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When Fall or Winter is here with us, and with it comes the undeniable craving for warm, cozy desserts, the aroma of cinnamon mingled with baked apples of this Vegan Apple Crips is what you need.
This dessert is like a comforting hug in a bowl, a heavenly meld of sweet, tangy apples with a crumbly, nutty topping that’s a delight in every bite.
This Vegan Apple Crisp is delicious and healthy: free from common allergens such as dairy and gluten (if you opt for gluten-free oats), making it a friendly option for those with specific dietary restrictions. It contains no added oils or butter, making it a lighter yet utterly satisfying choice for a dessert.
Prepare it Nut-free, skipping the nuts and replacing the almond flour with other flour in the topping.
APPLE CRISP ORIGINS
The dessert known as apple crisp is believed to have originated from the British dessert called crumble. The two desserts are very similar; their names are the only difference. In the past, American apple crisp was made with oats, making the coating crunchier.
Nowadays, both desserts can be made using a variety of ingredients.
WHY APPLES ARE GOOD FOR YOU
Apples are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
They are rich in vitamin C and various antioxidants, making them a great asset in fighting off free radicals and keeping your immune system strong.
Incorporating apples into your diet can aid in weight management, promote heart health, and perhaps even improve memory and neurological health.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS VEGAN APPLE CRISP
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
This vegan apple crisp is a classic and favorite dessert that sets the right mood for the cold days and holiday season at my home. The recipe is super easy to make, which will definitely make it your favorite dessert, too:
- Prepare the filling and the crumble topping.
- Assemble the apple crisp in a baking dish.
- Bake and enjoy.
This recipe uses wholesome ingredients that are both nourishing and flavorful to create a dessert that is indulgent but not overly sweet.
Combining different apple varieties achieves a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. At the same time, the crumble topping adds a heartwarming crunch with every spoonful.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Before you embark on your culinary adventure, make sure you have these kitchen essentials at the ready:
- A large mixing bowl (for preparing the filling)
- A medium mixing bowl (for preparing the topping)
- A 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar size
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious Vegan Apple Crisp:
- Apples: The star of the show, adding sweetness, texture, and a host of health benefits. We combine different apple varieties to achieve a delightful balance of sweetness (Honeycrisp) and tartness (Granny Smith).
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a hint of caramel-like flavor.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, complementing the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
- Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Helps in thickening the apple mixture, creating a luscious filling.
- Plant-Based Milk/Water: Adds moisture to the filling, helping in achieving the right consistency.
- Lemon Juice: Enhances the flavor of the apples and prevents them from browning.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
- Rolled Oats: Adds a wholesome crunch to the topping, making it hearty and satisfying.
- Almond Flour: This gives the crumble topping a nutty flavor and a wonderful texture.
- Applesauce: Adds moisture and sweetness to the topping without adding oils. Check out my homemade recipe!
- Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and an extra dose of protein and healthy fats (optional).
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
Savor the cozy embrace of this Vegan Apple Crisp, a blend of tangy and sweet apples crowned with a crunchy, nutty topping, in one hour.
Preheat: Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Then, prepare the apples, peeling and slicing them.
Prepare the filling: continue by mingling the apple slices with aromatic spices, a hint of lemon zest, and a dash of plant-based milk, creating a lush, flavorful base.
Make the crumble topping with rolled oats and almond flour infused with cinnamon and bound together with applesauce, forming clumps that promise a crunch in every bite.
Assemble apple crisp by layering the spiced apples with the crumble mixture, and then let the oven work its magic, transforming these humble ingredients into a golden, bubbling crisp.
Bake it for 35 to 40 minutes.
Serve warm, perhaps accompanied by a scoop of vegan ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy sweet treat!
What you’ll love about this recipe?
This Vegan Apple Crisp is a treat for your taste buds and soul.
The layered flavors, the contrasting textures, and the aroma that fills your home as it bakes are sure to make this a favorite in your home.
It’s simple yet elegant, making it a wonderful choice for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings.
- It’s comforting and warm.
- With the right sweetness.
- A healthy dessert.
- Perfect for cold weather and the holidays.
- Delicious!
- It’s allergen-friendly, accommodating various dietary needs.
- Simple and easy to make!
Let’s prepare this Vegan Apple Crisp!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
VEGAN APPLE CRISP: EASY AND HEALTHY
Equipment
- 1 Peeler
- 1 knife
- 2 mixing bowl
- 1 Baking dish (9×9-inch baking dish or a similar size)
- 1 chopping board
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 apples (2 Granny Smith, 2 Honeycrisp, large, peeled, cored, and sliced thin) and (organic if possible)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup (or date syrup)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp plant-based milk (or water. I'm usign organic soy milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (organic cornstarch or arrowroot powder)
- salt (A dash of sea salt)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 ¼ cup organic rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/3 cup nuts (chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans – optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, lemon juice, plant-based milk or water, vanilla extract, corn starch (or arrowroot powder), and a dash of salt. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture to a baking dish (around 9×9-inch or similar size).
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: In another mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the unsweetened applesauce maple syrup and mix until the mixture forms clumps. Stir in the chopped nuts if using, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Apple Crisp: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish, gently pressing it down to form a crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the topping is golden, the filling is bubbly, and the apples are tender (test the apples with a fork).
- Cool and Serve: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve optionally with a scoop of vegan ice cream and some homemade caramel sauce, maple or date syrup.
- Enjoy your delicious and healthy vegan apple crisp!
Notes
- Storage: Your Vegan Apple Crisp will stay in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Store the crisp in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thawing and Reheating: When ready to serve, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot and bubbly, usually 20-30 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow for a longer reheating time, about 40-50 minutes.
- Prepare it Nut-free, skipping the nuts and replacing the almond flour with other flour in the topping.
Recipe adapted from Taste Better from Scratch.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS VEGAN APPLE CRISP
Here are some delightful options to enhance and serve your dessert:
- Serve it warm with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream, allowing the cold creaminess to mingle with the warm, spiced apples, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Enhance the rich flavors with a dollop of light and fluffy coconut whipped cream.
- Enjoy with some added vegan caramel sauce.
- For an added crunch, sprinkle a handful of toasted nuts and seeds over your serving. Think almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for a varied texture and a nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet option, a spoonful of tangy vegan yogurt can be a great addition, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm and spiced apples.
If you are hungry for some satisfying and delicious sweet treats, you could also try these ones:
Looks delicious. Could I substitute the almond flour with oat flour?
Hi! Yes, you can replace almond flour with oat flour. Since oat flour is slightly denser than almond flour, it might affect the texture slightly, making it a bit less crumbly. However, it will still work well for this type of crisp, healthy topping.