The Best Apple Crisp Ever (vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar free)

angled shot of bowl with spoon in the dessert

I can’t believe it’s November, so I thought I would share my favorite and the BEST apple crisp ever. The soft, juicy, sweet apples with a crispy, granola-like topping is so dang delicious. It’s the perfect cozy dessert and would be great at Thanksgiving too!

Every year, I usually make myself an apple crisp for mine and my dad’s birthdays. Our birthdays are a week apart so we would always celebrate it together when I was living at home. We aren’t huge cake people so this dessert was always our fav.

We have an apple tree that produces the best apples I have ever eaten. I used them in this recipe and it is insanely delicious. That crisp topping paired with the sweet, cinnamony apples is heavenly. I love the textures and flavors of apple crisp. It’s also so much easier to make because we don’t have to deal with a pie crust.

This apple crisp is not only so freaking good, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar free. Made with wholesome ingredients, it will not only satisfy all those sweet cravings, but will leave you feeling good too! It has way less added sugar and oil/butter than most, but you would never know!

Top it with your favorite vanilla ice cream or some dairy-free yogurt. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser! I seriously will never get sick of it. It’s my favorite dessert and I could eat it all year long.

If you make this apple crisp, be sure to tag me @nutsaboutgreens on Instagram so I can see your creations! Also, leave a comment below!

close up shot spoon in the apple crisp spoon in the apple crisp angled shot of a bowl of apple crisp with ice cream on top overview shot of a bowl of apple crisp with ice cream angled shot of bowl with spoon in the dessert

The Best Apple Crisp Ever (vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar free)

This is truly the best apple crisp you will ever eat. The soft, juicy apples with the crisp, granola-like topping is just delicious!
Print Recipe
angled shot of a bowl of apple crisp with ice cream on top
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:55 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

Filling

  • 2 lbs apples after being peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4-1/2  cup coconut sugar, depending on the sweetness of your apples (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 3 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Topping

  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • scant 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or melted vegan butter)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×9 pan and set it aside.
  • In a very large bowl, add the prepared apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut sugar, vanilla, lemon, and cornstarch. Stir with a spatula or spoon until everything is evenly combined. Add the apples to the greased cast iron skillet or 9×9 pan. Make sure it’s packed in there. It will shrink a lot after it’s baked and cooled.
  • In that same bowl, add all the topping ingredients. Stir until well combined. Sprinkle topping evenly over the top of the apples, then using your hands to press it down.
  • Bake 50-60 minutes, until apples are tender when poked with a fork or knife and the topping is golden brown. Mine took about 55 minutes.
  • Let it cool for one hour before serving. Enjoy warm! Although best when fresh, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warm.
Servings: 8
Author: valeria.chao