!
