Dairy Free Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is one of those desserts that always feels like home. It’s warm, sweet, and really simple to put together.

This version is completely dairy free, so you can enjoy it without any milk or regular butter. I use vegan butter instead, and honestly, you can’t tell the difference.

The apples get soft and tender while they bake, and the topping turns crunchy and golden. It’s the kind of contrast that makes each bite so good.

You don’t need any special baking skills to make this. If you can slice apples and stir a few things together, you’re basically done.

Serve it warm with a scoop of dairy free vanilla ice cream on top. That combination is hard to beat.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

Warm Apple Flavor – Cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon bring out the apples’ sweet, bright flavor without making the filling too sugary.

Perfect Texture – The oat topping bakes into golden, buttery clusters that pair beautifully with the soft, juicy apples underneath.

Rich Without Dairy – Vegan butter creates a rich, satisfying topping, so this crisp tastes just as comforting without dairy.

Beautifully Balanced – Cornstarch thickens the apple juices into a luscious sauce, while lemon keeps every spoonful fresh and balanced.

Here’s What You’ll Need

For the Filling

• 6 cups Apples, peeled and sliced (about 6 medium)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

For the Topping

• 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
• 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 3/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Vegan Butter, melted

How to Make It

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.

Step 2

Toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon until evenly coated, then spread them into the dish.

Step 3

Stir the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together. Pour in the melted vegan butter and mix until the topping forms moist, craggy clumps.

Step 4

Scatter the topping evenly over the apples, squeezing some of it into bigger clusters for extra crunch.

Step 5

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is deep golden and the apple juices are bubbling at the edges.

Step 6

Let the crisp rest for 15 minutes before serving warm. It is amazing with a scoop of dairy free vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips

Choose Firm Apples

Use a mix of firm apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. They hold their shape well and give the filling a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors.

Slice the apples about 1/4 inch thick so they become tender in the same amount of time. Very thin slices can turn soft before the topping is ready, while thick slices may stay firm in the center.

Coat the Apples Evenly

Toss the apples with the lemon juice first, then add the sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Mix gently until the cornstarch is spread over every slice instead of collecting at the bottom of the bowl.

Spread the apples and any coating left in the bowl into the baking dish. That mixture thickens into the syrupy filling as the crisp bakes.

Use Stick-Style Vegan Butter

Stick-style vegan butter usually gives the topping a firmer, more crumbly texture than a soft tub spread. Melt it fully, then let it cool for a few minutes so it is warm rather than very hot.

Pour the butter over the dry ingredients and stir until no dry flour remains. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but still break into rough pieces easily.

What to Make Next

• Dairy Free Apple Cider Donut Ice Cream
• Dairy Free Cinnamon Roll Swirl Ice Cream
• Dairy Free Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
• Dairy Free Maple Pecan Bread Pudding
• Dairy Free Peach Cobbler Cookies

Popular Questions

What type of apples work best for this crisp?

A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Braeburn apples all hold their shape well while baking.

Try to slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same rate. Very soft apples may create a more tender filling.