This Fat Free Apple Crisp is the perfect fall dessert! The tart apples and sweet crunchy oatmeal topping are simply divine with a scoop of dairy free vanilla ice cream.
This post was originally published on September 26, 2019. It has been updated with new information and images, but the recipe has remained the same.
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I absolutely love fall! The cooler weather means I get to pull out my sweaters and sweatshirts, and cozy up inside with a warm beverage and some delicious baked goods. And on of those baked treats I make every year to welcome in fall is apple crisp.
Nothing beats the smell of the apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. And the warm, tart, soft apples topped with the sweet crunchy topping is dessert perfection! Of course, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a must!
Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of this apple crisp at home while sitting in front of your favorite TV show, or bringing it to share with a gathering of family or friends, this is the perfect fall dessert!
Apple crisp is traditionally made with an oat crumble topping that contains loads of butter. But, of course, none of us need to be consuming all that fat. Switching to an oil free vegan diet could have meant no more apple crisp! But I have managed to adapt so many recipes to oil free vegan, I was sure I could come up with a healthier version of this one that was fat free.
It took a few tries, but I’ve managed to come up with the best ever fat free apple crisp? And you’re going to love it! This does contain a fair amount of sugar, so it is not an everyday type of treat. But I believe it’s OK to splurge a bit for celebrations.
Ingredients needed for this vegan apple crisp
Just a few simple ingredients are all you need for this amazing dessert!
Just a few simple ingredients are all you need for this amazing dessert!
- Apples
- Rolled oats
- Whole wheat pastry flour
- Organic brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a less refined sugar option)
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Cinnamon
- Salt
What is the best apple to use in apple crisp?
My favorite apples to use for this recipe are Granny Smith apples, because they are a nice firm apple with the perfect tartness. This tart flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet topping. But other apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, or Braeburn will also work.
Should I peel the apples?
It’s totally up to you! I prefer to peel my apples when making this dessert. But if you like to leave the peel on, go for it!
How to make this easy apple crisp
The nice thing about making desserts like a crisp is that it’s so much easier than making a pie, but you still get to enjoy that fresh baked fruity goodness.
Step 1: Peel, core, and slice a bunch of apples, until you have about 10 cups. Your slices should be fairy thing, no more than 1/4 inch thick. Put the apples slices in a 9″ x 13″ glass baking pan.
Step 2: In a medium sized bowl, stir together the oats, whole wheat pastry flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure it is thoroughly mixed, with no lumps of brown sugar.
Step 3: Mix in the applesauce, a tablespoon at a time. Mix until the oat topping is crumbly, with no big lumps. I usually get my hands in there to really mix it well.
Step 4: Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apples.
Step 5: Bake at 350 F for about 45 minutes, until the topping begins to brown. Enjoy those mouth watering aromas wafting from the oven as it bakes?
The best way to enjoy this scrumptious apple crisp is warm with a scoop of my Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream! That combination of hot apple crisp with the cold ice cream is like heaven!
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, I believe that would work! I haven’t tested it, but I would suggest substituting a gluten free all purpose flour blend for the whole wheat pastry flour. And be sure to also use gluten free certified rolled oats.
How to store apple crisp
After the apple crisp has completely cooled, cover it with plastic wrap, foil, or a lid. It can be kept out on the counter for 1 or 2 days after it is made.
For longer storage it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I have never had this recipe last long enough to worry about freezing it, but I’m sure it would freeze just fine. The topping will not stay as crisp after refrigerating or freezing.
Individual servings can be reheated in the microwave for about a minute, or until it is as warm as you like it.
You’ll love this fat free vegan apple crisp recipe because it is:
- So easy and affordable to make a scrumptious dessert.
- Perfect for celebrating fall and for holiday celebrations.
- Delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some vegan whipped cream.
- A lightened up version of the traditional apple crisp that you love.
For more oil free vegan dessert recipes, see:
- Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oil Free Vegan Sugar Cookies
- Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- Blueberry Oat Bars
- Oil Free Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
- Vegan Peppermint Ice Cream
- Vegan Granola Bars
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
- Vegan Chocolate Pudding
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Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 8 apples peeled and sliced (about 10 cups)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ⅔ cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ⅔ cup organic brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place apple slices in a 9” x 13” glass baking pan.
- Stir together rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add in the applesauce a tablespoon at a time and mix together until the topping ingredients just begin to stick together and are crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly onto the apples.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until the topping begins to brown.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition calculations are approximate.
Thank you for this base I used to make a berry crisp/cobbler. Apples here in the East Valley of AZ leave a lot to be desired for eating and baking, so I decided to substitute strawberries and blueberries. A family member cannot eat oats, so I substituted almond flour and chopped walnuts. It was a big hit with family and friends. My family thanks you!
Glad you were able to modify the recipe to work for you!
Another oil free recipe for the books!! So so good, we are all crazy about this apple crisp! Tried it with blueberry and peach and it was amazing ????
I can’t wait to eat this again! This recipe is so wonderful and just as good as any apple crisp recipe I’ve had that uses butter in the topping! What a treat!
Do you think that if I halved it it would fit in an 8×8 pan?
Yes, I believe it will.
This was soooo good! My 6-year-old even liked it. I used spelt flour for the flour and subbed coconut sugar for the brown sugar. I used half the sugar called for and it came out with the perfect sweetnesss for my taste. I’m so happy to have found a fat free way to use up my apples and I will definitely be making this again!
I’m so happy to hear that you and your son enjoyed this, and that you were able to make the substitutions to make it work for you.
I especially appreciate your oil free recipes. Thank you.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy them!
A taste from home. My Mother used to make apple crisp and it was always one of my favorite deserts. It’s nice to have it once again. Absolutely delicious! Thanks Teresa.
You’re welcome! I’m happy you enjoyed it!