If you’ve followed us for a while, you know fall is one of our favorite times of year. It usually takes it’s time getting here in South Texas, but when it does, oh boy do we LOVE IT!
Between the cooler weather and trips to the farmers market, it’s prime time for comforting, oven-warmed desserts. And when it comes to fall baking, vegan apple crisp is a go-to recipes that never lets us down.
Back when Larissa and I were still figuring out plant-based baking, I worried that cozy classics like apple crisp might be off the table. But as it turns out, swapping a few ingredients—like vegan butter for dairy and using pantry staples like rolled oats and coconut sugar—made this dessert just as satisfying (if not more so!).
This version brings together tart Granny Smith and sweet Pink Lady apples, a warm cinnamon-spiced filling, and a golden, crumbly oat topping. It’s easy to prep, smells incredible while baking, and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving a healthy fall dessert, this crisp has you covered.
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Why You’ll Love This Vegan Apple Crisp
There’s something special about a warm dish of apple crisp fresh from the oven. The bubbling fruit, the crispy oat topping, the cinnamon-spiced aroma—it’s fall comfort in a bowl. But this vegan apple crisp goes a step further by keeping things simple, wholesome, and entirely dairy-free.
Here’s why we think it’ll become one of your favorite fall desserts. It’s:
- Cozy & Crowd-Pleasing Whether it’s for a holiday potluck or just a regular Tuesday night, this recipe gets rave reviews in our house—omnivores included!
- Pantry-Friendly Made with everyday ingredients like old-fashioned rolled oats, brown sugar, and all-purpose or oat flour.
- Customizable Want to go gluten-free? No problem. Prefer coconut sugar over light brown? Go for it. It’s easy to tweak.
- Naturally Dairy-Free Thanks to plant-based staples like Earth Balance vegan butter or coconut oil, it’s a treat everyone can enjoy.
- Perfect with Vegan Ice Cream Warm apple crisp + a melty scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream is pure deliciousness.
This dessert feels like a warm hug—simple, nostalgic, and just right for apple season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This vegan apple crisp recipe is classic, with a few plant-based twists. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. Feel free to make it your own—there are lots of simple swaps that work beautifully!
For the Apple Filling
- sliced apples Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious are great options. Mixing apple varieties gives the filling a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
- lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds brightness
- maple syrup or coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option
- ground cinnamon or try apple pie spice or pumpkin spice for extra warmth
- ground nutmeg optional
- flour all-purpose or gluten-free to thicken the filling
- salt
For the Crumble Topping
- old-fashioned rolled oats not quick-cooking
- all-purpose flour or oat flour for gluten-free
- light brown sugar
- vegan butter Earth Balance works great, or try coconut oil
- chopped walnuts or pecans optional, for extra crunch
- cinnamon
- salt
Optional Add-Ins A splash of apple cider vinegar in the filling adds tang. For a nut-free version, just skip the walnuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe comes together with about 15 minutes of prep, and your oven takes care of the rest. Use a glass baking dish, cast iron skillet, or even mini copper cocottes.
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet with a bit of vegan butter or oil.
2. Make the Apple Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a bit of flour. If your apples are especially juicy, add a little more flour to help thicken the filling.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly into your baking dish.
3. Make the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the vegan butter and use your fingers or a fork to mix until you get a crumbly texture.
- Stir in chopped
nuts if using.
4. Add the topping
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Let cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Serving and Storing Tips
Once your vegan apple crisp is golden and bubbly, it’s time for the best part—digging in!
How to Serve
- Top warm servings with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream (we love dairy-free brands like Oatly or So Delicious).
- Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for a rich, bakery-style treat.
- For something lighter, try a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
Serve it straight from a cast iron skillet for a rustic “fresh from the orchard” vibe.
Storing Leftovers
- Store in the fridge (covered) for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 300°F oven to keep the topping crisp.
- This apple crisp is freezer-friendly. Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Reheat directly from frozen—no need to thaw.
Apple Variety Guide: What’s Best for Apple Crisp?
Choosing the right apples makes all the difference. We like using a mix to balance tartness, sweetness, and texture. Avoid extra-soft apples like Red Delicious—they tend to get mushy when baked.
- Granny Smith Firm and tart—great for structure.
- Pink Lady Slightly sweet, crisp, and aromatic.
- Golden Delicious Softens nicely and adds gentle sweetness.
- Heirloom apples If you’ve been apple picking, try mixing a few lesser-known varieties!
Make It Your Own: Variations and Tips
Want to put your own spin on this fall favorite? Go for it!
- Gluten-Free Option Use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- No Added Sugar Filling Skip the sugar in the filling and rely on maple syrup or extra-sweet apples.
- Nut-Free Omit walnuts or pecans—it’s still delicious without them.
- Tartness Boost A splash of apple cider vinegar in the filling adds a tangy twist.
Want something extra cozy? Pair this dessert with a warm mug of apple cider or cinnamon tea.
Vegan Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 cups apples peeled and sliced (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free
- Pinch of salt
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar or organic brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegan butter Earth Balance or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and salt. Transfer to baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in vegan butter until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until topping is golden and apples are bubbling.
- Let cool 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with vegan vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- For no-added-sugar filling, omit the sweetener and use sweet apple varieties.
- To make gluten-free: Use certified GF oats and oat flour or a 1:1 GF blend.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep and refrigerate unbaked, then bake fresh.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze after baking. Reheat at 350°F until warm.
A Cozy Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s something timeless about a bubbling pan of vegan apple crisp on a cool fall day. It’s simple, flexible, and always hits the spot, whether you’re baking for a family dinner, prepping ahead for a holiday meal, or just making the most of apple season.
We’d love to see your version! Snap a photo and share it in our Peas and Carrots Society Facebook group—we’re always swapping tips and celebrating seasonal favorites together.
Love this recipe? Check out our full collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes for more delicious ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make vegan apple crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and assemble the crisp a day in advance—just store it covered in the fridge and bake it fresh when ready. Or bake it fully and reheat before serving.
What are the best apples to use for apple crisp?
A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Golden Delicious are all great choices. Just avoid extra-soft varieties like Red Delicious.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and swap the all-purpose flour with oat flour or your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze vegan apple crisp?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, freeze the crisp in a tightly wrapped container for up to one month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
5. What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, crisps typically include oats in the topping, giving it a crunchy texture—like in this recipe. Crumbles usually skip the oats and have a softer, streusel-like topping.
