The Best Apple Crisp is oat free and dairy free (in my opinion). I could eat Apple Crisp year round, but really begin to crave the fall dessert around September. Many of my birthday cakes have actually been the homemade baked fruit dessert topped with streusel! I’ve always used my Grandma Mary’s famous recipe, but it calls for real butter (which I avoid in large quantities). This easy and delicious fall dessert recipe uses a plant based butter substitute and tastes just as great!

Fun fact: there is a difference between a fruit crumble and a fruit crisp (read about it here).
The Best Apple Crisp (Oat Free and Dairy Free) Recipe
I don’t follow a vegan or dairy free diet, but I do try to steer clear from many milk products. The best desserts usually contain some form of dairy, so I love when I can recreate a classic without it. Another ingredient I try to avoid is oats as it aggravates my IBS. This oat free and dairy free apple crisp is the perfect indulgent fall dessert!
One ingredient in this recipe that I’ve never used before when making my Grandma’s dish is cornstarch. If you don’t like a thick dessert, omit this ingredient!
Do you like to pick your own apples? Here are my Tips for Apple Picking in New England
Dairy Free Apple Crisp Without Oats
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 Apples firm and crisp (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cornstarch
Streusel Topping
- 1 c Light Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 c All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 stick Earth Balance Butter Cold and Diced (plus 1 tbsp)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.Β Use butter to coat a medium-sized shallow casserole dish.
- Peel the apples and then chop them into Β½-inch pieces. Place the apples in a large bowl.Β Add the lemon juice and gently stir to coat the apples.Β Add the vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch – gently mixing with a spatula until the apples are coated.
- Pour the apples into the buttered casserole baking dish.
- Stir together the dry ingredients for the topping in a large bowl. Add the butter. Use your fingers to smash the butter, mixing it into the dry ingredients to create a crumble.
- Sprinkle half of the topping over the apples in the casserole dish. Gently mix the topping into the apples.
- Sprinkle the remaining topping over the apples.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown (and bubbly!). Keep an eye on this dish because all ovens cook differently!
- Allow the Apple Crisp to settle for at least 10 minutes before enjoying!
Notes

Bring this to me π
This apple crisp recipe is amazing! I love that it’s oat-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for my dietary needs. The flavors are incredible, and it was super easy to make. Canβt wait to try it again! Thank you, Caitlin!
This apple crisp recipe looks amazing! I love that it’s oat-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for those with allergies. Can’t wait to try it this weekend! Thanks for sharing, Caitlin!
This apple crisp recipe is a game changer! I love that it’s oat-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for my dietary needs. The flavor combination is delicious, and I can’t wait to try it out this weekend! Thanks for sharing, Caitlin!
This apple crisp recipe looks amazing! I love that it’s oat-free and dairy-freeβit makes it so much more accessible for everyone. Can’t wait to try it out with some fresh apples! Thanks, Caitlin!
This apple crisp recipe is fantastic! I love that itβs oat-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for my dietary needs. The flavors are so delicious, and itβs the ideal dessert for fall. Canβt wait to try this with some of my favorite apples! Thank you, Caitlin!
I just tried your oat-free and dairy-free apple crisp recipe, and it was amazing! The flavors were so rich and comforting. Thank you for sharing such a delicious and healthier option! Can’t wait to make it again!