This is the perfect winter dessert! It’s easy to make and has both a vegan and a gluten-free option.

Seriously, this is the best apple crumble you will ever eat—and even better still, it’s super easy to make and will generously feed six people.

This version is made just with apples, but it’s also delicious with a few cranberries or blackberries tossed in, if you like.

Toasted Almond Apple Crumble.

First, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Filling:

8 large granny-smith apples

1/2 c. apple cider or water

1/2 c. sugar

1 Tbsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 Tbsp. flour or gluten-free flour

Pinch of salt

Peel and core the apples, and cut into thick slices.

Toss them in a large oven-safe dish. I like to use my cast-iron skillet.

Now sprinkle with the dry ingredients and give it a toss.

Pour in the apple cider, and set aside until you’ve made your crumble topping.

Crumble:

1 c. flour or gluten-free flour

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. slivered almonds (divided into 1/2 c. portions)

1/2 c. rolled oats

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 Tbsp. vanilla

1/2 c. butter or Earth Balance buttery spread (softened)

Pinch of salt

Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Simply pop everything (except 1/2 c. of the slivered almonds) into a bowl, and give it a mix…I use my hands for this.

Now evenly place blobs of the crumble topping over the prepared apples. Sprinkle with the remaining slivered almonds. This allows them to toast, and they will develop a lovely, deep flavor.

Place the completed crumble onto the middle rack of your pre-heated oven, and bake for 35 to 45 minutes—or until your apples are to your desired “doneness.” That’s it! You’re done!

Serve with vanilla-bean ice cream (or vanilla-coconut bliss for a vegan option).

Bonus tip: I sometimes make this in three small cast-iron pans and serve it as a dessert to be shared by a couple at a dinner party. It’s a fun social way to have dessert at a dinner party.

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Relephant:

A sweet & easy Holiday Treat: Eggnog Cranberry Muffins. {Recipe}

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Author: Angela St. Cyr
Image: Flickr/decor8 holly
Editor: Yoli Ramazzina
Copy Editor: Travis May
Social Editor: Waylon Lewis