Healthy Apple & Cinnamon Crumble (Vegan Option)
A warm, lightly sweet apple crumble with a crisp oat and walnut topping — naturally sweet from maple syrup and easy to make vegan or gluten-free.
15Prep min
35Cook min
50Total min
Serves 6Serves
BritishCuisine
There is nothing quite like a warm apple crumble on a cool evening. This version uses maple syrup instead of refined sugar and a golden oat-and-walnut topping that turns wonderfully crisp in the oven. It is lighter than a classic crumble but every bit as comforting.
Serve it straight from the dish with a little coconut yogurt or custard. It keeps well and is just as good reheated the next day.
Serve it straight from the dish with a little coconut yogurt or custard. It keeps well and is just as good reheated the next day.
Ingredients
- 5 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced (about 700 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- For the topping:
- 120 g rolled oats
- 80 g wholemeal flour
- 40 g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 80 g coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 2-litre baking dish.
- Toss the sliced apples with the cinnamon, lemon juice and maple syrup in the dish, then spread into an even layer.
- In a bowl, mix the rolled oats, wholemeal flour and walnuts.
- Stir in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and salt until everything is evenly coated and crumbly.
- Scatter the topping over the apples in an even layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp and the apples are soft and bubbling.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving — enjoy warm.
Cook’s tips
- Use a mix of eating and cooking apples for a deeper flavour.
- Soak the walnuts for 10 minutes and drain if you prefer a softer texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
Substitutions
- Swap coconut oil for a neutral oil or melted butter.
- Replace maple syrup with honey or agave.
- Add a handful of raisins or sultanas to the apples for extra sweetness.
Storage & reheating
Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp the topping again.
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in the topping.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, you can leave the skin on for extra fibre, but peeled gives a smoother, more classic result.