Apple Crumble is a baked dish of spiced apples topped with a golden, crispy crumble, developed during World War II as an alternative to apple pie. This recipe is dairy-free, made without butter, and vegan.
Apple crumble is a delicious dessert made with baked tart apples in a cinnamon and brown sugar syrup, topped with a crumbly streusel made from flour, sugar, and fat. Traditionally, that fat would be butter.
However, this dairy-free apple crumble recipe uses vegetable oil instead of butter. It contains no butter or margarine, so it's vegan.
Apple crumble was created by frugal British housewives during World War II as an economical alternative to traditional apple pie, when ingredients like flour, butter, and sugar were strictly rationed. Making a crumble is also much easier than making pie dough!
Of course, today you can always buy prepared pie dough, but apple crumble is still a delicious alternative to apple pie and has its own unique texture and flavor.
The American version of apple crumble is called apple crisp. Unlike traditional crumble, apple crisp typically contains oats and/or nuts. Despite the similar names, apple crisp predates World War II, with recipes appearing in the United States in the 1920s.
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What is needed to make apple crumble?
Granny Smith apples
all-purpose flour
white granulated sugar and/or brown sugar
baking powder
cornstarch
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract or a good imitation
oil
salt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is apple crumble?
Apple crumble is a baked dessert made with spiced apples and a crumbly streusel topping. Unlike apple pie, it doesn't require a pastry crust, making it a simple alternative to traditional apple pie.
Is apple crumble the same as apple crisp?
They're very similar, but traditional apple crumble and American apple crisp are not quite the same. Apple crisp typically contains oats and/or nuts in the topping, while a traditional crumble is made with flour, sugar, and fat.
Is apple crumble vegan?
Yes. This apple crumble is vegan because it uses vegetable oil instead of butter. It also contains no margarine or other dairy ingredients.
Can I make apple crumble without butter?
Yes. Vegetable oil makes an excellent dairy-free alternative to butter in this crumble topping. This recipe uses oil instead of butter, giving you a crisp, crumbly topping without dairy.
What apples are best for apple crumble?
Tart baking apples work especially well because their flavor balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and crumble topping. You can also use a combination of sweet and tart apples.
Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?
Yes. Apple crumble can be prepared ahead of time and baked when you're ready to serve it. You can also bake it ahead and reheat it before serving.
Can apple crumble be refrigerated?
Yes. Cover leftover apple crumble and refrigerate it. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dessert in the oven before serving. as I have a really good brand because it's not worth it to me to spend the extra money.
What's Interesting About Apples?
Apples are naturally fat-free and rich in nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are also associated with several potential health benefits, including supporting heart health and digestion. Health benefits of apples
Apples originated in Central Asia, where wild apples grew thousands of years ago. They spread along trade routes such as the Silk Road and have since been cultivated into thousands of varieties around the world. Only a few dozen varieties are commonly found in grocery stores.
Some popular types include Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, and Jonathan. Different varieties have different flavors, textures, colors, and levels of sweetness.
Apples are delicious eaten fresh, but they're also used in countless recipes and products, including baked goods, salads, smoothies, and cider.
Which apples are best for baking?
Many apple recipes call for Granny Smith apples because they are tart, firm, and hold their shape well when baked instead of becoming overly soft. Pink Lady apples are another good choice because they are firm with a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Honeycrisp is sweeter and very crisp, while Gala apples have a milder sweetness and softer texture. The variety you choose can change both the flavor and texture of an apple dessert.
Contrary to popular belief, apples are not native to North America. European colonists brought apple trees and seeds to North America, where apples became an important food crop. Apple orchards became widespread, and cider was a common drink among early settlers.
Who hasn't heard the legend of Johnny Appleseed? He was a real person named John Chapman, who became famous for planting and distributing apple seeds throughout parts of the United States. Many of the apples associated with his plantings were intended for making cider rather than for eating fresh.
Apples are also famous for their seeds, which contain a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin. When apple seeds are crushed and digested, amygdalin can release cyanide. Accidentally swallowing a few whole apple seeds is generally not considered a cause for concern, but apple seeds should not be intentionally eaten, especially by children or pets.
Love apple desserts?
Apple Crumble
Quick and easy to make, delicious vegan apple crumble, made without butter.
Ingredients
FILLING
- 2 ½ pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced, as desired
- ½ cup white granulated sugar or brown sugar (or a mixture of both)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, real or a good imitation
- ½ teaspoon salt
TOPPING
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup oil
Instructions
1. Filling
Mix the apple, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large mixing bowl, then pour into an 8" or 9" square baking pan that has been coated or lined and spread into an even layer.
2. Topping
In the same or in a clean mixing bowl, pour the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and oil and gently stir with a fork until it becomes crumbly. Scatter the topping evenly over the layer of filling.
3. Place the pan in an oven that has been preheated to 350°F and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top has become a golden brown and you can see the liquid bubbling through.
4. Let cool before serving. Top with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 521Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 475mgCarbohydrates: 95gFiber: 3gSugar: 55gProtein: 5g
