As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, the kitchen comes alive with delicious aromas that warm the soul. That’s when my Easy Vegan Apple Crisp recipe shines! Imagine biting into tender, tart Granny Smith apples, perfectly balanced with a crunchy, golden topping that beckons with hints of cinnamon and sweetness.
I initially unearthed this delightful dessert while searching for a way to make my fall gatherings a little more health-conscious without sacrificing flavor. With a base that’s gluten-free and refined sugar-free, this crisp is not only indulgent but also guilt-free—perfect for those evenings when you crave something warm and cozy.
This recipe invites everyone to enjoy the charm of homemade desserts, proving that you don’t need dairy or gluten to create a crowd-pleasing treat. So, gather your favorite apples and let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying dessert that’ll brighten your autumn gatherings!
Why is this Easy Vegan Apple Crisp a Must-Try?
Deliciously Guilt-Free: Enjoy a dessert that’s free from refined sugars and gluten, allowing you to indulge without the worry.
Simple Preparation: This Easy Vegan Apple Crisp uses just a handful of whole ingredients, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs.
Festive Flavor: The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and warm cinnamon creates a heavenly aroma that welcomes the fall season.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether at a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dessert caters to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can dig in.
Versatile Options: Experiment with different apple varieties or add in nuts and dried fruits for a personal touch! Looking for more vegan delights? Explore other healthy dessert options on my blog.
Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- Granny Smith apples – They’re tart and sweet, making for a perfect base; use about 7 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
- Arrowroot powder – A natural thickener for the filling; can substitute with cornstarch if needed.
- Pure maple syrup – Adds delightful sweetness to both the filling and topping; you can swap for agave syrup for a vegan alternative.
- Ground cinnamon – Enhances the warm flavor of the apples; use freshly ground for the best taste.
For the Crisp Topping
- Quick cooking oats – Provides a chewy texture; ensure they’re gluten-free if that’s a necessity.
- Blanched almond flour – Contributes to a light and crumbly topping; oat flour can be an easy swap.
- Coconut sugar – A natural sweetener that adds depth; you can use brown sugar as an alternative.
- Baking soda – Helps the topping rise for that perfect crispness; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Himalayan fine salt – Balances the sweetness of the filling and topping; just a pinch goes a long way.
- Vegan butter or coconut oil – Provides essential fat for a crumbly topping texture; remember not to melt before measuring!
Now that you’ve gathered the ingredients, you’re one step closer to enjoying this Easy Vegan Apple Crisp that beautifully captures the flavors of fall!
How to Make Easy Vegan Apple Crisp
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with vegan butter or coconut oil to ensure your crisp doesn’t stick.
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Prepare the Apples: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples with arrowroot powder, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Toss until everything is well mixed, then transfer this delightful mixture into your greased baking dish.
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Mix the Topping: In the same bowl, combine the quick cooking oats, blanched almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir together until evenly incorporated, creating a lovely blend of textures.
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Combine with Fats: Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and softened vegan butter into the bowl. Use a fork to mix everything until you achieve a crumbly texture rather than a sticky dough.
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Assemble the Crisp: Evenly spread the topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish. There’s no need to press it down; just let it rest gently on top.
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Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Serve Warm: Allow your Easy Vegan Apple Crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s especially delightful topped with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce.
Optional: For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts onto the topping before baking.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Vegan Apple Crisp
Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to 2 hours if you’re serving it fresh out of the oven. Keep it covered to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Fridge: Place any leftover Easy Vegan Apple Crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving to enjoy the warm, cozy flavors again.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore that crispy topping, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Variations
Get ready to personalize your dessert adventure with fun twists and swaps that elevate this classic dish!
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Sweeter Apples: Try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples instead of Granny Smith for a naturally sweeter flavor.
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Nutty Crunch: Add walnuts or pecans to the topping for an extra layer of crunch and richness, bringing a delightful texture contrast.
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Dried Fruit Twist: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins into the apple filling for bursts of sweetness, bringing layers of flavor that surprise with every bite.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for an aromatic warmth that enhances the entire crisp experience.
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Oat-Free Option: For a grain-free twist, substitute oats with shredded coconut or almond flour, giving a new dimension to the topping’s texture while keeping it deliciously vegan.
