I absolutely love this Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe because it’s a warm hug in dessert form—comforting, naturally sweet, and packed with cozy spices. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but actually comes together with minimal effort, which is perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend treats. Whenever I make this, the house fills with the most inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, and I can’t help but feel excited to dig in.
You’ll find that this recipe doesn’t require any complicated ingredients or techniques, so it’s ideal whether you’re just dipping your toes into vegan baking or need a fail-proof dessert to impress friends and family. Plus, the crisp topping is perfectly crunchy without any butter, making it a lighter but still indulgent ending to a lovely meal. Trust me, once you try this Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe, it’ll become a dessert staple in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: Perfect for special diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Balanced Sweetness: The tart apples combined with just the right amount of natural sweeteners make it irresistible.
- Make-ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance or freeze for busy days, no fuss involved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here all play their part beautifully—crisp apples that hold their shape, warm spices that evoke fall, and a crunchy oat topping that’s pure joy. When shopping, look for firm apples and good-quality almond flour for the best outcome.
- Sliced apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Jonagold or Granny Smith to keep the filling from turning mushy.
- Vegan honey or maple syrup: Maple syrup adds depth and sweetness naturally without refined sugar.
- Lemon juice: Helps brighten the filling and prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the apple flavor beautifully.
- Cinnamon: A must-have spice that gives this dessert its cozy vibe.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds a subtle citrus lift that makes the flavor pop.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds that classic spice note for complexity.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors in the dish.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a natural thickener for the apple filling to keep it luscious.
- Gluten-free rolled oats: Gives the topping a great texture and hearty feel.
- Blanched almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and binds the topping together.
- Finely chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a delicious nutty depth.
- Coconut sugar (or brown sugar): Provides caramel notes in the topping without being too sweet.
- Maple syrup (for topping): Keeps the crisp moist and naturally sweet.
- Ground cinnamon (for topping): Reinforces that warming spice in every bite.
- Vegan vanilla ice cream: The perfect creamy contrast when serving (highly recommended!).
Variations
I like to switch things up sometimes depending on the season or what nuts I have on hand. This Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe is super flexible, so feel free to tweak it to make it your own.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins: I discovered this trick one fall—sprinkling dried fruit into the apple layer gives a delightful burst of chewy sweetness.
- Use different nuts: Pecans are my favorite, but walnuts or almonds work just as well and bring their own unique flavor.
- Spice it up: Try adding a dash of ground ginger or cardamom for an unexpected twist that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Lower sugar version: Cut back on the coconut sugar or maple syrup if you prefer a more tart and less sweet crisp.
How to Make Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and grabbing a medium baking dish. Toss your sliced apples with the vegan honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, optional lemon zest, nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and cornstarch. I like to sprinkle the cornstarch last so it can evenly thicken the juices as it warms. Make sure your apples are well coated—this ensures that every bite is juicy but not watery.
Step 2: Whip Up the Crumble Topping
Using the same bowl (no need to bother washing), combine gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, chopped pecans, coconut sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Mix it all together until it resembles a crumbly granola texture. This topping is the best part—it adds a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that contrasts perfectly with the tender apples beneath.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread the apple filling in an even layer in your baking dish, then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top. Pop it into the oven on the middle rack and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns a golden brown and the apple juices are bubbly and thickened. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving so the filling sets nicely and doesn’t run all over the plate.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe
- Choose Firm Apples: I learned the hard way that softer apples can turn mushy. Firm varieties keep their texture during baking.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s key to thickening the juices so your crisp isn’t runny—trust me on this one.
- Mix Topping Well: Aim for a crumbly, granola-like texture. It bakes up crisp and golden, giving the perfect crunch.
- Let It Rest: Allow the crisp to cool a bit before serving to ensure the filling has time to set and won’t slide off the spoon.
How to Serve Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
I always serve this apple crisp with a generous scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream—the creamy coldness melts into the warm crisp and creates that perfect bite every time. For an extra touch, sometimes I sprinkle a bit of toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup right before serving. It’s simple but guaranteed to wow your taste buds.
Side Dishes
While this dessert is fantastic on its own, I sometimes pair it with a cup of strong coffee or a cozy cup of spiced chai tea to complement the warm flavors. If I’m serving it after a dinner, a light, citrusy salad or a crisp glass of white wine works beautifully to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in cute ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—everyone loves their own little personal crisp! Another fun idea is layering the apple crisp in clear glass jars, alternating with vegan whipped cream for a pretty parfait-style dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My family often makes this ahead and stores leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop a portion in the microwave or oven to warm it up—and it tastes like it was just baked.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this apple crisp successfully by assembling it in a freezer-proof dish and covering tightly before freezing for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw it in the fridge for 24-48 hours, then bake as usual. The texture stays surprisingly great, which is such a time saver when you want dessert on demand.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually cover the leftover portions with foil and warm them in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes to bring back the crispy topping while gently heating the filling. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too but the topping won’t stay as crunchy. Serving warm is definitely the way to go for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Absolutely! You can swap coconut sugar with brown sugar or even granulated sugar, but coconut sugar adds a nice caramel undertone that enhances the flavor. If you use regular sugar, your topping will still turn out delicious.
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What kind of apples work best for this Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe?
Firm apples like Jonagold, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady are ideal because they hold their shape when baking and provide a nice balance of tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the topping.
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Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit the almond flour and pecans and consider adding extra oats or a seed-based flour (like sunflower seed flour) to maintain texture. The crisp will still be delicious and accommodating for nut allergies.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rolled oats and ensure your almond flour is processed in a gluten-free facility. Always check labels if you’re sensitive to gluten.
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Can I make the Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the crisp a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture. It also freezes well if you want to prepare it weeks ahead.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to desserts—not just because it’s delicious and easy, but because it brings warmth and comfort in every bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s straightforward, naturally vegan, and loved by everyone around the table, this is it. Give it a try and make some sweet memories in your kitchen—I promise you’ll go crazy for it just like my family does.
Print
Easy Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 small servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Easy Vegan Apple Crisp recipe is a comforting and delicious dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat and nut crumble. It’s made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients including gluten-free oats, almond flour, pecans, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy treat that’s dairy-free and vegan-friendly, it’s also adaptable to air fryer cooking for quicker preparation.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 4 cups (446 g) sliced apples
- 2-3 tablespoons vegan honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (12 g) cornstarch
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup (90 g) gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/4 cup (28 g) blanched almond flour
- 1/3 cup (42 g) finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup (50 g) coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- Vegan vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (178°C) and prepare a medium-sized baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with vegan honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, lemon zest, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the apples evenly. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir again to incorporate; this will help thicken the filling during baking. Transfer the apple mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Make the Crumb Topping: Using the same bowl (no need to clean), add gluten-free rolled oats, blanched almond flour, chopped pecans, coconut sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients combine into a crumbly texture resembling granola.
- Assemble the Crisp: Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the apple filling in the baking dish, making sure to cover the apples well for a crunchy top.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 45 minutes. The topping should become golden brown, and the apple filling should bubble and thicken.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes so the filling sets properly. Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, tart apples that hold their shape and balance sweetness well, such as Jonagold, Cortland, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing: Prepare the crisp in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw 24-48 hours in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
- Air Fryer Method: Use smaller individual pie tins with reduced ingredients, cover with foil, bake at 330°F for 10 minutes covered, then uncover and bake 10 minutes more until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small serving (approximately 1/12 of the recipe)
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 13.1 g
- Sodium: 16.2 mg
- Fat: 4.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26.5 g
- Fiber: 3.1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
