Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Apple Crumble is a comforting plant-based twist on a classic British dessert. Made with a mix of sweet and tart apples, vegan butter, flour, ground almonds, and cinnamon, this crumble delivers a golden, crunchy topping over a warm, soft apple filling. It’s a cozy dessert perfect for autumn evenings, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
This vegan apple crumble proves that a dairy-free dessert can still be rich, buttery, and satisfying. The almond crumble topping adds extra texture and a nutty flavor, while the cinnamon-spiced apples create a warm, fragrant filling. It’s simple to prepare, naturally adaptable, and delicious served with plant-based custard, cream, or ice cream.
What Is the Dish?
Apple crumble is a traditional British dessert that became popular during the 20th century, particularly during World War II when ingredients for pastry were limited and simpler toppings made from flour, fat, and sugar became a practical alternative. Unlike a pie, which uses a pastry crust, a crumble uses a rustic topping that bakes into a golden, crunchy layer over fruit.
Jamie Oliver’s vegan version keeps the comforting character of the original while replacing dairy butter with plant-based butter and adding ground almonds for extra richness. Fun fact: apple crumble is one of the most adaptable desserts because almost any seasonal fruit can be used in the filling, from berries and peaches to pears and plums.
Cooking Tips
- Use a mixture of apples for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
- Bramley apples add a traditional tart flavor and soften beautifully during cooking.
- Keep vegan butter cold when making the crumble topping for a lighter, crumbly texture.
- Do not overmix the crumble topping—small pieces create the best crunch.
- Let the crumble rest briefly after baking so the apple filling thickens slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Butter Instead of Vegan Butter?
Yes. If you do not need the recipe to be vegan, unsalted dairy butter can be used.
What Apples Are Best for Apple Crumble?
A mixture of tart and sweet apples works best. Bramley, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or similar varieties are great choices.
Can I Make This Apple Crumble Gluten-Free?
Yes. Replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Can I Add Other Fruits?
Absolutely. Pears, berries, plums, or blackberries can be added alongside the apples.
What Should I Serve With Vegan Apple Crumble?
It is delicious with plant-based vanilla custard, vegan cream, coconut ice cream, or dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
How to Store
Store leftover vegan apple crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For the crispiest topping, reheat in the oven.
How to Freeze
Freeze the baked crumble in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warm and crisp.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg mixed apples (including Bramley apples if desired)
- 200g golden caster sugar, divided
- 1 lemon
- 100g cold unsalted vegan butter
- 100g plain flour
- 100g ground almonds
- Good pinch of ground cinnamon
How to Make Jamie Oliver's Vegan Apple Crumble
- Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6.Prepare the apples:
Peel and core the apples, then cut into roughly 3 cm chunks. - Place apples in a saucepan over medium heat with 100 g of the sugar and a few fine gratings of lemon zest. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Cut the cold vegan butter into cubes and place in a bowl with the flour. Rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Scrunch in the ground almonds, cinnamon, and remaining sugar until the crumble mixture has a textured consistency.
- Transfer the softened apples to a 25 cm x 30 cm baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Serve warm with your favorite plant-based vanilla custard, cream, or ice cream.
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