Name: Vegan Caramel Apple Crisp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 honeycrisp apples- cored and sliced; 2 tbsp white sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp lemon juice; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup old fashioned oats; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup vegan butter; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; pinch of salt; caramel sauce for topping (optional); vanilla dairy-free ice cream (optional)

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This vegan caramel apple crisp is a rich and decadent dessert just like grandma used to make. Warm oven-baked apples with a sweet and crumbly oat crust. Top with dairy-free ice cream and caramel sauce for the perfect homestyle dessert.

It only takes 5 minutes to get into the oven, and within 45 minutes, you have a warm and comforting dessert just begging for some rich vanilla dairy-free ice cream and a healthy drizzle of caramel for that impossibly delicious combination of sweet, crunchy, and salty.

The Magic of a Caramel Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is such a simple and timeless dish with classic flavors. Reminiscent of a deconstructed apple pie, it features a layer of tender, spiced apples, generously topped with a crumbly mixture of oats, flour, sugar, and vegan butter. The addition of caramel sauce adds that salty sweet perfect touch.

What makes vegan caramel apple crisp particularly appealing is its versatility. It can be served warm or cold, with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a comforting treat on a cold night. And let’s be honest, who says it has to be just a dessert? I have had this for breakfast on many an occasion with zero guilt.

Apple crisps have such a fond place in my heart. I grew up with a giant apple tree in our backyard and every Fall, my mom would bake piles of these to use up the insane amount of apples we had each year. The house would be filled with the amazing aromas of baking spiced apples for weeks. The apples were so bitter and chalky that they were hard to eat on their own. Baking them into delicious family-style desserts was the best thing we could use them for.

Apple crisps and apple pies are perfect for your more bitter apples like a granny smith. I used honeycrisp apples here because we have a household of particular apple eaters, and it’s what I had on hand, but you can use any variety.

Need to Fit Dietary Restrictions?

If you need to modify this dessert to fit your lifestyle there are a few options with this recipe. It’s basically already vegan, you just need to swap out the dairy, but here are a few other alternatives:

Gluten Free: Need this sans gluten? Just make sure you are using gluten free oats and flour. Oats are naturally gluten free, but some factories may have allergen exposure, so check the labels.
Diabetic: Need to reduce your sugar intake? Leave off the caramel and ice cream and the white sugar on the apples. Just use a little diabetic friendly sugar substitute in the crumb topping.
Dairy Free: Great news! This recipe is already dairy free and ready to rip. Make sure any butters and ice cream as well as caramel sauce you are using are compliant.
Dietary Additions: Want to crank up nutritional value? Don’t be afraid to top with chopped dates, berries, nuts, seeds, and hemp hearts for added protein. Want even more? Add chia seeds and ground flax to the crumble to give you some omega’s as well.

Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Caramel Apple Crisp

Don’t worry, it’s impossible to screw this one up, but here are a couple tips to make sure you get the most out of this recipe:

Choosing the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji work well together.
Perfecting the Crisp Topping: Make sure the butter is cut in cold and you can even make the crumble mixture and put it back in the fridge for a bit before topping and baking. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Spicing It Up: Use a mix of warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to enhance the flavor of the apples and caramel.
Homemade Vegan Caramel: Making your own vegan caramel sauce can elevate the dessert. Use ingredients like coconut milk, coconut sugar, and a pinch of sea salt for a rich and flavorful sauce.
Balancing Sweetness: Taste your apple mixture before baking. If the apples are particularly tart, you may need to add a bit more sweetener to balance the flavors.

Whether you’re a committed vegan, exploring plant-based options, or just want an awesome and delicious treat, caramel apple crisp is a must-try. It’s a timeless favorite that will continue to be cherished and passed down to future generations. Happy baking!

Instructions

This vegan caramel apple crisp is so easy to make. With just 5 minutes of prep, and some time to bake to perfection, you have an easy plant-based dessert ready to be enjoyed.

Simply core and slice your apples and mix in the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.

2. Place them in a greased 8×8 baking pan.

3. Whip up the crumb coating of oats, flour, brown sugar, vegan butter, salt, and vanilla extract.

4. Top the apples with the crumb coating and place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.

5. The result is a perfect vegan apple crisp. Top with dairy-free ice cream and caramel topping to really take the flavors up a notch.

Try these related recipes:

Egg-Free Fluffy Waffles

Roasted Pistachio Lavender and Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Batter Dipped Banana Slice Pancakes

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