Healthy Apple Crisp
This healthy apple crisp has everything you love about the classic fall dessert: tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden, crunchy oat and nut topping. It’s vegan, gluten-free, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and uses simple, wholesome ingredients for the ultimate fall dessert!
I originally published this recipe in 2023 and recently updated it to make the apple filling even more tender and juicy. I’ve also added step-by-step photos and my recipe testing notes below.
Apple picking season is finally here! My sister and I recently found a new orchard nearby and we left with an overflowing basket of freshly picked apples. Naturally, the first thing I did was bake this healthy apple crisp. Then I made my air fryer apples, because when life gives you a bucket of apples, you might as well make all the apple desserts!
My healthy berry crisp always goes viral on Instagram, but this apple version has quickly become my favorite. As a New England girl, I can’t think of a more perfect fall dessert. It’s easy to make and truly the best apple crisp recipe that I (and so many of you!) come back to every single year.
Featured Comment
This was the best apple crisp recipe I ever tried! The crisp topping was perfectly crunchy and sweet and the apples were cooked to perfection with warming spices. My husband and I almost ate the whole thing in one go! This will definitely be a regular dessert in our family now 🥰
— Olivia
Table of Contents
Why This Healthy Apple Crisp Is a Fall Favorite
So what makes this the best apple crisp? A few things:
- Fall flavors: Warm cinnamon apples and a crispy maple oat topping. What’s not to love?
- Wholesome ingredients: Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
- Easy to make: Much easier than apple pie! Just prepare the apples, mix the topping, and bake.
- Tested for success: Perfectly tender apples without a pool of liquid at the bottom.
- A reader favorite: This apple crisp is a reader favorite and has gone viral on social media many times! It’s a recipe so many of you come back to every fall.
How I Perfected This Recipe
I’ve made this apple crisp more times than I can count. The oat topping was never the problem; getting the apples perfectly tender without turning mushy was the tricky part. Nobody wants to dig into apple crisp and find a stubborn, crunchy chunk of apple!
Here’s what made the biggest difference in my testing:
- Thinly slice the apples. I tried cubing the apples, but the centers didn’t soften. Then, I tried long slices, but that creates an awkward shape that doesn’t really fit onto a spoon. My favorite method? Cut the apples into thin slices, then cut each slice in half. This helps them cook evenly, and makes them much easier to scoop onto a spoon.
- Use maple syrup for a smooth filling. I tried tossing the apples with coconut sugar, but it doesn’t dissolve as smoothly, leaving a grainy texture on the apples that I didn’t love. Instead, I use maple syrup for its smoothness.
- A squeeze of lemon juice. It brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness. I skipped it for years, but it really does make a difference!
- Cornstarch is the final trick. It thickens the apple juices into a glossy sauce instead of leaving a watery puddle at the bottom of the dish.
These small changes made the biggest difference in the filling. The goal is tender apples, a juicy sauce, and a crisp topping in every bite.
Ingredients to Make Apple Crisp
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this apple crisp. As it bakes, your kitchen will smell like the coziest fall candle.
- Apples: You’ll need 3 large apples. You can leave the skin on, but I prefer to peel them for a smoother texture.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the apple juices into a glossy sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the apple flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Oats: Rolled oats or quick oats will work for the base of the crisp topping. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Almond Flour: Adds a tender texture to the topping.
- Nuts: I love the combination of sliced almonds and chopped walnuts, but pecans are another delicious option.
- Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the filling and topping while adding a subtle maple flavor.
- Vegan Butter: Most apple crisp recipes call for cold butter, but we’re going to melt it to bind the crisp ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors. Pictured in the photo above is vanilla powder, both work perfectly well.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
What Are the Best Apples for Apple Crisp?
I usually reach for Honeycrisp apples since they’re sweet and hold their shape while baking, but there are plenty of other varieties that work. You can even do a mix of sweet + tart apples.
- Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and holds its shape well when baked.
- Granny Smith: Firm and tart, which balances the sweetness of the topping.
- Cosmic Crisp: Sweet with a juicy, tangy flavor.
- Pink Lady: Firm, sweet-tart, and great for baking.
One of my favorite combinations I ever did was one Honeycrisp, one Cosmic Crisp, and one Gala apple. The mix of sweet and tangy flavors was delicious!
