This vegan apple crisp is warm, cozy, and packed with tender cinnamon-spiced apples under a perfectly crunchy oat topping. It's an easy fall dessert that's completely dairy-free but tastes just as comforting as the classic!
This easy vegan apple crisp combines soft, caramelized apples with a golden, buttery oat crumble for the ultimate plant-based fall treat.
It's perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any night you want something warm and comforting.
Be sure to check out our vegan apple pie and vegan apple cider cookies if you love apple desserts as much as we do!
Ingredients You'll Need
- apples: Provide the tart-sweet base of the crisp; peeling and slicing ensures even cooking and soft, tender fruit.
- apple cider: Adds moisture and boosts the natural apple flavor with bright, fruity acidity.
- granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps the apples release their juices.
- light brown sugar: Adds deeper caramel-like sweetness and enhances the overall richness.
- all purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling as it bakes and gives structure to the crumble topping and helps it crisp up in the oven.
- cornstarch: Works with the flour to create a glossy, cohesive sauce that clings to the apples.
- spices: Add a subtle warmth and a little brightness to balance the sweetness.
- salt: Balances sweetness and boosts the overall flavor of the filling.
- rolled oats: Create a hearty, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples.
- baking powder: Creates a lighter, slightly airier crisp topping.
- vegan butter: Creates a tender, crumbly texture; cold butter melts in the oven, forming crispy, golden clusters.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's the perfect cozy fall dessert - warm, spiced apples and a buttery oat crumble come together for all the comforting flavors of the season.
- No special equipment or skills required - just slice, mix, and bake for a dessert that feels impressive but is incredibly simple to make.
- Naturally dairy-free and vegan - made with plant-based ingredients, but so delicious that no one will know the difference.
- Ideal for holidays and gatherings - easy to double, make ahead, or bake fresh right before serving.
- Customizable and flexible - you can use any apple variety you like, add nuts, or tweak the spices to match your taste.
How to Make Vegan Apple Crisp (step by step)
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full instructions and ingredient measurements.
Begin by tossing the apple slices with the apple cider, flour, cornstarch, sugars and spices. Transfer mixture to a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
Mix all of the dry topping ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Work the butter into the mixture using your fingers.
Continue until everything is damp. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the apples.
Bake apple crisp in an oven that has been preheated to 350 F (175 C) for 45-50 minutes or until golden.
Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or 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:
- Use a mix of apple varieties: Combining sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp + Granny Smith) creates deeper flavor and prevents the filling from turning mushy.
- Slice the apples evenly: Consistent slices help the apples cook at the same rate so you don't end up with pieces that are too firm or too soft.
- Don't skip the starch: The flour and cornstarch in the filling help thicken the juices so your crisp is saucy-not watery.
- Keep the topping cold: Cold vegan butter is key for a crumbly, crisp topping. If it begins to soften, chill it for 10 minutes before baking.
- Pack the topping loosely: Sprinkle the crumble over the apples rather than pressing it down. This helps it bake up crunchy instead of dense.
- Bake until the edges bubble: The bubbling juices signal that the filling has thickened and the apples are fully cooked.
- Let it cool before serving: Cooling for at least 15-20 minutes helps the filling set so it's easier to scoop and not runny.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few simple additions and swaps you can make to jazz up your vegan apple crisp!
- Maple Apple Crisp: Replace the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness. Add a splash of vanilla for extra warmth.
- Apple Berry Crisp: Mix in 1-2 cups of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries). This adds tartness, color, and juiciness.
- Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping-or swirl some into the filling. Perfect for a richer, dessert-like variation.
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: Swap the all-purpose flour in both the filling and the topping for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Salted Pecan Apple Crisp: Add flaky sea salt to the topping and double the pecans for a salty-sweet, buttery crunch.
- Cranberry Orange Crisp: Add 1 cup fresh cranberries plus the zest of one orange to the filling. Bright, tart, and perfect for the holidays.
- Chai-Spiced Apple Crisp: Substitute the spices with 1-2 teaspoons chai spice blend for a warm, fragrant twist.
- Apple Pear Crisp: Replace half the apples with pears for a softer, more delicate filling and natural sweetness.
Best Apples to use in Apple Crisp
For the perfect vegan apple crisp, you want the best baking apples - apples that hold their shape when baked but still soften enough to become tender and juicy. Here are some of the best options:
- Granny Smith - Tart and firm; adds a nice balance to the sweet topping.
- Honeycrisp - Sweet-tart flavor with a crisp texture that holds up well in baking.
- Braeburn - Sweet-spicy flavor, keeps shape nicely.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) - Sweet-tart with firm flesh, great for baking.
- Fuji - Sweet and firm; pairs well with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Tip: Mixing two or three varieties gives your crisp more depth of flavor and texture!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it right before serving for the freshest topping.
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free oats. You can also replace the flour in the filling with additional cornstarch.
Yes! Maple syrup, coconut sugar, or agave can replace granulated or brown sugar.
Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a few seconds. The topping may lose some crispness in the microwave.
Toss the apples with cornstarch or flour and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before adding the topping. This helps thicken the juices during baking.
Yes! Simply omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions for your vegan apple crisp:
- Warm with vegan ice cream: Scoop your favorite plant-based vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top for a cozy dessert.
- With vegan whipped cream: A dollop of whipped coconut or soy cream adds richness and balances the tart apples.
- Breakfast style: Serve a small portion warm with a spoonful of vegan yogurt for a sweet morning treat.
- Drizzle with caramel: Vegan caramel sauce or maple syrup drizzled on top takes it to the next level.
- Add a sprinkle of nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts on top add extra crunch and flavor.
- Pair with tea or coffee: A slice of apple crisp alongside your favorite warm beverage makes an inviting snack.
Storage
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat it within a day or two, cover the apple crisp loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the whole crisp in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
Tip for crisp topping: To maintain that crunchy topping after refrigeration or freezing, you can sprinkle a few extra oats or nuts on top before reheating.
If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!
PrintVegan Apple Crisp
Perfectly-spiced, sweet apples covered in a buttery crumble topping. All vegan!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Pies and Pastries
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the Filling
8 apples, peeled and sliced*
¼ cup apple cider
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping
1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup vegan butter, cold
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish. Set aside.
- Toss: Add the apples, apple cider, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Toss together using your hands or a wooden spoon. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Mix: In another bowl, mix together the oats, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the oat mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry mixture. Continue until everything is wet and crumbly. If you're using pecans, stir them into the topping mixture. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. Try to tuck the pecans under the crumble so they don't burn.
- Bake: Place dish on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Allow the crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
Notes
*Prepared Apple Crisp will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. This recipe can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
*You can use any apples in this recipe. I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
*While you are welcome to use your utensils of choice, I prefer to use my hands when making the crumble topping. This way I can really work the butter into the dry ingredients.
*This recipe can be made gluten-free very easily! Simply replace the flour in the filling with cornstarch and the flour in the topping with gluten-free all purpose flour.
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