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Healthy vegan Apple Crisp

Marisa Marques
A Warm, Guilt-Free Dessert to Nourish the Soul
This Healthy Vegan Apple Crisp is a cosy, lighter take on the classic dessert — packed with warming spices, naturally sweetened with date syrup, and topped with a crunchy oat-and-nut crumble. It’s easy, comforting, and perfect for autumn baking, without any refined sugar, dairy, or fuss. Perfect warm with a spoonful of coconut yoghurt or your favourite vegan ice cream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, English
Servings 6 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Iron cast pan or oven ready dish

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 Apples
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp Date syrup more to taste
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp Ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp Ground ginger
  • ½ tsp Ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp Ground cardamom
  • 2 Tbsp Cornstarch

Crisp/Topping:

  • 2 Tbsp Ground flaxseeds
  • 5 Tbsp filter water
  • 1 Cup oats jumbo/rolled
  • 1/4 Cup walnuts or pecans chopped
  • 1/4 Cup almonds or hazelnuts
  • 2 Tbsp Date syrup
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Make the Flax Egg
    In a small bowl, mix 2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds with 5 Tbsp filtered water. Stir well and let it thicken for about 10 minutes, giving it a stir now and then.
  • Prep the Apples
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan). Wash the apples, remove the cores, and slice them into thin wedges.
  • Add Lemon
    Place the apple wedges into an ovenproof dish and squeeze over the lemon juice.
  • Add Spices & Sweetener
    Sprinkle over the spices and cornstarch, then drizzle in the date syrup. Use your hands to mix everything until the apples are evenly coated. Add a splash of lemon juice or water if needed.
  • Make the Crisp Topping
    In a bowl, combine the oats, nuts, cinnamon, and date syrup. Add the flax mixture and stir (or use your hands) until everything is well combined.
  • Assemble & Bake
    Spread the crisp topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are soft and bubbling.

Notes

  • Use a mix of apples - Combining sweet and tart varieties gives the filling more depth. For example: Braeburn + Granny Smith or Pink Lady + Bramley.
  • Slice the apples evenly - Thin, even slices cook at the same rate, giving you that soft, tender texture without some pieces turning mushy.
  • Coat the apples thoroughly - Make sure the spices, syrup, and cornstarch are well distributed. This helps the filling thicken into that lovely glossy, caramel-like sauce.
  • Add nuts for texture - Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds give the topping a gorgeous crunch and a toasty aroma. Lightly crushing them works best.
  • Bake until golden and bubbling - If the top looks pale, leave it longer. The crisp should be golden and the apples soft enough to pierce with a fork.
  • Let it rest before serving - Give it 5–10 minutes out of the oven. The juices settle and the topping firms up, making it easier to serve.
  • Serve - With  cool, creamy topping (vegan yoghurt or ice cream) makes it feel extra indulgent and highlights the warm spices.
Keyword Apple, Crisp, Spices