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.
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 tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Gala, for a more complex flavour.
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Make sure the coconut oil is melted but not hot before mixing, so it coats the oats evenly.
- For extra crunch, add a handful of chopped pecans or almonds to the topping.
- Let the crumble rest for 5 minutes after baking so the juices thicken slightly.
Substitutions
- Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend instead of wholemeal flour to make it gluten-free.
- Swap the coconut oil for cold butter or a vegan butter alternative.
- Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar (adjust sweetness to taste).
- Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different fruit crumble.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warm spice.
Storage & reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave in short bursts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crumble (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze the crumble?
Yes, the baked crumble freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly and freeze. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes.
What can I serve with this crumble?
It's delicious with a dollop of coconut yogurt, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of custard. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt or ice cream.
How do I know when the apples are cooked?
They should be soft and easily pierced with a fork, and the juices should be bubbling around the edges.
