This recipe delivers all the comforting goodness of a classic apple crumble, completely dairy-free! Perfect for autumn evenings or anytime you crave a warm, sweet treat, this recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to your taste. We'll explore how to make a delicious dairy-free crumble topping and ensure your apples are perfectly cooked. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this guilt-free dessert!
What Makes This Apple Crumble Dairy-Free?
The key to a successful dairy-free apple crumble lies in substituting the traditional butter and milk in both the crumble topping and the apple filling. We'll be using plant-based alternatives that deliver similar texture and flavour. For the topping, we'll explore options like vegan butter or coconut oil, while the filling might benefit from a splash of plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.). The result is a decadent dessert that's surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients: A Dairy-Free Apple Crumble Recipe
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener, like agave)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats (or regular rolled oats)
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or other nut flour)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted (or coconut oil, melted)
Instructions: Baking Your Dairy-Free Masterpiece
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Prepare the Apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, cornstarch, and plant-based milk. Ensure the apples are evenly coated.
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Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted vegan butter (or coconut oil) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble and Bake: Pour the apple mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
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Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil.
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Cool and Serve: Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Yes! The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. A mix of apples often provides the best flavour and texture. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Braeburn, Fuji, and Gala apples also work well. Experiment and find your perfect apple combination!
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
The recipe as written uses gluten-free rolled oats and almond flour, making it naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe gluten allergy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Even Healthier?
To make this crumble even healthier, you could reduce the amount of brown sugar and use a less processed sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also increase the amount of oats and reduce the amount of almond flour in the topping for a more fiber-rich crumble.
Can I Make This Crumble Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the crumble ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. The assembled crumble can be stored for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage and Leftovers:
Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
This dairy-free apple crumble recipe is a testament to how delicious and satisfying plant-based desserts can be. Enjoy!
