Description
Delicious Apple Custard Crumble featuring tender tart apples baked under a creamy plant-based custard and topped with a crunchy, golden crumble. This cozy dessert blends warm spices with natural sweetness, perfect for family dinners or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Layer
- 4 cups tart apples (e.g. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
Plant-Based Custard
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1/3 cup plant-based butter, chilled and cubed
Optional Garnishes and Additions
- Chopped toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Date syrup (natural) or maple syrup (natural) for drizzling
- Plant-based vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces. Toss them with lemon juice, cinnamon (natural), nutmeg (natural), and brown sugar (natural) to coat evenly, enhancing flavor and tenderness during baking.
- Make the Plant-Based Custard: In a saucepan, heat the plant-based milk with the natural gelling agent and brown sugar (natural). Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a rich, creamy custard. Remove from heat and let cool slightly until pourable but thickened.
- Assemble the Layers: Arrange the flavored apple slices evenly at the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully pour the warm custard over the apples, ensuring all pieces are covered in creamy custard.
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar (natural), cinnamon (natural), and chilled plant-based butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly clumps form.
- Bake to Perfection: Evenly spread the crumble topping over the custard and apples. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden and custard is gently bubbling at the edges. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape to prevent mushy texture.
- Lemon juice keeps apple slices fresh and bright before and after baking.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on apple sweetness.
- Constant whisking when cooking custard prevents lumps for a silky texture.
- Allow the assembled dish to chill briefly before baking to enhance flavor melding and texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Apple Custard Crumble, plant-based custard, vegan dessert, gluten free dessert, apple crumble, dairy-free custard, cozy dessert