Best Vegan Apple Crisp

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This vegan apple crisp is sweet, tender, juicy, and perfect for the fall apple harvest! It showcases tart Granny Smith apples, a buttery oat streusel topping, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a comforting treat this holiday season!

Vegan apple crisp on a plate. — Enjoy a vegan apple crisp this fall!

Table of Contents

💚 Why you’ll love this recipe

Diet-friendly: Indulge without the guilt! This recipe is completely egg and dairy-free, but trust us, it does not skimp on flavor.
Layers of textures: This vegan apple crisp has the perfect blend of a crispy oat streusel topping and tender apple filling.
Easy to make: Enjoy all the flavors of classic apple pie and other labor-intensive baked goods in a no-fuss way! Skip the pie dough for an easy-to-make spiced streusel topping.
Pantry staple ingredients: Desserts like this vegan apple crisp only require simple, budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have lying around!

If you love vegan apple crisp, you should really check out our vegan peach cobbler, peach cobbler with cake mix, vegan chocolate chip cookies, and vegan oatmeal cookies.

🍏 What is vegan apple crisp?

When it comes to classic fall desserts, there isn’t much we enjoy more than apple crisp. It’s not that hard to see why, either! This vegan apple crisp recipe uses just a handful of everyday ingredients and transforms into a dessert you’ll be proud to serve your family and friends.

Plus, it couldn’t be easier to throw together for last-minute get-togethers and potlucks. Tender, cinnamon-spiced apples meld together with a sweet, crunchy, and crumbly topping. It’s the perfect contrast of flavors and textures!

So, if you’re looking for an uncomplicated dessert that comes together in less than an hour, this is the one to add to your list. Serve it warm with a big scoop of salted caramel or vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

🌱 Why isn’t apple crisp vegan?

Traditional apple crisp recipes utilize butter as a primary ingredient, making the classic recipe not suitable for vegans. To craft a plant-based version, we’ve replaced the animal-derived butter with vegan butter.

This simple swap allows us to maintain the rich taste and texture of the original while ensuring the dish is entirely vegan-friendly. How easy is that?!

🍎 What are the best apples for apple crisp?

Choosing the right apple for your apple crisp can make all the difference in taste and texture. Here’s a list of our favorites to give you a better idea:

Granny Smith: These are the classic choice for baking due to their tart flavor and firm texture. They maintain a good structure when baked, and their tanginess contrasts well with the sweet topping.
Honeycrisp: A favorite for eating raw, Honeycrisp apples also shine in baked dishes. They are sweet with a hint of tartness and hold up well in the oven.
Braeburn: With a balanced blend of sweet and tart flavors, Braeburn apples have a firm texture that doesn’t turn too mushy when baked.
Golden Delicious: While they’re on the sweeter side, Golden Delicious apples have a buttery texture when baked. They can be combined with a tarter apple for a more balanced flavor.
Jonagold: A cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, these apples offer a blend of tart and sweet, making them perfect for baking.
Cortland: These apples don’t brown as quickly as other varieties, and their tartness makes them a great choice for apple crisp.
Northern Spy: A traditional choice for many pies, Northern Spy apples have a sweet-tart taste and hold their shape well when baked.

Ingredients for vegan apple crisp. — Use tart apples for the best results

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

Granny Smith apples: Provide a firm texture and the perfect level of tartness. As we mentioned, you can substitute them with another tart apple variety. Or, try a mix of sweet and tart apples for a different flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: To thicken the apple filling and bind the topping ingredients. For a gluten-free version, replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness to the filling and topping with a rich, complex flavor profile. If you prefer, you can use coconut or cane sugar.
Vegan butter: Gives a rich flavor and mouthfeel to the filling and topping. Our preferred options are Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Creamery. Or, coconut oil can also work in a pinch.
Spices: We love to incorporate cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth. You can also try allspice, cardamom, cloves, or apple pie spice for a different flavor profile.
Vanilla: Adds a sweet, aromatic element to this dessert. We always suggest using 100% pure vanilla extract over artificial as a little goes a long way.
Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture in the topping.
Salt: Brings out the sweet flavors of this vegan apple crisp, adding depth. Use fine-grain salt for the best results.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make vegan apple crisp

Step 1: Prepare the pan

Preheat your oven and lightly grease a baking dish with vegan butter or cooking spray. If you’re making this recipe in a larger baking dish, just make sure the apples fill it about ¾ of the way, then make some extra topping.

Sliced apples in a bowl. — Thinly slice or chop the apples

Step 2: Mix the apples

In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with flour, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Toss everything well until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture, then transfer it to the prepared baking dish.

