This Vegan Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that features sweet, juicy apples topped with a crunchy oat and nut mixture. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion!
I love how the cinnamon fills the kitchen with a lovely smell while it bakes. You can enjoy it with non-dairy ice cream for a yummy treat! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Mixing tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Fuji) brings great flavor. If you have other apples, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, feel free to use those! Just adjust the sweetness of other ingredients accordingly.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning. If you’re out, a splash of vinegar or using another acid can work in a pinch, but the flavor will change a bit.
Maple Syrup: This is my go-to sweetener here, but agave nectar or brown sugar works too for a similar sweetness. If you want a lower sugar option, consider using stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Coconut Oil: It gives a lovely richness to the topping. You can substitute vegan butter or any neutral oil, but coconut oil adds a nice flavor that complements the apples well.
Nuts: I like adding chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, but you can skip them if you have nut allergies or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead!
How Do I Get the Crunchy Topping Just Right?
The crisp topping is key to a great apple crisp, and here’s how to make it crunchy! Start by combining oats, flour, sugar, and spices in a bowl. Make sure everything is mixed well before adding the melted coconut oil. This keeps the mixture crumbly.
- Use cold coconut oil if you want a flakier texture, but melted works well too!
- Once you mix in the oil, it’s important to not overmix. Just combine until it’s crumbly and you still see some larger clumps. This ensures a perfect crispy topping.
- Sprinkle the topping generously over the apples, ensuring even coverage for the best bake.
Don’t forget to let it cool slightly after baking; it’ll enhance the texture and flavor! Enjoy this simple yet delightful dessert! 🍏✨
Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 5 medium apples; a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji works well)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter substitute)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Vegan Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 45-50 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll spend about 1 hour and a bit enjoying the rich aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fill your kitchen! Perfect for cozy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for achieving that perfect golden topping.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything together until the apples are coated nicely. This mixture adds so much flavor!
3. Spread the Apples:
Transfer the well-mixed apple filling into your lightly greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every piece of apple gets that delicious topping later on!
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This is where you build that crunchy topping.
5. Combine with Coconut Oil:
Pour in the melted coconut oil and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined. If you’re adding nuts, this is a great time to mix them in!
6. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the oat topping generously over the apple mixture in the baking dish. It should cover the apples but don’t worry if some peeks through; it’ll be delicious!
7. Bake Until Golden:
Pop your baking dish in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbly apples. The kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will allow the flavors to meld a bit more. It’ll be hard to resist the sweet smell!
9. Enjoy:
Serve your Vegan Apple Crisp warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Now, dig in and enjoy your comforting Vegan Apple Crisp! 🍏✨
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji apples work great together, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn. Just aim for a combination of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use vegan butter or another neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil. Each option will lend a slightly different flavor to the topping.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This way, everyone can enjoy this dessert without worry!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through, and enjoy it again!