Vegan Apple Crumble

So you want dessert that smells like fall, tastes like a hug, and doesn’t require a PhD in baking. Enter Vegan Apple Crumble—soft, cinnamon-spiced apples under a crispy, buttery (but vegan!) topping. It’s comfort food at its finest, minus the dairy.

Perfect for cozy nights, casual brunches, or any time you want the smell of cinnamon to make your kitchen magical.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

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Here’s why this crumble deserves a permanent spot in your life:

• 100% vegan – No butter, no eggs, no drama.
• Warm, cozy, and simple – Minimal effort, max comfort.
• Crowd-pleaser – Friends, family, or just you—nobody judges.
• Flexible & forgiving – Swap fruits or sweeteners without fear.
• Bonus points: Smells amazing while baking. Enough said.

Honestly, the crisp topping + soft apples combo is basically dessert perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Filling

• Apples – 4–5 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced
• Maple syrup or coconut sugar – 2–3 tbsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tsp
• Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Nutmeg – ¼ tsp (optional, but cozy)

Crumble Topping

• Rolled oats – ½ cup
• All-purpose flour – ½ cup
• Brown sugar – ¼ cup
• Vegan butter or coconut oil – ¼ cup, cold and cubed
• Pinch of salt – Enhances flavor
• Optional: Chopped nuts for extra crunch

Pro tip: Use firm, slightly tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) for best texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Preheat the oven.
   180°C / 350°F. Grease or line a baking dish.
2. Prepare the apple filling.
   Toss sliced apples with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in the dish.
3. Make the crumble topping.
   Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in vegan butter or coconut oil until crumbly.
4. Assemble.
   Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples. Add nuts if using.
5. Bake.
   30–35 minutes until topping is golden and apples are bubbly.
6. Cool slightly & serve.
   Best served warm with vegan ice cream or whipped coconut cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the lemon juice.
  Prevents apples from turning mushy and adds brightness.
• Not using cold butter/oil.
  Warm fat = soggy topping, and that’s tragic.
• Overbaking.
  Apples should be tender, not mush. Topping golden but not burnt.
• Using very sweet apples.
  Crumble can get cloying. Tart apples = perfect balance.

Alternatives & Substitutions

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• Fruit swap: Pears, peaches, or berries work beautifully.
• Gluten-free: Use oat flour or almond flour.
• Lower sugar: Reduce sugar or swap for a sugar-free alternative.
• Crunch factor: Add shredded coconut or pumpkin seeds to topping.
• Extra spice: Cardamom or ginger for holiday vibes.

IMO, serving it with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream = legendary status.

FAQ

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare apples and topping separately, assemble, then bake when ready.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking; reheat gently.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope. Skins add texture and nutrients, just chop thinly.

What type of vegan butter works best?
Any firm plant-based butter or solid coconut oil.

Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely. Skip the nuts in topping or replace with seeds.

How long does it last in the fridge?
3–4 days, reheated in the oven or microwave.

Final Thoughts

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This Vegan Apple Crumble is warm, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. Soft, cinnamon-scented apples with a crunchy topping = dessert perfection.

Bake it, dig in with a spoon, and feel instantly cozy—no matter the weather. 🍎✨