Autumn's arrival often brings thoughts of warm, comforting desserts, and nothing embodies that feeling quite like a classic apple crumble. But what if you're dairy-free? Fear not! This recipe delivers all the gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness of a traditional crumble, without any dairy products. It’s a recipe that’s both delicious and easily adaptable to your taste and dietary needs.
What Makes This Apple Crumble Dairy-Free?
This recipe cleverly substitutes traditional butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives, maintaining the texture and flavor profile. We use a blend of plant-based butter and oil for the crumble topping, creating a wonderfully crisp and golden crust. The apples are simmered in a mixture of maple syrup and plant-based milk, adding sweetness and moisture without the need for any dairy.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are ideal), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener of choice)
- 1/4 cup dairy-free milk (almond, oat, or soy work well)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, helps prevent browning)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or other gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup dairy-free butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or other sweetener of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (approximately 8x8 inches or a similar-sized pie dish).
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Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, maple syrup, dairy-free milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and lemon juice (if using). Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, cold dairy-free butter, cold coconut oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter and oil into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
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Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You may need to adjust baking time depending on your oven and the size of your baking dish.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! A mix of apples often works best, combining tart and sweet varieties for balanced flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Fuji are all excellent choices.
What if I don't have almond flour?
You can substitute almond flour with other gluten-free flours like oat flour, coconut flour, or a blend of all-purpose flour and gluten-free baking flour. Keep in mind that different flours will affect the texture slightly.
Can I make this crumble ahead of time?
You can assemble the crumble up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Is this crumble suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegans as long as you ensure all ingredients used are vegan-friendly. Check the labels on your dairy-free butter, milk, and any other ingredients to confirm they are free from animal products.
How can I make this crumble gluten-free?
This recipe is already naturally gluten-free, provided you use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour (or other gluten-free flour alternatives). Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
This dairy-free apple crumble is a delicious and satisfying dessert that's perfect for sharing with friends and family, regardless of dietary restrictions. Enjoy!
