Description
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.
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
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Cooking Apples (800g / ~1.75 lbs, peeled, cored, and sliced)
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Caster Sugar (50g / ¼ cup)
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Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp)
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Lemon Juice (1 tbsp)
For the crumble topping:
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Plain Flour (150g / 1¼ cups)
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Rolled Oats (50g / ½ cup)
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Light Brown Sugar (100g / ½ cup)
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Plant-Based Butter or Vegan Margarine (100g / ½ cup, cold and cubed)
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Optional: A pinch of sea salt or chopped nuts for added flavor
Instructions
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
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In a bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, caster sugar, and cinnamon.
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Transfer the mixture into the base of your baking dish.
Step 3: Make the crumble topping
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and plant-based butter.
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Rub together with your fingertips until it forms a crumbly texture.
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Stir in the oats and brown sugar (and salt or nuts if using).
Step 4: Assemble and bake
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Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples—don’t press it down.
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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.