If you’re dreaming of a comforting dessert that’s both wholesome and delightfully sweet, this Vegan Apple Crisp (No Oil) Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a perfectly crunchy oat topping, this crisp brings warmth to any table without using a drop of oil. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and features simple, accessible ingredients that come together harmoniously to give you dessert bliss that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass rectangular dish holds a thick single layer of pale yellow apple slices sprinkled generously with light brown cinnamon powder. The apple slices are unevenly shaped, some showing a hint of red skin, resting on a white marbled surface. A wooden spatula with a natural grain texture is pressed lightly into the apple slices from the upper right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your crisp. Each one plays a unique role, from the tender apples to the oat-based topping that gives it a satisfyingly crunchy finish.

7 apples, any kind: A mix is ideal for depth of flavor, but your favorite variety works perfectly too.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps keep the apples from browning.
2 tbsp maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the apples with a lovely caramel undertone.
2 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the juicy apple filling to just the right consistency.
1 tbsp cinnamon: Provides warm, cozy spice that’s classic for apple desserts.
¼ tsp nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of earthiness and complexity.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness.
1 cup old fashioned oats: The heart of the crumbly topping, offering texture and whole-grain goodness.
½ cup whole wheat flour: Adds nutty flavor and wholesome body to the crisp topping.
½ cup all purpose flour: Helps create the perfect crumb structure.
1 tbsp cinnamon: Sprinkled into the topping for that warm, inviting aroma.
¼ tsp nutmeg: Rounds out the topping’s spice mix beautifully.
½ cup maple syrup: Binds the topping ingredients together and gives delightful sweetness.

How to Make Vegan Apple Crisp (No Oil) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming, peel and slice your apples—don’t hesitate to combine varieties for more flavor depth. Toss them in a large bowl and add lemon juice, maple syrup, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything well until each apple slice is beautifully coated with spices and syrup.

Step 2: Bake the Apple Filling

Transfer the spiced apple mixture into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Baking the apples covered lets them soften gently and release their juices without drying out. Bake for 30 minutes to get them perfectly tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Topping

While your apples bake, prepare your crumbly topping by combining oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Stir in the maple syrup until the mixture holds together slightly. This mix will provide your crisp with a satisfyingly crunchy and sweet finish, without any oil needed.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Crisp

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from your baking dish. Break up any clumps in your oat topping with your fingers, then spread it evenly over the softened apples. Bake uncovered for another 25 minutes until the topping is golden and slightly crisp. Let the whole dessert rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Crisp (No Oil) Recipe

A clear glass baking dish filled with a dessert showing two distinct layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown baked fruit base with visible soft, slightly shiny fruit pieces peeking through; the top layer is a chunky, crumbly oat and brown sugar streusel topping with a rough texture, scattered oats, and a dry, crumbly look covering the entire surface. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with warm, natural lighting highlighting the contrast between the moist bottom layer and the dry crumbly top layer, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This crisp is wonderful on its own, but to elevate it further, consider a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon on top can add extra texture and flavor. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely, refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Vegan Apple Crisp (No Oil) Recipe with a warm cup of spiced herbal tea or a glass of plant-based milk for a cozy experience. It can also accompany light breakfasts like oatmeal or porridge, turning them into a comforting treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your crisp in individual ramekins, making each portion feel special. Layer the apple filling and topping like a parfait with some vegan yogurt between layers. You can also add fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup right before serving for an added touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep beautifully for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy this delightful dessert well after baking.

Freezing

This vegan apple crisp freezes well, too! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. When you’re ready to savor it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your crisp back to warm-and-crispy perfection, reheat individual servings in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. For a quick fix, use the microwave but know the topping might lose some crunchiness.

FAQs

Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! Agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or coconut nectar are great alternatives that maintain a natural sweetness while keeping this recipe oil-free.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in equal amounts. These will also help thicken the filling without altering the flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for your preferred gluten-free flour blends. Make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free to keep the dish fully compliant.

What types of apples work best?

Anything from tart Granny Smith to sweet Fuji or Honeycrisp works wonderfully. Combining tart and sweet apples creates a wonderful balance in flavor and texture.

Is it possible to add nuts or seeds to the topping?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds add extra crunch and richness. Just fold them into the topping mixture before baking for an extra layer of texture.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Crisp (No Oil) Recipe is a heartwarming celebration of simple ingredients elevated into something truly special. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and the best part is how easy it is to make without any oil. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how naturally delicious and satisfying this recipe can be. Your taste buds and cozy moments ahead will thank you!

Vegan Apple Crisp (No Oil) Recipe