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Maple Magic: Amp up the flavor by drizzling a little extra maple syrup over the baked crisp just before serving, adding a rich, caramel-like glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Choco Delight: Mix in some dark chocolate chips into the topping for a sweet surprise that pairs beautifully with the tart apples—pure bliss in every bite.
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Zesty Zing: Add a splash of lemon juice and a little zest to the apple mixture for a refreshing, tangy pop that enhances the apple’s flavor and balances the sweetness.
Expert Tips for Easy Vegan Apple Crisp
- Slice Thinly: Ensure your apple slices are thin for even cooking and tenderness, preventing any crunchy bits in your filling.
- Crumble Wisely: Use a fork to combine topping ingredients to achieve a crumbly texture instead of a doughy mixture, keeping it light and crispy.
- Fresh Ingredients: Check that your baking soda is fresh for the best rise; expired baking soda can result in a dense topping.
- Store Properly: To maintain freshness, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to swap Granny Smith apples for sweeter varieties or add nuts for a delightful crunch in your Easy Vegan Apple Crisp!
What to Serve with Easy Vegan Apple Crisp?
Imagine cozying up to this warm dessert, now let’s create the perfect meal to accompany it.
- Vanilla Vegan Ice Cream: Topping your apple crisp with a scoop of creamy vegan ice cream creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold.
- Maple Drizzle: A simple drizzle of pure maple syrup over the crisp intensifies the flavor, bringing a touch of sweetness that’s just divine.
- Nutty Granola: Add some dynamism with crunchy, nut-based granola served alongside; it pairs wonderfully with the smooth apple filling. The combo elevates the texture and flavor!
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the sweet richness of the apple crisp, cleansing the palate with every bite.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the flavors of cinnamon and apples beautifully, bringing a cozy, aromatic element to your meal.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free topping, serve a dollop of coconut whipped cream on the side, adding a hint of tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly.
- Peanut Butter Cookies: For an unexpected treat, make soft, chewy peanut butter cookies as a dessert pairing; they match well with the warm apple crisp, creating a nostalgic experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Vegan Apple Crisp are perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave comfort but want to save time! You can prepare the apple filling (sliced Granny Smith apples mixed with arrowroot powder, maple syrup, and cinnamon) up to 24 hours in advance. Just refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can mix the crisp topping ingredients and store them separately for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the layers in the baking dish and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a warm, scrumptious dessert with minimal effort, making it just as delicious and inviting as if you made it entirely fresh!
Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe Granny Smith apples for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Look for Granny Smith apples that are firm, with a bright green color. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkles, which can indicate overripeness. If you can find them, try to choose those with a glossy sheen; they often have the best flavor!
How should I store leftover Easy Vegan Apple Crisp?
Very! To keep your Easy Vegan Apple Crisp fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for a quicker warm-up, ensuring that it regains its crispiness.
Can I freeze Easy Vegan Apple Crisp?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the apple crisp to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to savor it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned above to bring back that delightful crunch.
What if my topping is too crumbly or too doughy?
No worries! If your topping is too crumbly, try adding a bit more melted vegan butter or a splash of maple syrup to bind it together without making it sticky. If it turns out too doughy, it may be that the ratios of oats and almond flour are off. Just add a bit more oats to regain that desired crumbly texture!
Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies?
It’s important to note that while this Easy Vegan Apple Crisp contains almond flour, you can easily substitute it with oat flour or a seed-based flour to keep it nut-free. Just be cautious about other ingredients, like any toppings or sweeteners that may contain cross-contaminants.
Can I use other types of apples for a different flavor profile?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for the tart-sweet balance, feel free to swap them for Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter dessert. Mixing apples can also create a delightful contrast, giving your Easy Vegan Apple Crisp a unique twist that’s all your own!
Guilt-Free Easy Vegan Apple Crisp That's Gluten-Free & Delicious
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with vegan butter or coconut oil to ensure your crisp doesn't stick.
- Prepare the Apples: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples with arrowroot powder, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Toss until well mixed, then transfer to your greased baking dish.
- Mix the Topping: In the same bowl, combine the quick cooking oats, blanched almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir together until evenly incorporated.
- Combine with Fats: Add maple syrup and softened vegan butter into the bowl. Use a fork to mix everything until you achieve a crumbly texture.
- Assemble the Crisp: Evenly spread the topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until topping is golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.