Vegan apple crisp doesn’t need much to make it vegan—just alternative butter. Where vegan desserts are concerned, this recipe tops the list as one of the most comforting. It combines tart apples with a warm, crumbly topping made from a mix of brown sugar, oats and spices.
One of our favorite vegan-friendly recipes, vegan apple crisp requires minimal prep time; most of the work is done in the oven! Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream or enjoying it on its own, this vegan apple crisp recipe is sure to become a favorite in your fall collection.
Vegan Apple Crisp Ingredients
- Apples: Choose tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn. These varieties are the best apples for baking because they hold their shape well and provide a pleasing contrast to the sweet, crumbly topping.
- Sugar: A bit of granulated sugar sweetens the apple filling to balance out any tartness.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds warm, molasses notes and lends a more caramelly flavor than white sugar, so we don’t recommend swapping within this vegan apple crisp recipe.
- All-purpose flour: You’ll need flour to thicken the apple filling. A flour alternative may slightly change the texture of the crisp, but the filling will be the same.
- Old-fashioned oats: The key to creating the perfect crisp topping is the oats. Look for old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats in the cereal or baking aisle.
- Ground cinnamon: Sweet cinnamon adds warmth to the crisp to offset the bright, tart flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: The warm spice of nutmeg adds aromatic depth to the crisp.
- Salt: It may not seem like much, but a dash of salt enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and highlighting the spices.
- Vegan butter: Using cold vegan butter ensures a perfectly crumbly topping for your crisp.
Directions
Step 1: Make the apple filling
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the apples with granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour the apple filling into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
Step 2: Make the topping
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; cut in the vegan butter until crumbly.
Step 3: Bake the crisp
Sprinkle the topping over the apples. Bake until the apples are tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve warm.
Editor’s Tip: Place a baking sheet on a separate rack underneath the crisp to catch anything that may drip and ooze over.
Recipe Variations
- Try different fruits: Fresh raspberries, blackberries, strawberries or even cherries can be used instead of or with the apples in this recipe. It’s a great way to use seasonal fruit!
- Add lemon: A little lemon zest grated into the apples or a splash of lemon juice will add a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Sprinkle in nuts: For more crunch, add finely chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans to the crisp mixture.
How to Store Vegan Apple Crisp
Allow the crisp to completely cool to room temperature, then cover the pan with storage wrap or transfer the crisp to an airtight container. The vegan apple crisp can be kept in the fridge for up to four days.
Can you freeze vegan apple crisp?
You can make this vegan apple crisp recipe ahead of time and freeze it for up to a month. When ready to serve, fully defrost it in the fridge before popping it into a 350° oven to reheat it.
Vegan Apple Crisp Tips
How should you cut your apples for vegan apple crisp?
For the perfect vegan apple crisp, slice your apples into thin, even wedges, approximately 1/4-inch thick. This thickness allows the apples to cook evenly and become tender without turning mushy. To achieve consistent slices, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, and be sure to remove any seeds and tough core sections. Evenly cut apples ensure balanced texture and flavor in every bite of your crisp.
What can you serve with vegan apple crisp?
This vegan apple crisp recipe makes a delicious dessert all on its own, but a scoop of vegan ice cream, a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream, or a spoonful of vegan yogurt brings a smooth richness to the sweet dessert.
What’s the difference between a cobbler and a crisp?
The difference between a cobbler and a crisp is their toppings. A cobbler recipe has more of a biscuit-like topping, whereas a crisp recipe has a streusel-like topping.
