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As the first crisp hints of winter begin to blanket the world outside, my kitchen transforms into a haven of warmth and comfort. The sweet aroma of apples mingling with a dash of cinnamon becomes an irresistible invitation to indulge in a deliciously healthy dessert: the Best Vegan Apple Crumble with Cranberries. I discovered this gem on one of those hectic afternoons when I was craving something both satisfying and easy to whip up amidst the whirl of daily life.

With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, this dessert beautifully balances tart Granny Smith apples and chewy cranberries beneath a golden, nutty topping. It’s the perfect way to bring a smile to those I love, whether enjoyed warm on cozy evenings or shared during festive gatherings. Join me in creating a dessert that captures the essence of home-cooked happiness while being entirely vegan and gluten-free. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to treat yourself without any guilt. Let’s dive in!

Why is this the Best Vegan Apple Crumble?

Deliciously comforting: Each bite bursts with flavor, combining tart apples and cranberries for a delightful contrast.
Nutty topping: A crunchy hazelnut and almond flour combination elevates the texture, giving it a satisfying crunch.
Easy to make: Minimal prep means you’ll have warm dessert in no time, perfect for busy weeknights!
Versatile options: Feel free to swap out apples or nuts based on what you have on hand.
Crowd-pleaser: Serve it warm, with vegan ice cream or coconut cream for a dessert that everyone will love!

Best Vegan Apple Crumble Ingredients

For the Filling
• Granny Smith apples – Adds a perfect tartness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Honeycrisp apples – Provides a delightful sweetness and crisp texture; feel free to swap for any firm apple variety.
• Dried cranberries – Adds chewiness and a tart note; you can substitute them with raisins or omit if desired.

For the Topping
• Demerara sugar – Enhances sweetness and gives a lovely texture to the crumble topping; brown sugar is a great substitute.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and aroma, essential for that cozy feel; alternatively, use nutmeg or pumpkin spice.
• Ground nutmeg – Contributes a deep flavor profile; if you don’t have it, allspice works well as a substitute.
• Ginger powder – Introduces zesty warmth; opt for fresh ginger if you want a bolder flavor.
• Hazelnuts – Adds a nutty crunch and flavor; you can substitute with almonds or pecans for variety.
• Almond flour – Forms the base of the topping and keeps it gluten-free; you can replace with oat flour if needed.
• Rice flour (optional) – Helps bind the topping and can be omitted if not available.
• Sea salt – Essential for enhancing overall flavor and balancing the sweetness in your dessert.
• Coconut butter – Adds moisture and richness; vegan margarine can work in its place if you prefer.

Don’t forget, these ingredients bring together the Best Vegan Apple Crumble, making it an easy and delightful dessert to share with loved ones!

How to Make Best Vegan Apple Crumble

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). This step ensures that your crumble bakes evenly, bringing out the warm flavors perfectly.
Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, demerara sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ginger powder. Stir well until everything is coated and spread evenly in a medium baking dish.
Prepare topping: In the same bowl, mix hazelnuts, almond flour, rice flour (if using), demerara sugar, sea salt, and melted coconut butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined, ensuring a crumbly texture. If it feels too wet, add a little more rice flour to achieve the desired consistency.
Assemble: Evenly spread the nutty topping over the apple mixture, making sure to cover all areas for a delightful crust.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Look for the apples to be soft and the crumble to turn golden-brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, feel free to cover it with foil.
Cool: Once finished, allow your crumble to cool slightly before digging in. This helps enhance the flavors and makes serving easier.

Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Best Vegan Apple Crumble are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp apples, cranberries, demerara sugar, and spices in a bowl, and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. For the crumble topping, combine the dry ingredients and store them separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix in the coconut butter, layer the topping over the filling, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy the warm, cozy flavors with minimal effort, making it just as delicious after being prepped ahead!

Storage Tips for Best Vegan Apple Crumble

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the flavors fresh while making it easy to enjoy later on.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked crumble and the filling separately for up to one month. Make sure to tightly wrap both to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, simply bake from frozen at 350°F (180°C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crispy again. No need to thaw!
Storage Tip: If you have leftover baked crumble, let it cool completely before refrigerating. This helps maintain the texture of the Best Vegan Apple Crumble.

What to Serve with Best Vegan Apple Crumble?

As you prepare to indulge in this delightful dessert, consider the perfect companions that will elevate your culinary experience.

Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy, dairy-free ice cream adds a luscious contrast, melting beautifully over the warm crumble.
Coconut Cream Drizzle: A light drizzle of coconut cream not only enhances the tropical flavors but also adds a touch of richness to each bite.
Sliced Fresh Pears: Their juicy sweetness complements the tart apples and cranberries, bringing a refreshing element to the dish.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some homemade or store-bought vegan caramel over your crumble transforms it into an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
Spiced Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or ginger herbal tea pairs wonderfully, enhancing the flavors while providing a calming effect.
Nutty Granola: Serving a side of crunchy granola adds extra texture, and its nutty notes harmonize beautifully with the apple filling.

These suggestions not only highlight the flavors of the Best Vegan Apple Crumble but also create a comforting and memorable meal experience for you and your loved ones. Enjoy experimenting with these pairings that enrich your dessert journey!

Variations & Substitutions of Best Vegan Apple Crumble

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful dessert with these fun twists!

Nut-Free: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version that still delivers crunch.
Fruit Fusion: Incorporate pears or fresh blueberries into the apple and cranberry filling for an extra burst of flavor and color. The more, the merrier!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the filling for a subtle heat that tantalizes the taste buds. It’s a unique contrast to the sweetness!
Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of demerara sugar for a different kind of sweetness that enhances the crumble’s flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Boost: Enhance the texture by adding a mix of gluten-free oats to the topping; this adds chewiness and fiber to your delightful dessert.
Chocolatey Bliss: Fold in some dark chocolate chips to the apple mixture before baking for a more indulgent treat that’s sure to delight chocolate lovers.
Citrus Zing: Add a hint of lemon or orange zest to the apple filling for a refreshing, bright flavor that elevates the entire dish. A sprinkle of zest can go a long way!
Plant-Based Butter: Use vegan shortening instead of coconut butter for a lighter option that still keeps your crumble moist and delicious.

Dive into these variations to create your own version of the Best Vegan Apple Crumble that fits your mood or dietary needs!

Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Apple Crumble

Choose Firm Apples: Ensure you’re using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to prevent a mushy filling.
Avoid Excess Moisture: Don’t pre-cook the apple mixture, as this can lead to a soggy crust in your vegan apple crumble.
Crunchy Topping: For an ultra-crunchy topping, make sure your nut mixture is well combined, and don’t skip the demerara sugar for added texture.
Adjust for Sweetness: Taste your apple mixture before baking—add more sugar if needed, depending on the tartness of your apples and cranberries.
Cover When Needed: If the crumble topping browns too quickly in the oven, cover it with foil to achieve the perfect golden color while baking.
Substitutions Tips: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or adjust spices based on your personal taste; this enhances the Best Vegan Apple Crumble experience!

Best Vegan Apple Crumble Recipe FAQs

What type of apples should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! I recommend using firm apples for the best results. Granny Smith apples add a lovely tartness, while Honeycrisp apples contribute sweetness and crispness. You could also experiment with other firm varieties like Fuji or Braeburn if you’re looking for a balance of flavors.

How should I store leftovers of the Best Vegan Apple Crumble?
To keep your delicious crumble fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This way, you can enjoy a tasty treat even after the first round! For longer storage, I often freeze the unbaked crumble and filling separately, wrapping them tightly to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to one month in the freezer.

Can I freeze the Best Vegan Apple Crumble?
Yes, you can! To freeze, assemble the crumble filling and topping separately. Place them in airtight containers or freezer bags, and they’ll stay good for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, simply bake the unbaked crumble from frozen at 350°F (180°C) for about 45 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the topping is crispy. No need to thaw!

What should I do if the filling is too watery?
If your filling ends up a bit watery, don’t fret! You can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the juices. Simply sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and cranberries before mixing in the sugar and spices. This little trick ensures your Best Vegan Apple Crumble has just the right amount of moisture while preventing a soggy bottom.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very much! This vegan apple crumble is naturally free from dairy and eggs, making it suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle. However, if you have nut allergies, feel free to substitute the hazelnuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to retain that crunchy topping. Just be sure to also check the labels of any pre-packaged ingredients to ensure they’re allergy-friendly.

Can I change the nuts in the topping?
The more the merrier! You can definitely swap hazelnuts with other nuts such as almonds or pecans. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, consider using rolled oats or a seed mix to maintain that lovely crunch while adhering to any dietary needs. Enjoy making it your own!