Ultimate Healthy Cranberry Apple Crumble: Vegan, Gluten-Free & Oil-Free with SunButter Topping

This delightful Cranberry Apple Crumble features a wholesome oat and SunButter topping, naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. It’s a truly versatile dish, perfect for a festive holiday breakfast, a comforting dessert, or even a wholesome snack. Made entirely vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and without any added oils, this crumble offers a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Prepare to fall in love with its sweet and tart fruit filling crowned with a perfectly crisp, nutty topping!

Originally, this recipe was envisioned as a simple Cranberry Crumble. The allure of alliteration, especially “Cranberry Crumble” during the Christmas season, was almost too strong to resist. However, a recent apple-picking adventure left me with an abundance of beautiful orchard apples. It felt almost sacrilegious not to incorporate these juicy treasures into the mix, transforming the concept into what is now this magnificent Cranberry Apple Crumble. And trust me, the addition of apples elevates this dish to an entirely new level!

The harmonious blend of tart cranberries and naturally sweet, succulent apples, all crowned with a rich, SunButter and oat-based crumble, creates a dessert that is effortlessly delicious and incredibly versatile. I’ve already prepared this Cranberry Apple Crumble a remarkable three times this fall, and with each batch, my affection for it grows stronger. It’s truly a testament to how satisfying and comforting a healthy, homemade treat can be.

This recipe proudly stands as a completely vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free option, carefully crafted without any added oils. These qualities make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a healthier alternative for their holiday spread, be it for a fun, celebratory breakfast, a delightful dessert, or a nourishing snack to share with loved ones during the festive season.

Crafting the Perfect Cranberry Apple Filling

The heart of this crumble lies in its vibrant and flavorful fruit filling. Gathering the ingredients for the Cranberry Apple filling is straightforward, using simple, wholesome components that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need to create this luscious base:

• Medium to Large Apples: Opt for crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala for a balanced flavor and texture.
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Both work beautifully. Fresh cranberries offer a slightly brighter tartness, while frozen ones are convenient and thaw perfectly during baking.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the fruit flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
• Pure Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener complements the fruit without overwhelming it, adding a rich, subtle caramel note.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that beautifully enhances both apple and cranberry flavors, evoking cozy autumn vibes.

That’s truly all it takes to build a foundation of incredible flavor! For my crumble, I favored a delightful blend of Fuji and Honeycrisp apples, which offered a wonderful balance of sweetness and crispness. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple combination – almost any variety will yield delicious results in this forgiving recipe!

Preparing the Irresistible Cranberry Apple Filling

Creating the luscious cranberry apple filling is a breeze, setting the stage for a truly remarkable crumble. Follow these simple steps to ensure a perfectly balanced and flavorful fruit base:

First, begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can either line it with parchment paper for easy removal or lightly grease it with a touch of coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Next, turn your attention to the star of the show: the cranberry apple filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine your freshly diced apples, vibrant cranberries (whether fresh or frozen), a splash of bright lemon juice, the comforting sweetness of maple syrup, and the warm aroma of cinnamon. Gently toss everything together until all the fruit is evenly coated with the lemon juice, maple syrup, and spice mixture. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor.

When it comes to apple quantity, the recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Depending on the specific size of your apples, you might add or omit one to achieve your desired filling volume. Don’t worry too much about exact measurements here; this recipe is incredibly forgiving, allowing for slight variations without compromising the delicious outcome. You also have the choice to leave the skin on your apples for added fiber and rustic appeal, or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture – it’s entirely up to your personal preference!

For the cranberries, whether you use fresh or frozen, the results will be equally delightful. Frozen cranberries can be added directly to the mix without thawing, as they will break down beautifully during the baking process.

Once your filling is perfectly mixed and gleaming with flavor, carefully transfer the cranberry apple mixture into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out into an even, uniform layer, ensuring consistent baking and a balanced ratio of fruit to crumble in every serving. Now, you’re all set for the exciting step of adding the creative, crunchy crumble topping!

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Crumble Topping

The crumble topping is what truly elevates this dish, adding a delightful texture and nutty richness that perfectly complements the tart-sweet fruit filling. This healthy topping is crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients, ensuring it’s not only delicious but also fits various dietary needs. Here’s what you need to create this irresistible layer:

• Almond Flour: Provides a fine, tender crumb texture and a delicate nutty flavor. It’s a fantastic gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour.
• Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds a chewy, hearty texture and a wholesome appeal. Ensure they are certified gluten-free if catering to a strict gluten-free diet.
• No-Sugar-Added SunButter: This sunflower seed butter is the secret ingredient, offering a creamy binder and a wonderful, mild nutty flavor without relying on actual nuts, making it a great option for those with nut allergies. It also eliminates the need for added oils.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Our natural liquid sweetener of choice, binding the crumble while adding a hint of caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fruit.

