Vegan Gluten Free Apple Crisp

This Vegan Gluten Free Apple Crisp is so easy to make and requires just 6 wholesome ingredients! The ultimate classic fall dessert that's actually healthy but still cozy & delicious. Oil-free option.

Last weekend, Eric and I took Subie apple picking for the first time with our other friends. Sadly, all the apples were already picked and there were NONE left on the trees so they let us in for free to go apple hunting 😂. We were actually able to hunt down quite a few decent looking apples and came home with around 6 lbs of apples!

Obviously, we HAD to make apple crisp, it's our go-to fall dessert. Nothing beats warm, gooey sweet n' cinnamon-y apples with a crispy buttery topping. Oh, and the ice cream that melts over it just takes it to the next level of comfort food.

I don't even remember how many times I've made this recipe last fall so I thought it was time to finally share it here on the blog. This def a recipe to keep in your back pocket on the list of emergency recipes. It's SO easy to make with just 6 pantry staple ingredients and it's perfect amount for two servings. I mean, it's also a pretty good size for a single serving apple crisp if you're really hungry! You ready to use up those apples? Lets do this.

Ingredients for Vegan Gluten Free Apple Crisp

Traditionally apple crisp is made with lots of butter and refined sugar, but I wanted this apple crisp to be made with simple and healthy ingredients. I played around with a couple different ingredients several times and I'm SO excited because I finally found the perfect ratio of ingredients to achieve that perfect crispy-crumbly oat topping. Not to mention, it's just 6 ingredients that are dairy free and gluten free!

• Apples: use two variety of apples, one sweet and one tart.
• Sweetener: I've made this recipe with all kinds of sweeteners and light brown sugar seems to be superior in flavour and texture. However, I have used coconut sugar and maple syrup and still tastes delicious.
• Gluten Free Flour: Gluten free flour blend, almond flour or oat flour. Substitute for regular flour is no need for gluten-free. Note, using almond flour makes the crisp more butter-y which is always a plus.
• Gluten Free Rolled Oats: Jumbo or large flaked oats.
• Coconut Oil: A tiny amount really makes this crisp super buttery-y, crispy and delicious but it can also be substituted with coconut butter or almond butter for oil-free.
• Cinnamon: Essential! I also like to mix in some apple pie spice for extra deliciousness.

As an additional touch, I also like to add in some lemon juice if I'm only using sweet apples.

How to Make Perfect Vegan Gluten Free Apple Crisp

Since I usually make this just for Eric & I, this is a Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe for Two. It can easily be doubled or tripled for feed more people though (see notes below)!

1. Prep Apples: Add the chopped apples to a baking dish (I used a 7x7 inch pie dish) and toss with sugar, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice.
2. Prep Crisp Topping: In another bowl, add the gluten free flour, oats, light brown sugar, coconut oil, cinnamon and salt and mix until the texture is moist. 
3. Bake: Sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown on the top. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

The warm sweet apples and crispy oat topping pairs so well with some vegan ice and coconut whip cream. Pair it with some non-dairy yogurt for a healthy breakfast or snack! Well I mean, you can totally still have it with ice cream- I've done that a number of times *no judgement zone*.

Tips & Tricks to Making the BEST Vegan Gluten Free Apple Crisp

What Are the Best Apples to Use for Apple Crisp?

Using a mix of crispy apples that are tart and sweet make the best apple crisps. Tart apples include: Cortland, Jonathan, Granny Smith, Empire & Granny Smiths. Sweet apples include: Gala, Fuji & Golden Delicious. Epicurious has a pretty good apple guide that you can check out here!

What Kind of Oats to Use for Apple Crisp

Rolled oats, old fashioned oats, jumbo oats or large flaked oats essential for good gluten free apple crisp! It's nutty in flavour and creates that crisp texture. PLEASE refrain from using steel cut oats or quick oats.

Do I Need to Peel the Skin for Apple Crisp?

This is totally a personal choice. I enjoy them both equally, it just really depends on my mood and if I feel like peeling them or not. If making it for friends and family, I do suggest peeling- just incase you have someone thats particular about their apple crisp.

How to Make a Bigger Batch of this Vegan Gluten Free Apple Crisp

This is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any holiday event! Simply multiply the ingredients by x2 or x3 and using a large baking dish. Increase the baking time to 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and the apples are fully cooked through. To check, pierce it with a fork- it should be nice and tender. If you notice the crisp is golden but the apples are not cooked through yet, cover with tin foil and bake for a couple more minutes.

How to Properly Store Apple Crisp

Store any leftover crisp in the fridge. To reheat, place it back into the oven at 350 F just for a couple minutes (usually around 5) until the topping is crispy again.

How to Make Vegan Gluten Free Apple Crisp Ahead of Time

You can make this healthy apple crisp one day ahead of time! Prep the apples as instructed and definitely add in lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning. Store the filling in an airtight container and place in the fridge. Mix together the crisp oat topping as instructed place that into another air tight container in the fridge. When ready to bake, sprinkle on the crisp topping over the apples and then bake as instructed.

How to Freeze Apple Crisps

Vegan Apple Crisp can be freezer friendly! Just prepare and bake the crisp as instructed. Once the crisp is completely cooled, cover with foil and place into the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let the crisp thaw in the fridge overnight. Then bake in the oven at 350 F for 25 minutes or until heated through.

Helpful Tools

• For small batch / 2 servings: 6-7 inch pie dish, tart dish or baking dish
• For a larger batch / 4-6 servings: 8-9 inch pie dish, tart dish or baking dish
• Fruit & Vegetable Peeler

I hope you try and love this Vegan Gluten Free Apple Crisp as much as I do! It truly is the best fall dessert and so darn delicious.

More Vegan Gluten Free Apple Recipes to Try!

• Apple Cinnamon Bread with Crumb Topping (Vegan + GF + Oil-Free)
• Vegan Apple Rose Tartlets
• Vegan Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

If you love crisps, I think you'll also really enjoy this Vegan Plum Crisp too! It's super elegant and bold 😉

If you recreate this Vegan Gluten Free Apple Crisp recipe let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and rating below or by tagging me on Instagram @Okonomikitchen, I love seeing all of your tasty recreations!
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