Almond Apple Crisp that’s Naturally Sweetened and Plant Based

Ashley Melillo of Blissful Basil knows that crisp is in season year round. That’s why she shares both warm and cool weather versions in her vegan cookbook Blissful Basil. In summer, we posted her Dairy-Free Blackberry Crisp Recipe. And now that fall is in full swing, we’re updating her recipe for butterless, gluten-free, dairy-free Almond Apple Crisp.

Almond Apple Crisp that’s Naturally Sweetened and Plant Based

In both of her crisp recipes, Ashley shuns butter alternatives and uses wholesome ingredients. Which means there is quite a bit of flexibility in her formula. I’ve included some tips and substitution notes to get your started.

Can I use Pears instead of Apples?

Yes, pears work great in this dairy-free almond apple crisp recipe. Use 2 pounds of pears, and look for good baking varieties, like Anjou, Bartlett, or Bosc.

Do I have to Use Granny Smith or Honey Crisp Apples?

Ashley chooses these types of apples for their tartness and firmness. They tend to add contrast to the sweet crisp topping and stand up well in baking. That said, there are many good baking apples. Braeburn and Golden Delicious are popular apples that also hold their own in this almond apple crisp recipe. If your filling becomes too soft, too watery, is mushy, or grainy, then it’s the apples that you used, not the recipe.

Is their a Substitute for Arrowroot Starch?

Ashley chooses arrowroot as her primary starch of choice in Blissful Basil. But you can use non-GMO cornstarch or tapioca starch as an equivalent substitute for the arrowroot starch.

Will Other Spices Work in this Almond Apple Crisp?

Definitely! You can add a little nutmeg or allspice, aobut 1/4 teaspoon to the filling. Or you can use Apple Pie Spice in place of the cinnamon.

I only have Quick Oats on hand, will Those Work?

Quick oats work just in this dairy-free almond apple crisp. The topping won’t be as “chunky” but will still be quite crisp-like.

What Can I Substitute if I don’t want to use Nuts or Seeds?

You can just omit the seeds and use more oats – 2 cups total. If using just oats, pulse 1 cup of the oats, and then stir in the remaining 1 cup oats.

What Size is a Medium 1.5 Quart Baking Dish?

An 8×8-inch baking dish will work well, or a little smaller if your want a thicker crisp topping. You can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish. The baking time will be similar.

Do I have to use Coconut Oil?

No, you can make this recipe coconut-free! Simply substitute your favorite baking oil in an equal amount for the coconut oil. If you’re craving a buttery flavor, you can substitute dairy-free butter alternative for the oil.

Special Diet Notes: Almond Apple Crisp

By ingredients, these recipes are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, optionally nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian.

Ashley Melillo

Dairy-Free Almond Apple Crisp

5 from 1 vote

This is a sample recipe from Ashley's cookbook, Blissful Basil. It's amazing when served warm with a scoop of vanilla coconut milk ice cream and a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 282

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Apple Filling

• 2 pounds Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples peeled, cored, and diced
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot starch
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Almond Topping

• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats divided (certified gluten free, if needed)
• ½ cup raw almonds (see Nut-Free Option below)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup coconut oil melted

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a medium round, oval, or rectangular 1 1/2-quart baking dish.

Apple Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, arrowroot, and cinnamon. Toss to evenly coat the apples.
2. Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish.

Almond-Oat Topping

1. Add 1/2 cup of the rolled oats and the raw almonds to a food processor and process for 15 seconds, or until a coarse meal forms.
2. Transfer the almond-oat mixture to a large mixing bowl and whisk in the remaining 1 cup rolled oats, cinnamon, and sea salt. Add the maple syrup and melted coconut oil and stir to combine.
3. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling.
4. Bake the apple crisp, uncovered, for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the topping is deep golden brown and you can hear the liquid bubbling within the filling.
5. Let the crisp cool slightly before serving.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.
7. Refrigerate leftovers, covered, for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 38.4gProtein: 4.6gFat: 13.3gSaturated Fat: 6.4gSodium: 34mgPotassium: 237mgFiber: 5.8gSugar: 20.9gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1.3mg

Notes

Nut-Free Option: Not nuts? No problem. Substitute raw shelled sunflower seeds for the almonds.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

More Plant-Based Recipes featuring Apples

Healthy Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Snack Nachos

Vegan Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal