Simple meets scrumptious: Vegan Apple Crisp is an irresistible plant-based dessert you need to try!
Apple crisp is one of those dishes that might seem a little like a cop-out. Don’t want to roll out a pie crust or deal with making it look perfectly pretty? Make an apple crisp instead! It’s the apple pie filling with an easy oat-sugar-butter topping dumped on top. That’s it! However, if you’ve ever tried a bite of apple crisp, you aren’t thinking about how easy it is to make. You’re probably just enjoying the amazing taste of spiced apples topped with a perfectly crisped granola layer.
While traditional apple crisp is typically made with dairy butter, melted and poured over the oat and flour topping, you can make a delicious vegan version by simply swapping in plant-based butter. Everything else in this recipe is naturally vegan, so it’s really just an easy modification that doesn’t take much effort at all.
You will love vegan apple crisp because it is as simple as 1-2-3: make the apple filling, top with the buttery oat mixture, and bake! This is a dessert that is wonderful to enjoy at the holidays, in the autumn when apples are in season, or just when you get the craving for a cozy, warm sweet treat. Topped with a scoop of vanilla vegan ice cream, this apple crisp is so satisfying.
Choosing apples for apple crisp
With the wide variety of apples available year-round in most supermarkets, it might be hard to know which apples are best for vegan apple crisp. Let’s start with which apples are NOT best. You want to avoid any apples that have a soft texture and will bake up mushy: think Red Delicious, Gala, or Macintosh varieties. Instead, use a variety or mix of varieties that are firm and full of flavor. For an apple filling that is a tart contrast to the sweet crumbly topping, use all Granny Smith apples. If you like a bit sweeter of an apple filling, use half Granny Smith and half Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples. If it’s the fall season and you’re at an apple orchard, ask the farmers themselves which types they’d recommend for an apple crisp. You might just find a new favorite!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bear in mind, however, that the topping will lose its crisp texture. You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Serving suggestions
Vegan apple crisp is so luscious and tasty, you don’t need much to go with it. Served slightly warm out of the oven, it’s wonderful on its own! For a simple garnish, consider drizzling a little maple syrup over the top. If you want more, try a dollop of Vegan Whipped Cream on top. Or, my personal favorite, a scoop of vegan vanilla bean ice cream; look for vegan options in the frozen aisle at your supermarket.
Especially in the fall, if you’re hosting a larger gathering or a holiday dinner, consider offering a couple of desserts. There are lots of options that are plant-based and taste wonderfully cozy at this time of year. Consider Vegan Flan or a vegan pumpkin cake topped with Easy Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting.
Vegan Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 6 large apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for topping
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats for topping
- 3/4 cup brown sugar for topping
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon for topping
- 1/2 cup vegan butter melted (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the diced apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice until well coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients: flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Pour the melted vegan butter into the flour and oats mixture, and mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. Serve.
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