Vegan Apple Crumble Recipe

I absolutely love this Vegan Apple Crumble Recipe because it brings that perfect cozy dessert vibe without any dairy or eggs—just pure plant-based goodness. When I first tried making a vegan crumble, I was nervous the topping might be soggy or lacking flavor, but this recipe nails that crispy, buttery texture that everyone loves. Plus, it’s such a fantastic way to use up a bunch of apples, especially in fall when the fruit is at its peak.

You’ll find that this Vegan Apple Crumble Recipe is super straightforward, which makes it a go-to whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself. The balance between tart apples and sweet, crumbly topping is spot on, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel. Trust me—you’re going to want to keep this one in your dessert rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays an important role here—sweet apples, a hint of cinnamon, and that buttery crumble topping. I always recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape nicely during baking and bring a wonderful balance of tart and sweet.

• Apples: Choose a mix of tart and sweet for depth of flavor; peel and core before dicing.
• Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a rich caramel-like sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Helps keep the apples from browning and adds brightness to the filling.
• All Purpose Flour: Works in both the filling to thicken juices and in the crumble topping for structure.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the apples perfectly.
• Salt: Just a pinch to elevate all the flavors.
• Baking Powder: Gives the crumble topping a bit of lift for a lighter texture.
• Vegan Butter: I use Miyoko’s, but any vegan butter or even coconut oil will give you that rich, crumbly texture.

Variations

I love tweaking this Vegan Apple Crumble Recipe based on what I have on hand or the season. Adding nuts or spices can really elevate the flavors, and it’s a fantastic recipe to make gluten-free with just a simple swap.

• Nutty Crunch: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping creates delightful texture—I like this for holidays when I want something a little extra.
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and you’ll hardly notice the difference—I did this for a friend’s gathering and everyone loved it.
• Spiced Up: Experiment with adding nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the filling for a warm, complex spice profile especially cozy on cold nights.
• Fruity Twist: Mix in berries or pears with the apples to bring fresh brightness and variety.

How to Make Vegan Apple Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing about 2 1/2 pounds of apples into bite-size pieces—this is a great time to practice patience, but don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform. Toss them immediately with brown sugar, lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until every piece is nicely coated. This helps to thicken the apple juices as they bake and infuses them with warm flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients—flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted vegan butter and stir well. The mixture will look crumbly and a bit uneven, which is exactly what you want. I usually use my fingers to pinch some bigger clumps—it’s those clusters that bake into the best crunchy bits on top.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle the crumble topping all over with your fingers. Bake for about 45 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender around the edges. Keep an eye on it—the smell filling your kitchen is almost as good as the final result!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

This crumble is best served warm straight from the oven. I love it with vegan vanilla ice cream or drizzled with vegan salted caramel sauce for that extra indulgence. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your whole day feel a little sweeter.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Crumble Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish with a generous scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream—the cold creaminess compliments the warm crumble perfectly. Sometimes, I drizzle a little vegan salted caramel sauce on top for added richness, especially if I’m serving it to guests or on a chilly evening.

Side Dishes

This crumble is lovely on its own or paired with a hot cup of herbal tea or coffee to balance the sweetness. For a cozy brunch twist, I like serving it alongside dairy-free yogurt or as a topping over oatmeal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this crumble in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh mint or cinnamon stick for garnish—it looks festive and makes the dessert feel extra special without extra effort. Another fun idea is layering the apple crumble in clear glass jars for a rustic, grab-and-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple crumble covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, and I find the flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy days.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this crumble either before baking or after. When freezing beforehand, I wrap the casserole dish with plastic wrap and foil, then bake it straight from frozen—just add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time. For post-bake freezing, cover tightly and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the crumble in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to revive the crunchy topping and warm the filling without drying it out. Microwaving works in a pinch but softens the crumble topping, so the oven method is my go-to for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Vegan Apple Crumble Recipe has been such a joyful discovery for me—it’s comforting, easy, and a crowd-pleaser every time I bake it. I hope you’ll give it a try and find the same warmth and satisfaction that I do when serving it to my loved ones. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a festive holiday treat, it warms the soul and tastes like a little hug in a bowl. Happy baking!

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