Sliced apples, sugar, flour, and spices in a bowl. — The ingredients should be evenly distributed

Sliced apples tossed in spices in a square pan. — The ingredients should be evenly distributed

Step 3: Combine the topping

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, sugar, spices, and salt. Add the vegan butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Brown sugar, flour, spices, and rolled oats in a bowl. — Combine the dry ingredients first

Streusel topping in a bowl. — Combine the dry ingredients first

Make sure the butter is worked in thoroughly so each bite is consistently delicious. Evenly sprinkle the oat and flour mixture over the apples in the baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the crisp

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake it until the top turns golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender when tested with a fork.

Baked vegan apple crisp in a square pan. — Bake it until brown and bubbly

Remove the apple crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before digging in. Happy eating!

If you have questions about this vegan apple crisp recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🍨 What to serve with vegan apple crisp

One of our favorite parts about this vegan apple crisp is the toppings! Try some of these classics with yours:

Dairy-free vanilla or salted caramel ice cream
Fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
A dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness
Vegan whipped cream for a creamy contrast
A drizzle of vegan caramel

🌡️ Storage & reheating

If you end up with any leftover vegan apple crisp, just follow these simple storage tips:

Fridge: Once cooled, you can store leftover vegan apple crisp in an airtight container for up to 5 days. We recommend keeping crisps refrigerated as opposed to on the counter, especially if you live in a hot or humid place.
Freezer: Vegan apple crisp will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Ensure it’s cooled and transferred to a freezer-safe bag or container to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in an oven at 350F until heated through. You can also heat the crisp in a microwave, but the topping won’t turn crispy again.
Make ahead: To prep your vegan apple crisp in advance, make the filling as instructed but add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and the topping in a separate container for up to a day. Just assemble and bake on the day of.

♻️ Variations

Berries: Incorporate blueberries or raspberries for bursts of color and juiciness.
Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for a little extra texture.
Zesty: Try adding some lemon zest or juice to the apple mixture.
Other spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
Chocolate: Sprinkle vegan chocolate chips on the topping for added sweetness.
Maple syrup: Drizzle a light maple syrup glaze on top just before serving.
Sugar: Replace brown sugar with date sugar for a different flavor of sweetness.
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free flour if you have sensitivities.
Caramel apple: Add dollops of vegan caramel sauce to the apple mixture for a caramel apple crisp.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

Apple selection: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
Even layers: Ensure the streusel topping covers all the apples for an evenly baked vegan apple crisp.
Butter consistency: Using softened butter helps hydrate the flour and bind the crumble topping better.
Watch the oven: Every oven varies, so keep an eye on your apple crisp to prevent over or under-cooking.
Let it rest: Allowing the apple crisp to cool for a bit after baking gives the juices time to thicken, offering a better texture and flavor.
Serve warm: While apple crisp can be eaten at any temperature, serving it warm (especially with a scoop of vegan ice cream) maximizes its comfort-food appeal.

💬 FAQ

Why is my topping not crispy?

If your topping is not crispy, it may be because you’ve overmixed or used too much butter. Make sure to closely follow the measurements.

What did I do wrong if my apple filling is too watery?

A watery apple filling can happen if the apples release too much juice. Try reducing the amount of liquid or using extra flour next time.

How can I tell when the apple crisp is done baking?

You’ll know when the apple crisp is done baking when the top is golden brown. The apple filling should also be bubbling and tender when pierced with a fork.

Do I have to peel apples for apple crisp?

You technically don’t have to peel apples for an apple crisp and this is based solely on personal preference. If you don’t peel the apples, the crisp will have a much chewier texture, which is why we peel the apples in our recipe.

What is the difference between a crisp and a crumble?

A crisp and a crumble are essentially the same dessert — a baked fruit filling with a streusel topping. However, a crumble is rarely made with oats or nuts, just flour, butter, and sugar. On the other hand, crisps are often made with oats and nuts for more texture.

🍴 More dessert recipes

If you enjoyed this vegan apple crisp recipe, check out some more of our favorite plant-based desserts like these:

Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Soft, tender, and naturally sweetened cookies.
Vegan Snickerdoodles: Chewy and delicately spiced cookies.
Tempura Ice Cream: A Japanese dessert with the perfect balance of hot and cold.
Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Chewy, spiced, and perfectly moist cookies.

Vegan Apple Crisp

💚 Why you’ll love this recipe

🍏 What is vegan apple crisp?

🌱 Why isn’t apple crisp vegan?

🍎 What are the best apples for apple crisp?

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions