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This comforting vegan apple crumble brings the warmth of baked apples and crispy topping together for an easy yet satisfying dessert. It uses accessible ingredients and is ideal for fall gatherings or a cozy treat by the fire. I first made this for a chilly Sunday brunch and now it’s a seasonal staple in my kitchen.
I love how this crumble fills the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon apples. It always reminds me of apple-picking weekends with my kids.
Ingredients
- Apples: firm tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp keep shape and deliver bold apple flavor
- Brown sugar: enhances caramelization while balancing tartness
- Lemon juice: adds brightness and keeps apples from browning
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: bring warm spice that makes it feel like fall in every bite
- All purpose flour: forms the structure of the crumble and can be swapped for gluten free or whole wheat versions
- Rolled oats: give the topping a rustic crunch and heartiness
- Pecans and almonds: add nutty richness and texture to the topping
- Vegan butter: binds the topping and provides buttery depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Peel and slice apples into thin wedges or cubes. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice cinnamon nutmeg and brown sugar. Coat well using clean hands to ensure all the fruit is evenly seasoned.
- Crush the Nuts:
- Use a food processor to finely chop pecans and almonds. Adjust texture based on who you’re serving. For kids a finer grind helps avoid choking risks.
- Mix the Crumble Topping:
- In a large bowl combine the crushed nuts rolled oats flour sugar and vegan butter. Mix until the texture resembles coarse wet sand. You can use your hands or a sturdy spatula.
- Assemble the Crumble:
- Spread the prepared apple filling in an even layer into a medium sized baking dish. Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the apples pressing slightly to adhere.
- Bake the Crumble:
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 25 minutes uncovered then loosely cover with foil and bake for 20 more minutes. The top should be golden and the filling bubbling.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the crumble rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with vegan vanilla ice cream yogurt or a drizzle of vegan caramel.
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You Must Know
I love the way the nutty topping contrasts with soft spiced apples. It takes me back to baking with my grandmother who always used fresh orchard apples.
Storage Tips
Let the crumble cool fully before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat use the oven or microwave briefly until warm.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap vegan butter with coconut oil for a tropical flavor. Use almond or oat flour to make it gluten free. Sweeten with date syrup or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for lower glycemic options.
Serving Suggestions
Best served warm with scoops of vegan vanilla ice cream. Also delicious with a dollop of coconut yogurt or a drizzle of vegan custard. Try making it into mini crumble pies for special occasions.
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Cultural Notes
Apple crumble originates in Britain as a simple dessert during times of rationing. Its popularity spread globally because of its comfort factor and adaptability to ingredients on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What apples work best for vegan crumble?
Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady hold their shape during baking and offer great flavor balance.
- → Can I make this crumble gluten-free?
Yes you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- → What can I use instead of vegan butter?
Coconut oil is a good alternative though it will result in a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
- → Can I use other fruits in the crumble?
Yes apples pair well with berries peaches or pears. You can mix and match for seasonal variations.