As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on a crisp chill, nothing feels more comforting than cozying up with a delicious dessert that captures the essence of fall. For those who follow a plant-based lifestyle—or simply want to add more wholesome treats to their repertoire—vegan fall desserts are the perfect answer.
Think cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy pumpkin, maple syrup, and toasted pecans, all coming together in decadent yet nourishing recipes. Whether you’re hosting a harvest dinner, planning a festive get-together, or craving a sweet bite after a long autumn walk, these vegan fall dessert recipes are here to make your season extra special.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a show-stopping Vegan Pumpkin Apple Crisp, plus share tips and variations to inspire your fall baking adventures. Let’s dive into flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Vegan Pumpkin Apple Crisp is a celebration of everything wonderful about autumn. It’s easy to make, bursting with the season’s best flavors, and completely free of animal products—so everyone at your table can indulge.
- Simple & approachable: No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required.
- Perfectly spiced: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger brings out the warmth of fall in every bite.
- Wholesome ingredients: You’ll use real fruit, oats, nuts, and pure pumpkin puree for a dessert that nourishes as much as it delights.
- Great for gatherings: This crisp is easily doubled or tripled and is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, Friendsgiving, or family dinners.
- Allergy-friendly: It’s naturally dairy-free and egg-free, with easy swaps to make it gluten-free or nut-free as needed.
“Fall desserts are proof that comfort food can be both wholesome and indulgent—without a trace of dairy or eggs.”
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible Vegan Pumpkin Apple Crisp. For your convenience, see the table below for a quick overview.
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Apples | 4 medium | Peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended) |
Pumpkin puree | 1 cup | Not pumpkin pie filling |
Maple syrup | 1/3 cup | Pure maple syrup for best flavor |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp | Divided (for filling and topping) |
Ground nutmeg | 1/2 tsp | Optional, for added warmth |
Ground ginger | 1/2 tsp | Optional, for subtle spice |
Rolled oats | 1 cup | Old-fashioned, not quick oats |
Almond flour | 1/2 cup | Or sub all-purpose or oat flour |
Pecans | 1/2 cup | Chopped; walnuts also work |
Coconut oil | 1/3 cup | Solid, or use vegan butter |
Brown sugar | 1/4 cup | Packed; coconut sugar for refined sugar-free option |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Pure for best taste |
Pinch salt | to taste | Enhances flavor |
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Peeler and apple corer (optional but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Oven mitts
Instructions
-
Prep the oven and baking dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×9-inch baking dish with a little coconut oil or vegan butter to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare the fruit filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using). Toss gently until fruit is well coated and evenly distributed.
-
Assemble the filling:
Spread the pumpkin-apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
-
Make the crisp topping:
In a medium bowl, stir together the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the solid coconut oil and vanilla extract.
Use a fork or your hands to mix until the topping is crumbly and well combined.
-
Top the fruit mixture:
Sprinkle the oat-pecan crumble evenly over the fruit filling, covering it completely for a golden, crunchy top.
-
Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the final 10 minutes.
-
Cool and serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to scoop.
-
Enjoy!
Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Pro tip: If you’re making this ahead, simply reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes before serving to re-crisp the topping.
Tips & Variations
-
Go gluten-free:
Use certified gluten-free oats and swap almond flour for oat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. -
Nut-free option:
Omit pecans and use sunflower seed butter or extra coconut oil in the topping. -
Switch up the fruit:
Try pears instead of apples, or mix in fresh cranberries for a tangy twist. -
Make it extra spiced:
Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile. -
Lower sugar:
Reduce the maple syrup or brown sugar to taste, especially if your apples are very sweet. -
Individual servings:
Bake the crisp in ramekins for adorable single-serve desserts—perfect for dinner parties!
“This vegan crisp pairs beautifully with plant-based ice creams—try my Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a fun twist!”
Nutrition Facts
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1/6 of the pan):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 270 |
Fat | 13g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugars | 18g |
Protein | 4g |
Sodium | 40mg |
Note: Actual values may vary based on specific brands or substitutions.
Serving Suggestions
- Straight from the oven: Serve warm and gooey, scooped into bowls, for ultimate comfort.
- With a creamy topping: Top with vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for a classic pairing.
- For breakfast: Enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature with a dollop of plant-based yogurt for a cozy morning treat.
- For a festive spread: Pair with other autumnal desserts like my Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for a seasonal dessert table.
- As a brunch addition: Add to a vegan brunch buffet alongside Vegan Beignets and fresh fruit for a sweet start to the day.
Conclusion
There’s truly something magical about the flavors of fall, and this Vegan Pumpkin Apple Crisp lets you enjoy them all in one cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s proof that vegan baking can be both easy and outrageously delicious, with layers of tender spiced fruit and a satisfyingly crunchy oat topping.
Whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or savoring a quiet moment with a warm bowl, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Looking for more ways to celebrate plant-based cooking? Try my Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for savory inspiration, or explore family favorites with the Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves for homemade bread.
No matter what you choose, may your fall be filled with warmth, flavor, and plenty of sweet vegan treats!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Description: Warm spiced apples and pumpkin are topped with a crunchy oat crumble for a cozy, plant-based fall treat. Perfect with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine apples, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Spread fruit mixture in a greased 8-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, almond flour, pecans, coconut oil, brown sugar, and salt until crumbly.
- Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over the fruit.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until topping is golden and apples are tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 230 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 34g
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