Vegan Apple Crisp

Welcome to my kitchen, where the air is now filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Fall is truly the best season and what better way to celebrate it than with a mouthwatering dessert that encapsulates the essence of this time of year? This Vegan Apple Crisp recipe is a testament to the bounty of nature, combining the natural sweetness of apples with warm spices and a crunchy, oat-infused topping—all while staying true to the principles of plant-based cooking. Let's learn how to make it!

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Vegan Apple Crisp Ingredients

Filling Ingredients

• Apples (8): Apples are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness, a hint of tartness, and a pleasing texture when baked. Their flavor and texture make them the perfect choice for the filling.
• Apple Cider (¼ c): Apple cider enhances the apple flavor in the filling, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the fruit beautifully.
• Sugar (¼ c): Sugar brings sweetness to the filling, balancing the tartness of the apples and enhancing their natural flavors.
• Light Brown Sugar (¼ c): Light brown sugar adds depth and a subtle caramel-like flavor, making the filling richer and more complex.
• All Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Flour acts as a thickening agent in the filling, ensuring that it binds the apples' juices and results in a cohesive, luscious texture.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Cornstarch further aids in thickening the filling, creating a velvety consistency that coats the apples.
• Cinnamon (2 tsp): Cinnamon is a classic spice that pairs harmoniously with apples, imparting warmth and a delightful aroma to the filling.
• Ginger (¼ tsp): Ginger offers a subtle spiciness that complements the sweetness of the apples and adds complexity to the flavor profile.
• Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Nutmeg provides a warm, earthy note, adding depth and warmth to the filling.
• Cloves (¼ tsp): Cloves introduce a touch of spiciness and earthiness, contributing to the overall complexity of the filling.
• Salt (½ tsp): Salt balances the sweetness and spices in the filling, enhancing the overall flavor by bringing out the natural tastes of the apples.

For the Topping

• Quick-Cooking Oats (1 ½ c): Oats create a crisp, textured topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender apples in the filling, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
• All Purpose Flour (1 ½ c): Flour in the topping mixture binds the ingredients and helps create a cohesive, crumbly topping.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ c): Light brown sugar lends sweetness to the topping, creating a caramelized and slightly crunchy texture when baked.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Cinnamon in the topping echoes the spice in the filling, ensuring that the flavors of the dessert are harmonious from top to bottom.
• Baking Powder (½ tsp): Baking powder lightens the topping, providing a slightly airy and tender texture.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Salt balances the sweetness in the topping, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Vegan Butter (⅔ c): Vegan butter adds richness and helps create a crumbly texture in the topping. Its cold temperature ensures a flaky and crisp result when baked.
• Pecans (½ c) (optional): Chopped pecans, if added, contribute a delightful nutty crunch and a subtle earthy flavor, elevating the overall texture and taste of the crisp.

Steps to Make Vegan Apple Crisp (with pictures!)

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the apples, apple cider, sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Topping: In another bowl, mix together the quick-cooking oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the oat mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the cold vegan butter into the oat mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still have some small butter chunks. If you're using pecans, fold them into the topping mixture.
4. Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. Try to tuck the pecans under the oats and flour so they don’t burn. Place dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream.

Tips for Making Vegan Apple Crisp

Creating a delicious vegan apple crisp is easy! Here are some tips to ensure your vegan apple crisp turns out perfectly:

1. Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm and tart apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape when baked and provide a nice contrast to the sweet filling.
2. Slice Evenly: Uniformly sized apple slices ensure even cooking. Aim for ½-inch thick slices, so they soften and caramelize uniformly.
3. Spice it Up: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves adds depth and warmth to the filling. Adjust the spices to your liking, but don't overdo it; you want the apple flavor to shine.
4. Thickening Agent: Ensure the filling isn't overly watery by using a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. These ingredients will thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake.
5. Evenly Distribute Topping: When spreading the oat topping over the apples, make sure it's evenly distributed for consistent crunch and flavor.
6. Cold Vegan Butter: Use cold vegan butter when making the topping. This will help create a crumbly, crisp texture when baked.
7. Optional Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be a delightful addition to the topping, adding extra texture and a nutty flavor. Sprinkle them evenly for a nice crunch.
8. Baking Dish Size: Use an appropriately sized baking dish to ensure the filling and topping cook evenly. A 9x13-inch dish or a similar size is typically a good choice.
9. Keep an Eye on It: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your apple slices and size of your dish. Check for a golden-brown topping and bubbling filling to determine doneness.
10. Let It Cool: After baking, allow your vegan apple crisp to cool for a bit before serving. This gives the filling time to set and intensifies the flavors.

Difference Between Apple Crumble and Apple Crisp

Apple crumble and apple crisp are two similar desserts that both feature baked apples with a topping, but there are slight differences between the two:

1. Topping Ingredients:
   • Apple Crumble: The topping for apple crumble typically consists of vegan butter, flour, sugar, and sometimes oats or nuts. It tends to be more crumbly and streusel-like.
   • Apple Crisp: The topping for apple crisp typically includes oats, flour, sugar, and often some fat, like vegan butter. The oats give it a more oatmeal-like texture.
2. Texture:
   • Apple Crumble: As the name suggests, the topping for apple crumble tends to be more "crumbly" and less cohesive. It may resemble loose clumps or crumbs.
   • Apple Crisp: The topping for apple crisp often has a more granola-like or oatmeal-like texture, with the oats binding together to form a cohesive layer.
3. Regional Differences:
   • Apple Crumble: The term "crumble" is more commonly used in the United Kingdom and some other parts of Europe.
   • Apple Crisp: "Crisp" is the preferred term in North America.
4. Nutritional Differences:
   • Apple Crumble: Because the topping is more crumbly and can contain a higher proportion of vegan butter and sugar, it may be slightly richer and higher in calories.
   • Apple Crisp: The use of oats and potentially less butter or sugar can make apple crisp slightly healthier and often preferred by those looking for a lighter dessert option.