Got extra apples? Make a batch of my apple pie overnight oats for breakfast, or vegan apple bread
How to Make Vegan Apple Crisp
- Step 1: Peel and thinly slice the apples, then cut the slices in half. Toss them with maple syrup, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, melted vegan butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
- Step 3: Transfer the apples to a greased baking dish. Spread the crisp topping evenly on top. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fruit juices bubble around the edges.
- Step 4: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Scoop into bowls and add your favorite toppings. You know vanilla ice cream is my favorite!
Megan’s Tips for The Best Apple Crisp
- Choose your apples wisely: Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith are all great options. Avoid softer apples that can turn mushy during baking.
- Thinly slice the apples: Aim for about ¼-inch slices, then cut them in half. Thin, even slices help the apples cook through without leaving hard chunks.
- Look for bubbling juices: The filling should bubble around the edges, and the apples should be tender when pierced with a knife. If the topping is starting to brown before the apples soften, cover the dish with foil and continue baking until done.
What to Serve With Apple Crisp
My favorite way to serve apple crisp? Warm from the oven with a big scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. You know when the ice cream starts melting into the apples and crunchy topping? That’s the perfect bite.
You can also serve it with coconut whipped cream or a dollop of vegan yogurt for breakfast (yes, I absolutely support apple crisp for breakfast). And hear me out: sometimes I add a drizzle of peanut butter. Just try it and thank me later.
Frequently Asked Questions
The topping should be golden brown, and the apple juices should bubble around the edges. Pierce the apples with a knife to check that they’re tender. If they’re still firm, continue baking and cover the topping loosely with foil if it is browning too quickly.
Apples that are cut too thick may not soften fully during baking. Slice them evenly, about ¼ inch thick, and then cut those slices in half. Bake until the filling bubbles around the edges and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking.
This recipe uses cornstarch to help thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake. No watery filling here!
Honeycrisp apples are my favorite because they’re sweet and hold their shape well. Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp, and Pink Lady apples also work. You can even mix sweet and tart varieties to balance the flavor.
Some readers have successfully substituted regular all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour for almond flour. The texture may vary depending on the flour blend, so I recommend testing the substitution before serving it for a special occasion!
Got more apples? More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
Healthy Apple Crisp (Vegan & GF)
Ingredients
Apple filling
- 3 large apples, peeled and cut into ¼-inch slices, then cut in half (about 5 cups)
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp topping
- 1 cup oats, rolled or quick, use certified gf oats if needed
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Grease an 8-inch baking dish (or similar size).
- Prepare the apples: Peel and thinly slice the apples about ¼-inch thick, then cut the slices in half. Toss with maple syrup, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Make the topping: In a large bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, maple syrup, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the apples to the prepared baking dish and spread the crisp topping evenly over them. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fruit juices bubble around the edges.
- Serve: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Scoop into bowls and add your favorite topping. You know vanilla ice cream is my favorite!
Video
Notes
- Apples: Honeycrisp apples are my favorite because they’re sweet and hold their shape well. Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp, and Pink Lady apples also work. I use 3 large apples, but some readers have used up to 5 apples. It depends on how big your apples are and how much apple you want!
- Slicing the apples: Thinly slice the apples about ¼ inch thick, then cut each slice in half. This helps the apples cook evenly and makes them easier to scoop onto a spoon!
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats if you need to avoid gluten.
- Baking time: Bake until the topping is golden brown, the filling bubbles around the edges, and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking until the apples soften.
- Serving: Serve warm with vegan vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or dairy-free yogurt.
- Storage: Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
I didn’t even know that I liked apple crisp until I tried this recipe and let me just say that you’re missing out if you haven’t made it yet because it’s so good. There’s a reason why this recipe blew up… just saying! I’ve paired mine with Fronen Madagascar vanilla ice cream, ice cream for bears (before I cut out dairy) and even plain yogurt that I sweetened myself. You honestly can’t go wrong with this.
Aw, this makes me so happy to hear 🥰 I appreciate you sharing your review, Shea. I hope this recipe becomes a fall staple for you!
Just now realized I could rate these recipes, but I have made so many booboosbakery recipes(this weekend 4 lol) and they have not missed. This one was so good and the flavors worked together so well. I love eating good food with nothing refined or processed, and these recipes do that so well.
