This Vegan Apple Crumble with Oats is a healthier version of the classic dessert. The filling uses thinly sliced apples, warm spices, and no added sugar. The oat crumble topping is dairy free and crisps up without butter or oil. You can also ensure it’s gluten free by using certified gluten-free oats. A great option for an easy, healthy dessert that still feels indulgent.
The crumble is baked covered at first to allow the apples to soften without over-browning the topping. As they bake, the apples release their juices, creating a gently sweet, spiced filling. Then it’s finished uncovered to crisp up the topping, for a satisfying texture contrast.
Why this apple crumble is a healthier choice
This apple crumble uses a few simple tweaks to make it more nutritious than the classic version:
- Lower in sugar: This crumble has no added sugar in the apple filling, making it a healthier alternative to traditional versions that are often more heavily sweetened.
- High in fiber: Whole rolled oats in the crumble topping provide fiber, including beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that supports digestion and heart health.
- Nutritious apple skins: Leaving the skins on the apples adds extra fiber and antioxidants, while thin slicing ensures a tender texture.
- Vegan and dairy free: This recipe contains no butter or dairy, making it great for plant-based diets or those with dairy sensitivities.
- Gluten free: To ensure the crumble is gluten free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats. While oats are naturally gluten free, they can be exposed to gluten during processing.
Ingredients for vegan apple crumble with oats
- Apples – Firm, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape well and bring a balanced flavor to the filling.
- Rolled oats – Form the base of the crumble topping. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best.
- Almond flour – Adds richness and a crumbly texture to the topping, without the need for butter or oil.
- Coconut sugar – Sweetens the crumble topping with a mild, toffee-like flavor. It’s less sweet than white sugar and can be substituted with brown sugar if preferred.
- Cinnamon and allspice – Warm spices for the apple filling. Feel free to use other spices like pumpkin pie spice or British mixed spice.
- Tapioca flour – Thickens the syrup in the apple filling as it cooks down.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors in the crumble topping.
- Boiling water – Helps bring the crumble topping together in place of butter or oil.
Vegan apple crumble variations
Feel free to get creative with your apple crumble by trying one of these variations:
- Nutty crumble: Stir chopped nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts) into the topping mixture for extra crunch.
- Coconut crumble: Mix shredded unsweetened coconut into the crumble topping for a tropical twist.
- Apple-berry crumble: Add fresh berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) to the apples before topping them with the crumble for a burst of antioxidants and flavor.
- Apple-pear crumble: Swap out half of the apples for ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou). This adds a subtle pear flavor.
- Chai spice crumble: For a chai-inspired twist, mix ground cardamom, ginger, and a pinch of black pepper into the apple filling or the crumble topping.
You might also enjoy this Gluten Free Apple Cake with Buckwheat Flour, another healthy apple recipe to try.
Tips for the best vegan apple crumble
- Use firm apples: For the best texture, use apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
- Thinly slice the apples: Thinly slicing exposes more surface area, helping the apples release their natural sugars as they bake. This creates a tender, syrupy filling that doesn’t rely on extra sugar for flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter crumble, you can add a little more coconut sugar to the topping, or sprinkle some over the filling.
- Balance the texture: If you like more contrast in textures, you can layer the apples in the baking dish with a handful of your favorite nuts (like slivered almonds) before adding the crumble topping.
- Crispy topping tip: Make sure the crumble mixture is evenly spread over the apples. Bake the crumble covered at first to allow the apples to soften without over-browning the topping. Then uncover to let the topping crisp up. For an extra crispy topping, uncover a bit earlier.
What to serve with vegan apple crumble
You can enjoy vegan apple crumble on its own, or for a more elevated dessert, try pairing it with one of these:
- Vegan ice cream: Serve your crumble with plant-based ice cream made from coconut or oat milk. The creamy, cool texture pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced apples.
- Coconut yogurt: For a lighter, tangy option, top your vegan apple crumble with a dollop of coconut yogurt. It’s a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the crumble.
- Dairy-free whipped cream: Top with store-bought dairy-free whipped cream, or make your own by whisking the thick portion of a refrigerated can of coconut cream until fluffy.
- Nut butter drizzle: For extra richness, drizzle with almond, cashew, or peanut butter. Warm it slightly to make it pourable – the nutty flavor pairs well with the apples.