In practice, the terms "apple crumble" and "apple crisp" are often used interchangeably, and the choice of which to make comes down to personal preference. Both desserts are warm, comforting, and delicious when served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you prefer the crumbly or oatmeal-like topping, both versions are perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of baked apples.

Best Apples to use in Apple Crisp

The best apples to use in apple crisp are those that hold their shape well during baking, offer a balance of sweetness and tartness, and have a pleasant texture. Here are some apple varieties that are commonly recommended for apple crisp:

1. Granny Smith: These tart apples hold their shape excellently when baked, providing a nice contrast to the sweet filling and a pleasing texture in the finished dish.
2. Honeycrisp: Honeycrisp apples are known for their crisp and juicy texture, making them a popular choice for apple crisp. They have a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
3. Braeburn: Braeburn apples have a sweet and slightly tart taste. They hold up well in baking and offer a nice firmness after being cooked.
4. Jonagold: Jonagold apples are a cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples. They also have a pleasant sweetness and a slightly tart undertone, making them suitable for apple crisp.
5. Cortland: Cortland apples are also known for their tender and crisp texture. They have a slightly tart flavor, which works well in balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
6. Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet and firm, and they hold their shape during baking. They add a natural sweetness to the crisp without being overly tart.
7. Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): Pink Lady apples offer a pleasing balance of sweet and tart flavors, along with a crisp texture that holds up well in baking.

Ultimately, the choice of apple variety for your apple crisp depends on your personal preference for sweetness and tartness, as well as the texture you desire in the finished dessert. Feel free to experiment with a combination of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make vegan apple crisp gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free vegan apple crisp by using gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats in the topping. Ensure that any other ingredients you use, such as vegan butter or margarine, are also gluten-free.

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for vegan butter in the topping. Use the same measurement, but make sure the coconut oil is cold and solidified for the best results.

Can I prepare vegan apple crisp in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator a day in advance. When you're ready to bake, assemble the crisp and bake it fresh for the best texture.

What if I don't have apple cider for the filling?

If you don't have apple cider, you can substitute it with apple juice or omit completely. While apple cider adds a unique flavor, these alternatives will still work fine.

FAQ's Continued

How do I prevent the topping from becoming too soggy?

To prevent a soggy topping, make sure the filling is not overly watery. Thoroughly drain any excess liquid from the apples and ensure they are evenly coated with the thickening agents. Bake the crisp until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

What's the best way to reheat leftover vegan apple crisp?

To reheat leftover vegan apple crisp, place it in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until it's warmed through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the topping.

Can I make a smaller batch of vegan apple crisp?

Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe to make a smaller batch by halving the ingredients and using a smaller baking dish. Just be mindful of the reduced baking time lest you burn your crisp.

Can I make vegan apple crisp with oats that are not quick-cooking?

Yes, you can use regular rolled oats in place of quick-cooking oats in the topping. The texture of the topping may be slightly heartier, but it will still work well.

How to Serve/Store Vegan Apple Crisp

Serving

Serving vegan apple crisp is a delightful experience, and there are several ways to enjoy this warm and comforting dessert:

1. Warm from the Oven: Vegan apple crisp is at its best when served warm, straight from the oven. The contrast of the warm filling and the crisp topping is heavenly.
2. With a Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream: A classic and decadent option is to serve a generous scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream on top of a portion of warm apple crisp. The combination of hot and cold, along with the creamy ice cream, is delightful.
3. Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of coconut whipped cream on top of the crisp is a dairy-free and vegan alternative to traditional whipped cream. It adds a light, airy texture to each bite.
4. Vegan Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a little vegan caramel sauce over the serving for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
5. Dusting of Cinnamon or Powdered Sugar: For a simple and elegant touch, dust some ground cinnamon or powdered sugar over the top of the crisp just before serving.
6. Nondairy Yogurt: A spoonful of dairy-free yogurt, such as almond or coconut yogurt, can provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the crisp.
7. Fresh Berries: If you'd like to add more fruitiness, serve the apple crisp with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. Their tartness pairs well with the sweetness of the apple filling.

Remember to let the apple crisp cool slightly after baking, as this allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Then, choose your preferred serving option or combine several for a truly decadent experience. Enjoy your vegan apple crisp!

Storing

Properly storing vegan apple crisp ensures that it stays fresh and delicious for future enjoyment. To this end, after removing the apple crisp from the oven, allow it to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the topping soggy.

Once the apple crisp has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for 3-4. Beyond this time, the texture may start to deteriorate, and the flavors may not be as vibrant. This recipe is not freezer-friendly.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat individual servings in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C). This will help restore the crispness of the topping while warming the filling.

If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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