Easy Vegan Apple Crisp (Apple Crumble)

This easy vegan apple crisp recipe is one of my favorite desserts because it’s simple, comforting and made with just 5 pantry-friendly ingredients. The oat topping bakes up perfectly crisp while the apples become soft and tender underneath.

One thing that makes this recipe different is that I don’t add extra sugar to the apples. The crumble topping is sweet enough on its own, allowing the natural apple flavor to shine through instead of becoming overly sugary.

Whether you call it vegan apple crisp or vegan apple crumble, this easy dessert is perfect for fall, holiday gatherings or whenever you’re craving a warm homemade treat. It is the best fall dessert, in my opinion.

It also uses my delicious Vegan Crumble Topping which you are going to LOVE!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe

• Just 5 simple ingredients. This recipe uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand, making it perfect when you’re craving a homemade dessert without an extra trip to the grocery store.
• Ready with just 10 minutes of prep. Once you’ve assembled the apple crisp, the oven does the rest of the work while your kitchen fills with the cozy aroma of baked apples and cinnamon.
• Perfectly crisp, buttery topping. The oat crumble bakes into a golden, crunchy topping that pairs beautifully with the soft baked apples underneath.
• Naturally sweet apples. Instead of adding extra sugar to the apples, this recipe lets their natural sweetness shine while the crumble topping provides plenty of sweetness.
• Easy to customize. Use your favorite apples, add cinnamon or other warm spices, or make it gluten-free with your favorite gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.

Vegan Apple Crisp vs. Vegan Apple Crumble: What’s the Difference?

The terms apple crisp and apple crumble are often used interchangeably, and the differences depend on who you ask. In general, an apple crisp is made with an oat-based topping, while an apple crumble typically has a topping made with flour, butter and sugar.

That said, there are plenty of recipes,including this one, that blur the lines by using oats in a crumble topping. Whether you call it a vegan apple crisp or a vegan apple crumble, you’ll end up with tender baked apples topped with a buttery, golden crumble that’s absolutely delicious.

So don’t worry too much about the name, this recipe works beautifully as both!

The Best Apples for Vegan Apple Crisp

One of my favorite things about this vegan apple crisp recipe is that you don’t need a specific variety of apples to make it. If you have apples in your fruit bowl or picked up a bag at the grocery store, you’re ready to bake!

If you’re shopping specifically for this recipe, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Fuji apples are all excellent choices. They hold their shape well while baking and offer a delicious balance of sweetness and tartness.

That said, the best apples for vegan apple crisp are the ones you already have on hand. I’ve made this recipe with everyday red apples from the grocery store plenty of times, and it always turns out delicious.

Feel free to leave the apple skins on, too. They soften as the apples bake, add a little extra texture, and save you time during prep.

How to Make Vegan Apple Crisp Gluten-Free

Making this vegan apple crisp gluten-free couldn’t be easier. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour and use certified gluten-free rolled oats.

That’s it! The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, and you’ll still end up with a delicious crisp, buttery topping and tender baked apples.

If you’re serving guests with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, be sure to double-check that all of your ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

How to Make Vegan Apple Crisp

Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and chop enough apples into bite-sized pieces to fill the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.

There’s no need to peel the apples unless you prefer to. The skins soften as they bake and add extra texture and flavor to the finished crisp.

Make the Crumble Topping

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, rolled oats and, if using, cinnamon and a pinch of salt.

Add the cold vegan butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with plenty of small butter pieces throughout.

Tip: Don’t overmix. Those little pieces of cold butter are what create a crisp, golden topping as the apple crisp bakes.

Assemble the Apple Crisp

Spread the crumble topping evenly over the chopped apples, making sure they’re completely covered.

There’s no need to stir everything together, the topping will bake into a delicious golden crust while the apples soften underneath.

Bake and Serve

Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

Allow the apple crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving so the filling can thicken slightly.

Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or vegan whipped cream for the ultimate comforting dessert.

How to Store Vegan Apple Crisp

Once the apple crisp has cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can enjoy leftovers cold straight from the fridge, or reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. For a crispier topping, warm the apple crisp in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes.

Finally, you can store it in the freezer for 1 month. You want to make sure to cut each individual piece of the vegan apple crisp and then freeze it on a baking sheet.

Once the pieces are frozen, you can then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. This is the perfect way to ensure that you can make apple crumble vegan at home and then enjoy it for the whole month whenever you have a craving.

Top Tip: For the crispiest topping, enjoy the apple crisp warm from the oven or reheat it in the oven instead of the microwave.

Top Tips for the Best Vegan Apple Crisp

• Use cold vegan butter. This is the secret to a crisp, crumbly topping. If the butter is too soft, the topping won’t have the same texture.
• Don’t add extra sugar to the apples. The crumble topping is sweet enough on its own, allowing the natural flavor of the apples to shine through.
• Leave the apple skins on if you like. They soften as the apples bake, save prep time, and add a little extra texture.
• Don’t worry about the apple variety. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady and everyday grocery store apples all work well, so use what you have.
• Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. This gives the apple filling a chance to thicken while keeping the topping crisp.
• Serve warm with vegan vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm apple crisp and cold ice cream is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples for vegan apple crisp?

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Fuji apples are all excellent choices because they hold their shape well while baking. That said, this recipe works beautifully with almost any variety, so feel free to use whatever apples you already have.

Should I peel the apples?

No! I like to leave the skins on because they soften as the apples bake, add a little texture, and save time. If you prefer a smoother filling, you can peel the apples before chopping them.

Why don’t you add sugar to the apples?

The buttery oat topping adds plenty of sweetness on its own, so there’s no need to sweeten the apples. This lets their natural flavor shine through and keeps the dessert from becoming overly sweet.

Can I make vegan apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the apple crisp a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You can also bake it in advance and gently reheat it before serving.

Why isn’t my apple crisp topping crispy?

A apple crisp topping starts with cold vegan butter. If the butter becomes too warm before baking, the topping won’t be as crumbly. Baking until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling also helps create the best texture.

What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

The two desserts are very similar, and the names are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, apple crisps contain oats in the topping while apple crumbles may not, but many modern recipes use oats and can be called either.

This 5-ingredient vegan apple crisp is proof that homemade desserts don’t have to be complicated. With tender baked apples, a crisp buttery oat topping, and simple pantry staples, it’s an easy recipe that will become a staple Fall recipe.

Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a cozy weeknight dessert, it’s delicious on its own or topped with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.

If you make this Vegan Apple Crisp, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and share your experience, any substitutions you tried, or your favorite way to serve it. Your feedback helps both me and other readers!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to try my Vegan Apple Turnovers, or my Vegan Bread Pudding. I am sure you will love both. They are all wonderful fall desserts.