- Warm spiced tea: Serve the crumble with a cup of warm spiced tea, such as chai, cinnamon, or ginger, for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.
How to store apple crumble
Storing leftovers: Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Reheating tip: For crisp topping, reheat apple crumble in the oven covered with foil to keep it moist, then uncover for the last 5 to 10 minutes to let it crisp up.
Refrigerate to bake later: You can prepare apple crumble up to 1 day in advance and store it unbaked in the fridge. To avoid a soggy topping, store the apple filling and crumble separately and assemble just before baking.
Freezing to bake later: If you want to freeze apple crumble before baking, follow these steps:
- Assemble the crumble: Prepare the filling and topping in your baking dish.
- Cover and freeze: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw slightly: Let the crumble sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before baking to avoid cracking the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake as usual, adding 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s hot and golden.
More vegan dessert recipes
Frequently asked questions
Apple crumble is a dessert made with baked apples topped with a crumbly mixture, often made from oats, flour, sugar, and butter or oil. It’s typically served warm and can be dairy free or vegan depending on the recipe.
Not all apple crumbles are healthy, but you can make a nutritious version by reducing the amount of sugar and using wholesome ingredients like rolled oats in the topping. This recipe contains no added sugar in the filling and creates a crisp oat topping without butter or oil for a healthier, high-fiber dessert.
To make vegan apple crumble, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Many recipes use dairy-free butter or oil in the crumble topping. This version achieves a crisp topping without butter or oil by using rolled oats, almond flour, and coconut sugar.
Traditional apple crumble is not gluten free due to the use of wheat flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version by preparing the crumble topping with certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour like almond flour.
Yes. You can make apple crumble without refined sugar by using less processed sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup. This recipe uses coconut sugar in the crumble topping and relies on the natural sweetness of apples in the filling.
Firm, tart-sweet apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal for apple crumble. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a balanced flavor.
Yes. You can make apple crumble ahead of time by preparing the apple filling and crumble topping in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. This helps keep the topping crisp and prevents it from getting soggy.
Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven until warmed through. Cover with foil at first to keep it moist, then uncover for the last 5 to 10 minutes to crisp up the topping.
Recipe video
Watch the recipe video to see how to make Vegan Apple Crumble with Oats.
Vegan Apple Crumble with Oats Recipe
Recipe video above. This vegan apple crumble with oats is a healthier take on the classic dessert. The spiced apple filling has no added sugar, and the oat topping crisps up without butter or oil. Easily made gluten free with certified gluten-free oats, it’s a cozy, high-fiber treat.
- Serves: 4 to 6
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 55 mins
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 2 large (about 400 g) apples (see Note 1)
- 2 tsp tapioca flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
For the oat crumble topping
- 2 cups (180 g) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (48 g) almond flour
- 1/3 cup (57 g) coconut sugar (see Note 2)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup (80 g) boiling water, or as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) fan forced or 350°F (180°C) conventional. Set out an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking dish (see Note 3).
- Prepare crumble topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, and salt. Pour over the boiling water and stir well until the mixture starts to clump. If it feels too dry, add a little extra water. Set aside.
- Slice apples
Cut the apples into quarters and remove the core. Slice each quarter thinly, then cut the slices in half (see the recipe video above for a demonstration). Place the apple slices in the baking dish.
- Add spices
Sprinkle the tapioca flour, cinnamon, and allspice over the apples. Toss well to evenly coat the slices, then spread them out in an even layer.
- Add crumble topping
Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple slices. Break up any large lumps with your fingers if needed.
- Cover and bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.
Notes
- Apples – I use Granny Smith apples for a tart-sweet flavor. Since the apples are thinly sliced, leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients without affecting the texture. If you prefer, you can peel the apples.
- Coconut sugar – Coconut sugar adds a subtle, toffee-like flavor. Or, you can substitute it with an equal weight of brown sugar. Just measure the brown sugar in grams, as coconut sugar and brown sugar pack differently in cups.
- Baking dish – If you don’t have an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking dish, you can use an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square cake pan instead. I’ve done this before – just line the cake pan with a large square of parchment paper that folds up the sides to prevent sticking.
- Storage – Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat it in the oven. For make-ahead and freezing tips, see How to store apple crumble above.
