This Vegan Apple Crisp combines tender caramelized apples with a buttery oat topping. The perfect fall dessert! Serve with ice cream and enjoy 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 flavors of fall. It's also perfect for the holidays!
The soft, warm apples are caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma. Topped with buttery oats, each bite contrasts tender fruit and crisp, golden topping.
Looking for more fall desserts? Try my Vegan Apple Pie, Vegan Pumpkin Muffins, and Vegan Pumpkin Bread. Want more brunch ideas? Check out my Vegan Brunch Recipes.
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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. Prep ahead and bake before serving for a fresh, time-saving 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
- Nutty Apple Crisp: Add ½ cup (60 grams) of chopped nuts (like walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the topping for a crunchy, flavorful twist.
- Berry Apple Crisp: Mix in 1 cup (150 grams) of berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries) with the apples for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Ginger Apple Crisp: Stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger with the apples for a warm, spicy kick.
- Pear & Apple Crisp: Combine 2 pears (peeled and cubed) with the apples for a tasty mix.
- Coconut Apple Crisp: Add ½ cup (40 grams) of shredded coconut to the apples for a tropical touch.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
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: Like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji. They hold their shape and won't get mushy when baked.
- Cold Butter Trick: Use very cold butter and a pastry cutter or fork to mix it into the oats for a crumbly texture and to prevent melting.
- Peel the Apples: Remove skins for better texture. Use chunks, not slices, to avoid uneven baking and mushiness.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and crisp topping, serve warm. Leftovers keep for 5 days, though the topping may soften.
- 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 fridge 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.
Let it cool completely before wrapping individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or placing them in airtight containers.
Label and date each portion, then freeze. Thaw in the fridge and reheat to restore flavors and texture.
While the topping might not be as crispy, freezing lets you savor your apple crisp at your convenience.
To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350ºF (180ºC) for about 10-15 minutes until it's warm and the topping is crispy again.
You can also microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds, but the topping won’t be as crunchy.
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 features a fruit layer topped with butter, sugar, and flour, creating a crispy, 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.
By the way, if you like this Vegan Apple Crisp, you should definitely give my Vegan Apple Crumble a try. It's just as delicious!
It pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings like Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream, Vegan Whipped Cream, or a drizzle of Vegan Caramel Sauce.
You can also add a dollop of Coconut Yogurt for extra creaminess.
These toppings complement the warm, fruity flavors of the crisp and add an extra layer of indulgence to your dessert.
🍁 More vegan fall desserts
Did you like this recipe? Please leave a rating and comment below!
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
- 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 (180ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- 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: Like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji. They hold their shape and won't get mushy when baked.
- Cold Butter Trick: Use very cold butter and a pastry cutter or fork to mix it into the oats for a crumbly texture and to prevent melting.
- Peel the Apples: Remove skins for better texture. Use chunks, not slices, to avoid uneven baking and mushiness.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and crisp topping, serve warm. Leftovers keep for 5 days, though the topping may soften.
- 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 🙂