This Vegan Apple Crisp is a warm and tasty dessert that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing! With sweet, baked apples topped with a crunchy oat and nut mixture, it’s simply perfect.
I’m guilty of sneaking spoonfuls while it’s still warm. Who can blame me? 😂 Serve it with a scoop of vegan ice cream for an extra treat. It’s such an easy recipe to whip up, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are my favorites for their tartness, which balances well with the sweetness of the crisp. If you can’t find those, Fuji or Jonagold also work nicely. Just steer clear of soft apples like Red Delicious.
Lemon Juice: This ingredient not only adds flavor but helps keep the apples from browning. If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, a splash of vinegar can do the trick, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that works great here. If you want to lower the sugar or need a substitute, try agave nectar or a combination of brown sugar and water. Keep in mind that brown sugar will add a deeper flavor.
Coconut Oil: This oil adds a nice richness to your crisp. You can swap it out for vegan butter, olive oil, or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunchy Topping?
The topping is truly where the magic happens in a crisp! To get that perfect crunchy texture, follow these tips:
- Mix the dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution of flavors and texture.
- Don’t hesitate to use your hands to mix in the melted coconut oil. This helps form those lovely clumps for a crunchy topping.
- Spread the topping evenly, but avoid pressing it down too hard. You want air in there for optimal crispiness.
- Keep an eye on it while baking. If it browns too quickly, cover it lightly with foil to prevent burning.
Your Vegan Apple Crisp will be a hit, so enjoy every bite!
Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients Needed:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Vegan Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40 to 45 minutes to bake. Overall, you should plan for about 1 hour of time, plus an extra 10 minutes to cool down before serving. Perfect for a cozy evening dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9″x9″ baking dish (or a similar size) with a bit of coconut oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, take the sliced apples and add the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss everything together gently until the apples are nicely coated. Once done, pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In another mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. Then, quickly pour the melted coconut oil and the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup over the oat mixture. Mix it all together until crumbly clumps begin to form.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping generously over the spiced apple filling in the baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly, but don’t press down too hard. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow the crisp to cool for about 10 minutes. This waiting period helps everything set up nicely. Serve warm and consider adding a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top for that extra delicious touch.
Enjoy your delicious Vegan Apple Crisp! It’s a cozy treat that’s sure to warm your heart!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can also use pears, peaches, or berries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetener according to the natural sweetness of the fruit you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use vegan butter, olive oil, or even canola oil. Just remember that each substitute will bring its own flavor, so choose based on your preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and crisp topping in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy! You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
