Easy Vegan Apple Crisp with Oat and Pecan Topping

Prep: 10 minCook: 45 min12 servingsmediumAmerican
Easy Vegan Apple Crisp with Oat and Pecan Topping

A comforting dessert featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crunchy mixture of gluten-free oats, almond flour, and chopped pecans. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, this wholesome crisp delivers all the classic fall flavors without dairy or refined sugar. The cornstarch ensures the apple filling thickens perfectly while baking, creating a bubbling, golden dessert that's ideal for autumn gatherings or cozy weeknight treats. Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 4 cups sliced apples
  • 2 tablespoons vegan honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest(optional)
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • ¼ cup blanched almond flour
    oat flour1:1tree nuts

    Blend oats to make flour

    Full guide →
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
    walnuts or almonds1:1tree nuts

    Any chopped nuts work

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar
    brown sugar1:1

    Works equally well

    Full guide →
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • vegan vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare medium baking dish

  2. 2

    Combine sliced apples with maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon zest, nutmeg and salt in large bowl

  3. 3

    Sprinkle cornstarch over apple mixture and mix well

  4. 4

    Transfer apple filling to baking dish and spread evenly

  5. 5

    Mix oats, almond flour, chopped pecans, coconut sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon in same bowl until crumbly

  6. 6

    Distribute topping evenly over apples

  7. 7

    Bake on middle rack for 45 minutes until topping is golden and filling has thickened

  8. 8

    Cool for 10 minutes before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Let the crisp cool for 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set properly before serving.

Tip 2

For extra flavor depth, try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the apple filling alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Tip 3

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Make Ahead

Can assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

Serve With

Best served warm with vegan vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the cornstarch or the filling will be too watery.

Watch

Avoid over-mixing the topping to maintain crumbly texture.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

gluten-free oats→
regular oats1:1gluten

Use if gluten tolerance

General Alternatives

coconut sugar→
brown sugar1:1

Works equally well

Full guide →
pecans→
walnuts or almonds1:1tree nuts

Any chopped nuts work

Full guide →
almond flour→
oat flour1:1tree nuts

Blend oats to make flour

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?

Yes, brown sugar or granulated sugar work well as substitutes in equal amounts.

What if I don't have almond flour?

You can make oat flour by grinding rolled oats in a blender or food processor until fine.

How long will this keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven at 300°F.