Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Crumble 🍎 | Quick 35-Min Comfort Dessert for Thanksgiving – Pin for Allergy-Free Baking!
A wholesome, gluten-free vegan apple crumble baked in 35 minutes that completes any clean-eating Thanksgiving spread. Perfect for allergy-friendly dessert or cozy fall nights.
This Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Crumble reimagines a classic dessert with plant-based ingredients, making it safe for gluten-free diets and vegan lifestyles. Using almond flour and coconut oil, it delivers a nutty, buttery texture without refined flours or dairy. Baked in just 35 minutes, this crumble is perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall meal. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a staple for allergy-conscious bakers who still crave comforting, homemade desserts.
Whether you're catering a gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner or seeking a quick vegan dessert, this apple crumble is your answer. The crumbly, golden topping contrasts with tender spiced apples, creating a warm, nostalgic flavor. With no processed ingredients and a 30-minute prep time, it's ideal for busy cooks. Plus, its allergy-friendly nature makes it a crowd-pleaser for mixed dietary needs.
This recipe adapts the classic apple crumble by substituting traditional flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option, and coconut oil for a vegan, dairy-free fat. The result is a tender, flaky crust that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The cinnamon-spiced apple filling is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that highlight fall's natural sweetness. You'll love how easy it is to customize this crumble with different fruits or add-ins!
Think of this crumble as your go-to dessert for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or cozy movie nights. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. The recipe's make-ahead flexibility lets you prep components in advance, saving time on busy days. With its comforting warmth and allergen-free approach, this crumble proves classic desserts can be modernized for today's dietary needs.
Ready to transform your dessert game? This apple crumble is your new favorite for fall baking. Its combination of convenience, nutrition, and flavor makes it perfect for clean-eating lifestyles. Whether you're a vegan chef or simply exploring allergy-friendly recipes, this crumble will become a staple in your recipe collection. Let's dive into the details of how to make this comforting, wholesome dessert!
Ingredients
- 6 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 6-7 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave syrup for lower glycemic index)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (blended almonds, not meal)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (solid at room temp)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet with coconut oil.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, toss apple slices with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In another bowl, mix almond flour, shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. Sprinkle over apple mixture.
- Step 4: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
Allergy-Friendly Twist
Almond flour replaces wheat flour for a gluten-free option, while coconut oil provides vegan richness without dairy. This makes it safe for gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free diets (if using certified nut-free almond flour).
Quick & Easy
With no rolling or chilling required, this crumble comes together in 50 minutes total. The simple prep makes it perfect for busy cooks or last-minute desserts.
Clean Ingredients
Wholesome ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup provide natural sweetness and nutrition without refined flours or sugars.
Flavor Boost
The coconut oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the apples. The crumble topping browns beautifully, creating a caramelized crust that enhances the dessert's texture.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Almond Flour
Provides gluten-free structure and nutty flavor. Substitute with oat flour (certified gluten-free) or sunflower seed flour for nut-free options.
Coconut Oil
Offers vegan richness and helps the topping brown. Can replace with vegan butter or avocado oil for different flavor profiles.
Maple Syrup
Acts as natural sweetener and moisture agent. Substitute with brown rice syrup or coconut nectar for similar consistency.
Shredded Coconut
Contributes texture and subtle sweetness. Can omit or replace with rolled oats for different crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crumble
Apple Prep
Use a mandoline for even 1/4-inch slices. Toss apples immediately after slicing to prevent browning.
Coconut Oil Tip
Measure oil after melting. For crisper topping, chill the crumble mixture briefly before spreading.
Make-Ahead
Prepare apple filling and crumble topping separately up to 24 hours ahead. Store in airtight containers in fridge.
Baking Hack
For extra golden topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Variations & Customizations
Spiced Pear Crumble
Replace 1/2 the apples with pears. Add 1/2 tsp cardamom and 1 tbsp raisins for extra depth.
Tropical Twist
Use pineapple instead of apples. Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the topping for extra tropical flavor.
Nutty Delight
Stir 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for added crunch.
Caramel Drizzle
Make a quick vegan caramel by heating 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tbsp vanilla. Drizzle over finished crumble.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: Churn with coconut milk and maple for a creamy contrast.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened with maple syrup and vanilla.
- Warm Cinnamon Tea: Enhances the spiced apple flavors.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a glass of non-alcoholic chai tea or a spiced apple cider for a cozy fall experience.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the apple filling and crumble topping separately up to 24 hours ahead. Store in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Refrigerator Storage
Cover cooled crumble and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezer Storage
Wrap cooled crumble tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Avoid microwave to maintain crisp topping.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my crumble topping too dry?
A: Measure coconut oil after melting to ensure proper consistency. If mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp maple syrup to bind ingredients.
Q: How to prevent a soggy bottom?
A: Chill the assembled crumble for 15-20 minutes before baking. This creates a moisture barrier between apples and oven heat.
Q: Can I use frozen apples?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat dry completely first. Frozen apples release more moisture, so increase oven temperature to 375°F and bake 5-10 minutes longer.
Q: How to make this gluten-free and nut-free?
A: Substitute almond flour with certified gluten-free oat flour and use sunflower seed flour. Ensure all equipment is nut-free.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Crumble proves classic desserts can be reinvented for modern dietary needs. With its comforting warmth, allergen-free approach, and simple preparation, it's perfect for Thanksgiving tables or cozy fall evenings. Whether you're catering for dietary restrictions or simply seeking a wholesome dessert, this crumble delivers both flavor and convenience.
The recipe's adaptability makes it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Try different fruits, add-ins, or serving styles to keep it exciting. For best Pinterest visibility, post this crumble pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: start with the crumble as the anchor dessert, followed by complementary gluten-free vegan mains, and finish with a cozy fall beverage pairing.
