Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Apple Crumble Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Apple Crumble is a delicious, comforting dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and tartness of apples with a crisp, golden topping made from plant-based ingredients. This recipe uses wholesome pantry staples and is completely vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for family dinners, holidays, or when you just need a cozy sweet fix.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Apple Crumble?

This is a classic British apple crumble made without any animal-based ingredients like dairy or eggs. It features a soft apple filling, lightly spiced and sweetened, topped with a buttery, oat-enriched crumble that’s made using plant-based butter or margarine. The result is a crispy, golden dessert that’s naturally vegetarian and optionally vegan.

Other Popular Recipes

• Delia Smith Apple Crumble with Oats
• Jamie Oliver Apricot Stuffing
• Jamie Oliver Ratatouille

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Fully Vegetarian – Made with no eggs or gelatin-based ingredients.
• Warm and Comforting – A classic dessert that never goes out of style.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients – Easy to make anytime.
• Wholesome Topping – Includes oats for texture and fiber.
• Easily Adaptable to Vegan – Just use vegan margarine.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Apple Crumble

For the apple filling:

• Cooking Apples (800g / ~1.75 lbs, peeled, cored, and sliced)
• Caster Sugar (50g / ¼ cup)
• Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp)
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp)

For the crumble topping:

• Plain Flour (150g / 1¼ cups)
• Rolled Oats (50g / ½ cup)
• Light Brown Sugar (100g / ½ cup)
• Plant-Based Butter or Vegan Margarine (100g / ½ cup, cold and cubed)
• Optional: A pinch of sea salt or chopped nuts for added flavor

Equipment Needed

• Ovenproof baking dish (around 1.5L capacity)
• Large bowl for crumble
• Knife and chopping board
• Pastry cutter or clean hands
• Oven preheated to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Apple Crumble

Step 1: Preheat the oven

• Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5.

Step 2: Prepare the apple filling

• In a bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, caster sugar, and cinnamon.
• Transfer the mixture into the base of your baking dish.

Step 3: Make the crumble topping

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and plant-based butter.
• Rub together with your fingertips until it forms a crumbly texture.
• Stir in the oats and brown sugar (and salt or nuts if using).

Step 4: Assemble and bake

• Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples—don’t press it down.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Rest and serve

• Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with custard, plant-based ice cream, or dairy-free cream.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Apple Crumble

• Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream – Cool, creamy, and complementary.
• Coconut Custard – Rich and silky without dairy.
• Oat or Almond Cream – A light topping that pairs beautifully.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle – Adds depth and sweetness.
• Toasted Almonds – Sprinkle on top before baking for crunch.
• Chopped Dates or Raisins – Mix into the apples for natural sweetness.

Expert Tips for the Best Vegetarian Apple Crumble

• Use tart apples like Bramley or Granny Smith – They break down nicely and balance the sweet topping.
• Keep the margarine cold – Cold fat makes a crispier topping.
• Don’t overmix the crumble – You want a coarse, crumbly texture.
• Chill the crumble topping before baking – This helps keep it crunchy.
• Let it cool slightly before serving – The flavor develops as it rests.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Apple Crumble

• Apple and Berry Crumble – Add raspberries or blackberries.
• Spiced Apple Crumble – Mix in ground ginger or allspice.
• Nutty Crumble Topping – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Apple and Pear Crumble – Use half apples and half ripe pears.
• Gluten-Free Version – Substitute with gluten-free flour and oats.

Best Practices to Store Vegetarian Apple Crumble

• Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Oven – 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes to keep topping crisp.
• Freeze for Later – Freeze unbaked or baked for up to 3 months.
• Label and Date – Especially helpful for batch prep or gifting.

Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~340
• Carbohydrates: ~48g
• Sugar: ~25g
• Fat: ~14g
• Fibre: ~4g

FAQs

Is Jamie Oliver’s apple crumble suitable for vegans?

Yes, with one simple swap. Use vegan margarine or plant-based butter in place of regular butter, and the crumble becomes 100% vegan-friendly.

Can I eat apples instead of cook them?

Yes, but eating apples are sweeter and hold their shape better. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly and expect a firmer texture in the fruit layer.

How do I stop the crumble from becoming soggy?

Bake the crumble uncovered and avoid pressing the topping down. Letting it rest for a few minutes after baking also helps it set up and stay crisp.

Can I prepare this apple crumble in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the crumble a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it when needed. It also freezes well unbaked.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Apple Crumble is a wholesome, feel-good dessert that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. With its soft cinnamon apples and crispy oaty topping, it brings warmth and comfort to your table—all without dairy or eggs.

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