Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or other sweetener like coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) to thicken
- Pinch of salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or regular flour)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized dish.
- Prepare the apple filling:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges or slices. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until well-coated. Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make the crisp topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, chopped walnuts (if using), coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger (if using), and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add the melted coconut oil (or vegan butter) and vanilla extract to the oat mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and the topping has a crumbly texture.
- Assemble and bake:
- Evenly spread the crisp topping over the apple filling, pressing it down gently to help it stick.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve:
- Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious on its own or served with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
Tips:
- Apple variety: Mix different apple varieties for a more complex flavor. A combination of tart and sweet apples works best.
- Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately, store them in the fridge, and assemble and bake the crisp later.
This Vegan Apple Crisp is an irresistible dessert, offering the perfect balance of tender, spiced apples and a crunchy, oat-filled topping. It’s simple to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!