Food 
This dessert is vegan, of course, but it’s also brimming with flavor, thanks to the combination of tart apples, fragrant maple syrup, and a perfectly crunchy oat and almond that’s crumble. It’s a recipe that invites you to sit back, relax, and savor its rich tapestry of flavors that autumn has to offer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apple Filling
The magic begins with creating the perfect apple filling. Each bite should offer a harmonious blend of tartness, sweetness, and spice, making this dessert an irresistible autumn treat.
Ingredients:
- 6 tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon
- Apple Preparation: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the tart apples. Granny Smith apples work beautifully for their tartness and firm texture, perfect for baking. The tartness of these apples cuts through the sweetness, creating a delightful balance that will make your taste buds sing.
- Flavor Infusion: In a mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, lemon juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. The lemon juice adds a zesty note and prevents the apples from browning. The maple syrup lends a warm, subtle sweetness, while the cinnamon adds that quintessential autumn spice we crave. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Layering the Filling: Transfer the apple mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The juices from the apples will mingle with the maple syrup and cinnamon as they bake, forming a naturally sweet and tangy sauce that’s absolutely divine.
Mastering the Maple-Infused Crumble Topping
No apple crisp is complete without a crunchy, golden-brown crumble topping. The key to a delightful crumble lies in the combination of oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, and vegan butter. This mixture ensures a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making each bite satisfying and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (96g) almond flour
- 1/3 cup (45g) coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) vegan butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Combining the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, almond flour, and coconut sugar. The rolled oats provide that necessary crunch, while the almond flour adds a delicate, nutty richness. Coconut sugar, with its caramel-like undertones, enhances the overall sweetness without being overpowering.
- Integrating the Vegan Butter: Add the cold, small pieces of vegan butter to the dry mixture. Blend the butter into the mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it forms a sandy, crumb-like texture. Be careful not to overmix – you want to achieve small clumps that will bake into the most delightful crunchy topping.
- Assembling and Baking: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the prepared apple filling. Make sure to cover the apples entirely so every bite has a bit of that irresistible topping. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
And there you have it – a perfect Vegan Apple Crisp that’s sure to bring warmth and happiness to your autumn days. Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, and enjoy this cozy dessert with your loved ones.
If you enjoyed this recipe or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other dishes I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.
