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.

Healthy apple crisp served in a bowl topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzle of peanut butter.
Add us as a Google Trusted Source

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
65 more reviews »

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.

Measured and labeled ingredients needed to make vegan apple crisp, including apples, oats, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
  • 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 

Thinly sliced apples tossed with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch.
  1. 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.
Crisp topping mixed with almond flour, nuts, maple syrup, and melted vegan butter.
  1. 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.
Apple filling covered with crisp topping in a baking dish before baking.
  1. 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.
Freshly baked apple crisp with golden oat topping and tender apple filling.
  1. 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 sipping a green smoothie.

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.
— Megan

What to Serve With Apple Crisp

Healthy apple crisp with a golden oat and nut topping, served with vanilla ice cream.
A bowl of homemade apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream.

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

How do I know when apple crisp is done baking?

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.

Why are my apples still hard when baking apple crisp?

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.

How do I keep apple crisp from getting watery?

This recipe uses cornstarch to help thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake. No watery filling here!

What are the best apples for apple crisp?

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.

Can I substitute almond flour?

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!

Healthy apple crisp served in a bowl with vanilla ice cream.

Got more apples? More Apple Recipes You’ll Love

Caramel apple date bark topped with dark chocolate, diced green apple, peanut butter, and chopped peanuts.

Caramel Apple Date Bark
Bite taken out of an apple crisp stuffed date showing gooey date and cinnamon apple center

Apple Crisp Stuffed Dates
Creamy apple cinnamon overnight oats with shredded apple, cinnamon, and a drizzle of almond butter.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Mini apple crisp baked in one ramekin with oats, nuts, and maple syrup—easy vegan and gluten-free fall dessert for one.”

Single Serve Healthy Apple Crisp

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 served in a bowl topped with vanilla ice cream.
4.87 from 23 ratings

Healthy Apple Crisp (Vegan & GF)

Megan Murphy
Yield: 10 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
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!
Print Leave a Review Pin Recipe

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

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.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 249kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 96mg, Potassium: 202mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 39IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 60mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @booboosbakeryy with hashtag #booboosbakery on Instagram. We love to see what you make!