Vegan Apple Crisp

‘Tis the season for crisps and crumbles! 🍂 I mean, is there any better way to welcome autumn than to bake up a batch of some Vegan Apple Crisp? I think not.

The rich, soft, gooey apple center, the buttery, crunchy crumble topping… this one’s a keeper. Oh yeah, and it’s perfect when served warm with our Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream!

This Vegan Apple Crisp recipe is super easy to make, requiring just 2 bowls to prepare and 8 simple ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen right now!

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What’s the Difference Between a Crisp and a Crumble?

Crisps and crumbles are very similar. They both contain fruit (in this case, apples) with a streusel-like topping. They both get baked until the fruit is cooked and the topping is crisp and golden.

The main difference between the two lies in the streusel topping: crisps contain oats and crumbles do not. This recipe is therefore a crisp!

Yet, over time, the lines have blurred and the names crumble and crisp are pretty much used interchangeably.

How to Make Apple Crisp Vegan

Apple crisp is super easy to make vegan! The only non-vegan ingredient you need to avoid in a typical apple crisp is butter.

How can we replace butter? You can try our vegan butter recipe, which is easy to make and goes great in apple crisp.

If you prefer to buy the butter, I suggest using Miyokos Cultured Vegan Butter instead. The only ingredients are: Organic Coconut Oil, Filtered Water, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Cashews, Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Sea Salt, Cultures.

Many cities nowadays also have small, local shops that sell homemade vegan butters that are super clean and made with very few ingredients! If you have that option, why not go with that?

Can I Make this Recipe Gluten-Free?

This comforting recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend, like Bob’s Redmill Gluten-Free Flour, in place of the whole wheat flour.

If you want a less processed flour, I’m sure almond flour or buckwheat flour would work for this recipe! The results may vary, but the topping will still crisp up.

The only other ingredient to be aware of is oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed on machinery that also processes wheat. It’s always best to check the packaging to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

What is Vegan Apple Crisp Made Of?

You need a few basic ingredients for this recipe, which is split into two parts.

For the apple base, you will need:

• Granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• Date sugar (or coconut sugar)
• Lemon (juice and zest)
• Cinnamon
• Arrowroot

To make the crumble topping, you need:

• Whole wheat flour
• Rolled oats
• Date sugar (or coconut sugar)
• Cinnamon
• Vegan butter, melted

How to Make Vegan Apple Crisp

In a large mixing bowl, add the apples, date sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Mix to combine, then set aside to macerate for 45 minutes.

For the crumble topping, add the whole wheat flour, date sugar, cinnamon, oats, and vegan butter to a separate mixing bowl. Mix together just until combined. Transfer to a baking sheet, and then into the freezer until the apples are ready.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.

When the apples are ready, they’ll look a bit broken down. Add in the arrowroot, and stir to coat.

Transfer the apples to baking dish, then spoon the crumble mixture over the apples. Bake on 350F for 45 minutes, or until the crumble is golden, and the apples are soft. Serve warm with vegan vanilla ice cream!

FAQ

What Kind of Apples are Best for Apple Crisp?

You can use any kind of apple for this Vegan Apple Crisp, but I highly recommend Granny Smith apples.

Granny Smith apples work great because they not only hold their shape well compared to other varieties of apples, but they’re also tart, which helps balance out the sweetness of this dessert.

You can, of course, use another variety if that’s all you have handy, but just keep in mind the dessert will most likely be sweeter, and the apples may not hold their shape as well.

Does Vegan Apple Crisp Need to be Refrigerated?

Yes, because we use some fresh ingredients like apples and vegan butter. Keep the leftovers covered in the fridge and reheat slices as needed. It should last for at least 3 days in the fridge.

Can I Freeze this Vegan Apple Crisp?

I have personally only frozen the crisp topping of this recipe (for months) and it was perfect when reheated.

I haven’t tried freezing the apple portion, but my guess is it would be ok. Let me know if you try freezing it in the comments!

If you’re looking for more festive holiday recipes like this, check out these favorites:

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Caramelized Pears with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Vegan Pecan Pie

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram! I’d love to see your creation. Let’s eat!