Growing up, vegan apple crisp was always a special treat in our household. My mom, being the health-conscious and eco-friendly person she is, had a knack for whipping up vegan desserts that were just as delicious as their non-vegan counterparts. This vegan apple crisp was no exception – in fact, it quickly became a family favorite.
I can still remember the aroma that would fill our kitchen as the apples, cinnamon, and oats baked to perfection. It was the kind of smell that instantly made your mouth water and your stomach grumble. And when we’d finally get to dig in, the combination of the warm, tender apples and the crisp, crumbly topping was absolute perfection. It was the ultimate cozy, comforting dessert that we’d enjoy all year round, but especially during the fall when the apples were at their peak.
Even now, as an adult, whenever I make this vegan apple crisp recipe, it takes me right back to those memories. It’s become a true go-to for me, not just because it’s insanely delicious, but because it’s so easy to whip up. And let’s be real – in today’s busy world, easy and delicious is the ultimate winning combination, am I right?
Why This Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect vegan apple crisp
What makes this vegan apple crisp recipe so special is the unique technique I use to get that perfectly crisp topping. Instead of just mixing the dry ingredients together and sprinkling them on top, I actually bake the topping on its own first. This ensures that the oats, nuts, and spices get gloriously golden and crunchy before they ever hit the apples. Then, I layer it all together and bake until the apples are tender and the topping is crisp. Trust me, this little extra step makes all the difference in the world.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Apples: I like to use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the best flavor and texture.
– Rolled oats: Whole grain rolled oats give the topping a lovely chewy-crunchy texture.
– Almond flour: This gluten-free flour helps bind the topping together and adds a nutty richness.
– Brown sugar: For sweetness and that classic caramelized flavor.
– Cinnamon: An essential spice that pairs so perfectly with the apples.
– Coconut oil: Replaces the butter in traditional apple crisp for a dairy-free version.
– Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
Step-by-Step vegan apple crisp Instructions
Preparing Your vegan apple crisp
This vegan apple crisp is so simple to make, and it comes together in just about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, like a mixing bowl, a baking dish, and a sharp knife for slicing the apples. Once you have everything prepped, it’s smooth sailing from there.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well coated.
3- In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, almond flour, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle in the melted coconut oil and stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
4- Spread the oat topping out in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown.
5- Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the baked oat topping.
6- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is crisp. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
– For the best texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples.
– Make sure to bake the topping separately first – this is the key to getting that perfect crunch.
– Don’t skip the pinch of salt – it really helps balance out the sweetness.
– Keep an eye on the topping as it bakes to prevent burning.
Serving and Storing Your vegan apple crisp
Perfect Pairings for vegan apple crisp
This vegan apple crisp is the ultimate cozy, comforting dessert. It’s delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream. It’s the perfect ending to a fall dinner party or a casual weekend at home. And of course, it’s always a hit around the holidays!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover vegan apple crisp will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked crisp for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the whole dish a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Or, you can bake the topping separately and store it in an airtight container, then just assemble and bake the day you want to serve it.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for vegan apple crisp
Creative vegan apple crisp Variations
While this classic vegan apple crisp is hard to beat, there are so many ways you can switch it up. Try using a mix of apples and pears for a fun twist. Or, add in some dried cranberries or chopped walnuts to the topping. For a seasonal spin, you could swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall or lemon zest in the spring.
Making vegan apple crisp Diet-Friendly
This vegan apple crisp is already dairy-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free rolled oats. For a lower-sugar version, you can reduce the brown sugar in both the apples and the topping, or swap it out for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple besides Granny Smith and Honeycrisp?
A: Absolutely! You can use just about any type of apple you like. I recommend sticking to a mix of tart and sweet apples, but feel free to experiment. Some other great options are Fuji, Gala, or Ambrosia.
Q: How do I know when the vegan apple crisp is done baking?
A: The apple crisp is ready when the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp. You can test the apples with a fork – they should be easily pierced. The topping should also look dry and crunchy on top.
Q: Can I make this vegan apple crisp ahead of time?
A: Yes, you have a few options for making it in advance. You can assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the topping separately and store it in an airtight container, then just layer it on top of the apples and bake when ready to serve.
Q: How many people does this vegan apple crisp recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes a 9×13-inch dish, which should serve 8-10 people as a dessert. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, it can easily feed 12 or more.
Q: What if my vegan apple crisp turns out soggy?
A: If your apple crisp ends up a little too soft and wet, there are a few things you can try next time. Make sure you’re using a mix of tart and sweet apples, and avoid over-crowding the baking dish. You can also try increasing the amount of topping or baking the apples for a bit longer before adding the topping.
Vegan Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy, comforting flavors of this homemade vegan apple crisp. Featuring a golden, crisp topping and a tender, caramelized apple filling, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 6 cups peeled and sliced apples
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup vegan butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. – In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss to coat the apples.
3. – In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, flour, vegan butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and crumbly.
4. – Spread the apple mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
5. – Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. – Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
For a firmer texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple mixture for a touch of acidity. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This vegan apple crisp is truly a family favorite in my house, and I have a feeling it’s going to become a go-to for you too. The combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and that perfectly crisp, crumbly topping is just unbeatable. Plus, it’s so easy to make and can be adapted to fit any dietary needs.
What are you waiting for? Grab some apples and get baking! I can’t wait to hear how your vegan apple crisp turns out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know. Enjoy!
