There’s something about the smell of warm apples and cinnamon baking in the oven that just feels like home.
This Vegan Apple Crumble is one of my favorite cozy desserts.
It’s super easy, not fussy, and made with simple pantry staples.
You’ll get sweet, gooey apples on the bottom and a buttery, golden crumb topping on top that crisps up just right in the oven.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve been making this vegan apple crumble every fall since moving into my first apartment. It started as a way to use up apples from the farmers market, and quickly became my go-to dessert when friends came over. There’s no need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just pure comfort in every bite.
- No weird vegan ingredients—everything is easy to find
- Takes under an hour start to finish
- Amazing straight out of the oven or cold the next day
- Perfect mix of gooey and crispy
- Smells like a cozy fall candle (but better)
Servings: 6
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
What You’ll Need
For the filling:
- 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the crumble topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (cold and cubed)
Ingredients
Pro Tips
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp is a great combo)
- Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Use cold vegan butter in the topping—don’t melt it!
- Want extra crisp? Toss in chopped nuts or granola
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving so the juices thicken up
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Peeler + corer
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups + spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Silicone spatula or spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap maple syrup with agave or coconut sugar
- Use gluten-free flour to make it GF
- Add pears or berries to mix up the fruit
- Use coconut oil instead of vegan butter for the topping
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep the apple filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assemble just before baking.
How to Make Vegan Apple Crumble
Step 1: Prep the apples
Place 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp flour, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir until apples are fully coated.
Step 2: Add the filling to your baking dish
Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Make the crumble topping
In another bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well, then add 1/2 cup cold cubed vegan butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
Step 4: Add crumble on top of apples
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture, covering it all the way to the edges.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden and apples are bubbling underneath.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Let the crumble cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and enjoy as-is or with vegan vanilla ice cream.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm or microwave for 30 seconds.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The flour in the apple filling thickens the juices as it bakes, so the bottom isn’t watery. Using cold vegan butter in the crumble helps create that perfect crispy texture because it melts slowly in the oven, leaving little pockets of steam that crisp up the oats and sugar. The lemon juice balances out the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning too quickly.
Common Mistakes
- Using soft apples: They’ll turn to mush. Use firmer varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Melted butter in the topping: Makes it greasy, not crumbly. Keep it cold!
- Underbaking: The apples need time to soften and the topping needs to crisp. Bake until the topping is golden brown.
- Not greasing your pan: You’ll end up with sticking and sad servings.
What to Serve With
- A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream
- Coconut whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- A hot cup of chai or coffee
FAQ
Can I freeze this?
Yes! Freeze baked crumble for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope! The skin adds fiber and color. But peeling gives a softer texture.
Can I make it sugar-free?
You can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or leave out the sugar in the crumble for a less sweet version.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Use a 9×13-inch pan and add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, but chill it first and use slightly less (about 1/3 cup) for best texture.