This Vegan Apple Crisp is a cozy dessert, featuring sweet baked apples topped with a crunchy oat mixture. It’s warm, fruity, and so comforting—perfect for any occasion!
Let’s be real, the crunchy topping makes this dish a showstopper! I love how easy it is to whip up and enjoy while it’s still warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples makes the best flavor. I suggest using Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji for sweetness. If you can’t find these, any firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn work too!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice keeps the apples bright and helps balance sweetness. You can substitute with lime juice in a pinch, or even omit it if you prefer less acidity.
Brown Sugar: It adds depth to the sweetness. Feel free to use coconut sugar or maple syrup if you’re aiming for a more natural sweetener. Just adjust the amount to taste!
Coconut Oil: This gives a nice crunch to the topping and is vegan-friendly. If you’re not a fan of coconut, opt for a neutral oil like canola or a vegan butter substitute instead.
Oats: Rolled oats are essential for that classic crisp topping. If you need a gluten-free option, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunchy Topping?
The topping is key for a successful apple crisp! It should be crunchy and golden brown. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Mix the dry ingredients well before adding any fat. This ensures even distribution.
- When you add the melted coconut oil or vegan butter, mix until clumps form. You want some larger chunks for that ultimate crunch.
- Don’t skip the nuts! They add extra texture and flavor. Toast them lightly beforehand for an even stronger nutty taste.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples, pressing it down slightly to help it stick together during baking.
If you follow these tips, you’ll have a deliciously crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the soft, spiced apples underneath!
Vegan Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 5 medium apples; use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Vegan Apple Crisp will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare. Then, it will need around 40-45 minutes to bake in the oven. All together, plan for about 1 hour of your time, plus a few minutes to let it cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure your crisp bakes evenly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Make sure the apples are coated evenly. This mixture adds sweetness and spice to the apples, creating a lovely flavor.
3. Transfer and Spread:
Now, transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that all the apples are nicely arranged at the bottom.
4. Make the Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This is the base for your crunchy topping!
5. Combine With Coconut Oil:
Pour the melted coconut oil (or vegan butter) over the oat mixture. Use a fork or your hands to mix this thoroughly until crumbly clumps form. If you’re adding nuts, fold them into the mixture now for an extra crunch!
6. Top the Apples:
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the apples well; you want each bite to have delicious crisp topping.
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and soft enough to pierce with a fork.
8. Let it Cool:
Once out of the oven, remove the delicious apple crisp and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help it set up a bit more.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Vegan Apple Crisp on its own or with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a special treat. Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures!
This warm, comforting vegan apple crisp is sure to please your taste buds with its perfectly spiced apple filling and crunchy oat topping. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Fuji works best for a balanced flavor, but feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand. Just make sure they are firm and not overly soft!
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Also, ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave single servings, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the apple filling and topping separately, then assemble just before baking. If you need to, you can even refrigerate the assembled dish for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.