This vegan apple crisp is a warm and cozy dessert bursting with sweet apple goodness, all topped with crispy oats and brown sugar. It’s perfect for chilly nights!
Honestly, the best part is the crunchy topping. I can’t resist sneaking bites before it even cools down! 🍏 Just mix, bake, and enjoy a sweet treat that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for this crisp due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness. For variety, mixing in sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can add more flavor.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the flavor and prevents browning of the apples. If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice can work too, or you could skip it if you prefer.
Brown Sugar: Organic brown sugar gives a caramel-like flavor. You can also use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index, or maple syrup for a liquid sweetener. Just adjust the other liquids in the recipe if you do!
Oats: Rolled oats provide texture. If you’re gluten-sensitive, choose gluten-free oats! Steel-cut oats can be substituted but will have a chewier texture.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are tasty alternatives.
Vegan Butter: Instead, you can use coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor or applesauce if you want to reduce fat.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Apple Crisp?
To ensure your apple crisp is bursting with flavor, start by properly seasoning the apples. Toss them in lemon juice first, then mix in sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices enhance the apple flavor and create a warm aroma while baking.
- Make sure to slice the apples uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, let the apple mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before baking; this helps the flavors meld.
- Don’t skip the nut topping; it adds a delightful crunch!
Bake until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender. This combination will make your apple crisp irresistible!
Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 large apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix with red apples), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup organic brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This vegan apple crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake, making it ready to enjoy in about an hour! Plus, you can let it cool for a bit while you get the ice cream ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grab an 8×8 inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice. This helps to keep them fresh and bright. Then, add in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well so the apples are fully coated in those delicious flavors.
3. Assemble the Filling:
Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This layer is going to be the base of your yummy crisp!
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, and any chopped nuts you want to include. Then, pour the melted vegan butter or coconut oil over this mixture and stir everything together until it’s crumbly. This is what gives you that irresistible crispy topping!
5. Top and Bake:
Sprinkle your oat topping evenly over the apple layer in the baking dish. Now, it’s time to bake! Place it in the oven and let it cook for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
6. Cool and Serve:
Take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes—this will help the flavors settle. Serve it warm, and for an extra treat, add a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top!
Enjoy your comforting vegan apple crisp as the perfect dessert or snack! It’s sure to warm your heart and fill your tummy!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can get creative by adding other fruits like peaches, pears, or even berries. Just keep in mind that some fruits may require different sweeteners depending on their natural sweetness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free apple crisp, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also check that your rolled oats are certified gluten-free to ensure there’s no cross-contamination.
Can I Prepare the Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and the topping separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve! It’s perfect for a quick dessert option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
