Moist Vegan Apple Crumble

If you ask me, apple crumble is one of those desserts that just makes everything better.

This cozy vegan twist on a classic comfort dessert brings together sweet, tender apples and a golden-brown oat topping. The filling bubbles with cinnamon and a hint of lemon, while the crumbly top stays nice and crisp.

It’s made without any dairy or eggs, but trust me – nobody will even notice. The combination of rolled oats, nuts, and brown sugar creates that perfect crumbly texture we all love.

It’s a feel-good dessert that works year-round, but there’s something extra special about serving it warm on a cool evening.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

For a crumble, you’ll want to pick apples that hold their shape when baked and offer a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples are great choices since they won’t turn to mush during baking. If those aren’t available, Granny Smith apples work well too, though you might want to add a touch more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dessert. When selecting your apples, look for firm fruits without any soft spots or bruising – they should feel heavy for their size and have a fresh, fruity smell near the stem.

Options for Substitutions

This cozy vegan apple crumble is pretty adaptable! Here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Red apples: Any firm baking apple works great here – try Granny Smith for more tartness, or Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples. Just avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious that can turn mushy.
• White and brown sugar: You can replace either sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined option. Maple sugar works too, though it’s pricier. If using liquid sweeteners like maple syrup, reduce the amount by about 25% to maintain the right texture.
• All-purpose flour: Feel free to swap in whole wheat flour, spelt flour, or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For the topping, you can also use rolled oats for half of the flour to make it more like a crisp.
• Vegan butter: Coconut oil works well as a substitute – just make sure it’s solid and cold. You could also try cold vegan margarine, though butter alternatives give the best crumbly texture.
• Cinnamon: Mix things up with apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, or add some nutmeg and ginger for a different flavor profile.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when making vegan apple crumble is getting that perfect crumbly topping – using warm or room-temperature vegan butter will give you a paste instead of those desired crispy crumbs, so make sure your butter is properly chilled and cut into small cubes before mixing. Another common mistake is under-cooking the apples – test them with a fork before adding the topping, as they should be tender but still hold their shape (about 10-15 minutes of pre-cooking usually does the trick). To avoid a soggy bottom, don’t skip tossing the apples with flour, as this helps thicken their juices while baking, and make sure to spread your crumble topping evenly without pressing it down too firmly, which allows for better heat circulation and creates that perfect crispy texture. For the best results, let your crumble rest for 15-20 minutes after baking – this helps the fruit filling set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

What to Serve With Apple Crumble?

This cozy apple crumble is perfect for pairing with your favorite dairy-free toppings! A scoop of vanilla non-dairy ice cream is my go-to choice – it melts beautifully into the warm crumble and creates the most amazing contrast of hot and cold. You can also try topping it with coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce made from dates and coconut milk. For breakfast or brunch, I love serving this crumble with a dollop of plain vegan yogurt and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Once your apple crumble has cooled down completely, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days. The topping might lose some of its crunch over time, but it’ll still taste great!

Freeze: This crumble is perfect for freezing! Place it in a freezer-safe container and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. You can freeze it either baked or unbaked – both work well. If freezing unbaked, you can pop it straight from the freezer to the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Warm Up: To enjoy your stored crumble, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too – just keep in mind the topping won’t be as crispy. A quick 30-second zap usually does the trick!

Preparation Time	10-20 minutes
Cooking Time	45 minutes
Total Time	55-65 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400
• Protein: 10-15 g
• Fat: 50-60 g
• Carbohydrates: 180-200 g

Ingredients

• 4 medium red apples, peeled and diced (approximately 450g or 16 oz)
• 2 tablespoons (24g) organic white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) cinnamon powder
• 1 1/4 tablespoons (10g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) plain flour
• 4 1/2 tablespoons (65g) chilled vegan butter
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (115g) organic brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) cinnamon

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your dish is assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Add the sliced or chopped apples to a baking dish designed for oven use.

Pour the apple filling ingredients over the apples, then toss them together to ensure each apple piece is fully coated.

This will create a flavorful base as the apples bake.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the ingredients for the crumble topping.

Using the side of a fork, or your hands, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Ensure that all the flour is incorporated with the butter to avoid any dry spots.

If you prefer a chunkier topping, leave some of the crumble pieces larger.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Evenly cover the prepared apples in the baking dish with your crumble topping.

Ensure the entire surface is covered for an even bake and delicious topping in every bite.

Step 5: Bake the Apple Crumble

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

This will allow the apples to become tender and the crumble topping to turn golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

After removing the dish from the oven, allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.

Enjoy your apple crumble with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream for an extra treat!