Awe thanks for sharing this Kaylee, I’m so happy to hear your enjoy my recipes! Your review and star rating means a lot!
Next time I would use more apples , at least 5 …, definitely needs more and too many nuts for me… my son said it would be better with sugar lol. Love that it’s healthy apple crisp!
Glad you enjoyed it, Tracy! You can definitely add more apples next time and reduce the amount of nuts – I would just add a bit more oats to make up for it. 🙂
Probably the best apple crisp I have ever had. I’m not vegan so I used regular salted butter. I also usually like more crisp than apple. I saw that 3 honey crisp apples were a lot. I think It would be perfect with 2 medium or 3 small honey crisp apples. My only regret is that apples are pricey right now especially honey crisp so it is a more budget friendly as a fall recipe. I also like it with a dollop of plain yogurt. Thank you for the recipe!
So happy you loved this apple crisp recipe, Ashley! You can definitely tweak the amount of apples to suit your taste (I agree, the crisp is one of the best parts). Thanks for sharing your review 🙂
My go to favorite healthy fall dessert recipe. Foolproof and perfect every time!! So impressed!!!
Aww, love to hear this! Thank you for sharing your kind review 💛
This truly is the best apple crisp recipe! We make it all the time. Love that it’s made with healthy ingredients too!
So happy to hear this 🙂
Another Megan chiming in to say this is my new favourite apple crisp recipe!
So so happy to hear this! Thanks for sharing, Megan 🙂
Is there a way to make this nut free? 🩷
Hi Kara, you can substitute the chopped nuts for more oats, or even seeds. And you can likely substitute the almond flour for an all-purpose flour. Let me know if you try it ❤️
Hello , so I made this and I saw it’s about 241 calories but what’s the measurement of the serving ???
Hi Maria, that’s an estimate based on the full batch being divided into 10 servings, so 1 serving = 1 piece (1/10 of the batch). Enjoy!
Apple crisp/crumble is a repeat recipe I like to make for many reasons. I wanted to use the pears I have in this apple crisp in addition. I only subbed the vegan butter with coconut oil and added more nuts and oats because of the addition of pears. Crisps like these couldn’t be easier to throw together and bake. Plus all the ing. are ones that I already have. As always, the oats, spices, and fruit comes together perfectly. I will be enjoying it this week for sure. #happyholidays
The top was not crumbly with all purpose flour. I’ve never made apple crisp with melted butter. It’s usually room temp soft and that might have been the problem. It was very wet and sticky 😔
Hi Bri, I’m assuming you substituted the almond flour with all-purpose flour? This recipe was specifically developed to use almond flour, so AP flour won’t give the same texture or results unfortunately. Sorry it didn’t turn out how you hoped! Did you happen to make any other swaps? Happy to help troubleshoot if so 💛
Can I use abit of coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, coconut oil will work, just be sure to melt it before adding it to the mixture. Enjoy!
10/10 recommend! This was so delicious and so satisfying. It tasted just like a Dutch apple pie without the crust. Every bite was sweet. I couldn’t help but eat the whole pan lbvs
I’m so happy you loved this apple crisp, Angela! Thank you so much for sharing. I hope it becomes a fall staple in your home 🥰
You ever used “Envy” apples in your crisp before? They are my favorite apple of all times. I used them in baking desserts, apple, pie, crisps, and other other things as well. I don’t know if you get those type of apples in New England or not. I am from Washington state. I can’t wait to try your recipe.❤️
I’m not sure I’ve ever tried that variety! I usually stick with Honeycrisp and Gala apples that I pick from our local orchard, but now I’ll have to keep an eye out for those — or maybe one day when I visit Washington state. I’m sure they’d be delicious in this apple crisp. Hope you love the recipe, Alicia!
This was really tasty and not overly sweet, which was a delight. But for me, the ratio of topping to apples was way off. I used 3 medium gala apples and I would, in the future, use at least 2 more apples or cut the topping in half. Still very much enjoyed it and will definitely make it again.
You can definitely add more apples if you prefer 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the flavor. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
yumyumyum!! just made this baby! made my whole house smell delicious! i’ll be making this all fall/winter season for sure!
Aw I’m so happy you loved it Tina – tis the season! Thanks for sharing your review 🙂