Facebook-square Pinterest-square Instagram

The Best Vegan Apple Crisp

This post may contain affiliate links.

Experience the magic of fall with this vegan apple crisp! Bursting with bourbon-infused flavors, this dessert promises a gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free treat. Dive into a heartwarming blend of tender apples and crumbly toppings.
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Fall is synonymous with apple-filled desserts. There’s nothing quite like the warm and fuzzy feelings you get while enjoying a hot plate of apple crisp, with its warm, cinnamon-infused apples and crumbly, nutty topping.

Now, how about taking this classic dessert and giving it a vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free twist? Sounds too good to be true, right?! Not anymore. Here’s introducing the vegan apple crisp that will redefine the way you enjoy this traditional treat.

The Magic of Bourbon in Your Apple Crisp

You must be wondering about the bourbon in the ingredient list. Well, bourbon and apples are a match made in heaven. The rich, deep flavors of bourbon accentuate the sweetness of the apples while adding an unexpected depth. And don’t worry, the alcohol bakes off, leaving behind just the essence that will make your apple crisp stand out from the crowd.

The Importance of Pre-Baking Your Apples

The secret to the perfect apple crisp lies in the texture. While we adore that crunchy, nutty topping, the apples underneath should be soft, gooey, and bursting with flavors. By baking the apples first, we’re ensuring they reach that perfect level of tenderness. This step transforms the apples into a saucy, decadent layer, ensuring every bite is a perfect balance between soft and crunchy.

The happy additions to this weeks grocery list are:

Apple Filling

  • honey crisp apples
  • maple syrup
  • lemon juice
  • bourbon
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg
  • arrowroot powder or cornstarch

 

Crisp Topping

  • coconut butter
  • coconut sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • almond flour
  • gluten free rolled oats
  • chopped pecans

A Healthier Crisp Topping

Instead of the usual butter and sugar-laden toppings, this recipe employs coconut butter, coconut sugar, and a personal favorite; maple syrup. Not only do these alternatives provide a healthier touch, but they also add unique flavors that perfectly complement the dish. The addition of almond flour and gluten-free oats ensures that this dessert remains celiac-friendly without compromising on taste.

The Perfect Serving Suggestion

Sure, this apple crisp is a delight on its own. But, if you wish to take this baby to the next level might I suggest serving it with a scoop of vegan oat milk ice cream! The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, crunchy crisp.

There’s nothing quite like revisiting traditional recipes and giving them a modern, health-conscious twist. This vegan apple crisp embodies that spirit. It has all the things we loved the most about our childhood apple crisps but without the dairy, gluten, and refined sugar.

So the next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and responsible, remember this recipe. And trust us; even Uncle “Where Do You Get Your Protein” won’t be able to resist a second serving!

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa. 

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

Learn More

Get the Jackfruitful Meal Planner !

Say goodbye to meal time stress with the Jackfruitful Meal Planner! Get a weekly custom meal plan, grocery list, and access to exclusive recipes, tutorials, at-home workouts and more!
Learn More!

All your favorite Layered Salads from Jackfruitful Kitchen are now a FREE eBook!

Enter your email below and then check your inbox for the goodies.

Related Posts

Join my mailing list to get the latest recipes first!

Jackie Akerberg

The Best Vegan Apple Crisp

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin to Pinterest!
This delicious vegan apple crisp is a wholesome and satisfying dessert made with plant-based ingredients. It offers a guilt-free indulgence for those seeking a healthier dessert option, and is perfect to enjoy for the fall season. I'm also about to share the key SECRET ingredient for the most flavorful apple crisp you've ever had, and there's no gluten, dairy, or refined sugar involved! The deep, rich, sweet flavors of bourbon make this crisp to-die-for good and you can feel good about indulging bite after bite! The other important step that makes this apple crisp the BEST ever, is baking the apples first so they get nice, saucy and tender, and adding the crisp topping half way through so it is perfectly baked and crumbly, but not too crisp.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert

Equipment

  • 9x9” glass baking dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling Ingredients
  • 4 honey crisp apples, peeled, chopped
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp bourbon
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp arrowroot powder, tapioca flour, or cornstarch
Crisp Topping Ingredients
  • ⅓ cup coconut butter, coconut oil, or vegan butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup gluten free rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup pecans, chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add the apples to a mixing bowl and drizzle with maple syrup, lemon juice, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg and arrowroot powder. Stir to coat and pour into a 9x9" baking dish. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, combine the coconut butter, coconut sugar, maple syrup and vanilla in the mixing bowl. Pour in the remaining dry ingredients and use a fork to stir to combine. Fold in pecans. Remove the apples from the oven and pour the mixture over the apples. Use your hands to press down. Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 more minutes until bubbly around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool for 25-30 minutes before enjoying hot or cold... preferably topped with oat milk ice cream!

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

Did you make this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Related posts

14 Responses

  2. 5 stars
    Absolutely DELICIOUS!! Best vegan desert I’ve had yet! Thanks so much for sharing! Your vegan coffee cakes are in my oven baking right now. Can’t wait to taste them!

    Reply

  3. My daughter is allergic to pecans (almonds are fine). Would you sub chopped almonds or just more oats for the 1/2 cup pecans?

    Reply

  4. I so want to make this recipe. But, my bf is allergic to anything cocunut. What can I substitute for the cocunut syrup & cocunut butter?

    Reply

  6. Is there such a thing as gluten-free rolled oats? I’m following a protocol by Dr. Joel Wallach who says “no oats” even if it says gluten-free! Just wondering.

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Want Jackfruitful Recipes sent right to your inbox?

Subscribe by submitting your email!