These four ingredients are all you need to create a truly spectacular, crunchy, and satisfying crumble topping that’s both flavorful and incredibly healthy!

Assembling and Baking Your Perfect Crumble

With your delicious fruit filling prepared, it’s time to bring the crumble to life! The topping is remarkably easy to make, and its unique texture is key to this recipe’s charm.

In a clean mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, No-Sugar-Added SunButter, and pure maple syrup. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are thick and perfectly integrated. This is where the magic of SunButter truly shines! I adore using SunButter in this recipe because it acts as a fantastic, neutral nut-free butter, lending a delightful creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor without the common allergens associated with traditional nut butters.

Its natural richness helps the crumble ingredients bind together beautifully, ensuring a cohesive topping that bakes up wonderfully crisp without the need for any added oils or refined sugars. The resulting mixture should be visibly thick and satisfyingly sticky, indicating it’s ready to be crumbled.

Now for the fun part: using your hands! Pick up generous portions of the crumble mixture and gently break them into big, rustic chunks. Sprinkle these chunks evenly over the prepared fruit layer in your baking pan. Continue this process, distributing the crumble topping until all of the dough is gone and the fruit is covered with a beautiful, rustic, and slightly uneven topping. This creates wonderful pockets of crispness and a homemade look that’s incredibly inviting.

Now, the moment of truth! It’s time to bake your delightful Cranberry Apple Crumble.

Carefully transfer the baking pan into your preheated oven. Allow it to bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue and feels wonderfully crisp to the touch. The kitchen will fill with an incredibly inviting aroma, signaling that your healthy treat is nearly ready.

Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. This next step is crucial for achieving the ideal texture: allow the crumble to cool completely on a wire rack before you even think about dishing it out with a spoon. This cooling period is vital, as it gives the fruit filling time to set and the crumble topping to firm up, ensuring clean servings and that satisfying crispness in every bite.

Should you have any delightful leftovers (a rare occurrence with this recipe!), store your Cranberry Apple Crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven for a few minutes until warmed through, and it will taste just as fresh and comforting as the day it was baked.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Cranberry Apple Crumble

This Cranberry Apple Crumble is more than just a recipe; it’s a versatile healthy treat packed with the quintessential flavors of fall and winter. Its adaptability means you can enjoy it in various delightful ways, making it suitable for any occasion.

It’s truly perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, offering a comforting and wholesome start to your day. It also works wonderfully as a quick, nutritious breakfast during busy workweeks, providing sustained energy. And, of course, it shines as a healthy dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without any guilt.

You can savor this delicious crumble entirely on its own, appreciating the pure flavors and textures. However, for an extra layer of indulgence, consider pairing it with your favorite toppings. A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of your preferred plant-based yogurt (such as unsweetened almond milk yogurt) creates a creamy contrast that is simply divine. I personally love mine with unsweetened almond milk yogurt for a “pie and ice cream for breakfast” kind of luxurious feel – it’s wonderfully satisfying and surprisingly light.

Beyond personal enjoyment, this crumble is an excellent choice for entertaining. Its appealing aroma and rustic charm make it a crowd-pleaser, and the fact that it’s vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free means it caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, ensuring all your guests can enjoy it. The convenience factor is also a huge plus: it’s incredibly easy to prepare in advance, and it reheats beautifully in the microwave. This makes it a fantastic, no-fuss option for holiday gatherings or any time you need to feed a larger group without stress.

Try baking it the day before your event, storing it overnight, and then simply reheating it just before serving to impress your guests with a warm, freshly baked aroma and exquisite taste. Enjoy every delicious, wholesome bite!

Discover More Delicious Vegan Crumble Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with this Cranberry Apple Crumble, you’re in for a treat! The world of vegan crumbles and crisps is full of delightful possibilities, offering comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. Explore some of my other favorite plant-based crumble recipes that are perfect for any time of year:

• Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp

• Easy Vegan Peach Pecan Crisp

• Apple Cherry Tahini Crumble

• Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars

I Want to Hear From You!

If you decide to make this delightful Cranberry Apple Crumble recipe, please let me know all about your experience! Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps me continue to create more delicious content for you.

Be sure to leave me a comment below, along with a rating and review, so I can learn from your thoughts and use your feedback to inspire even more scrumptious recipes.

Also, don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram! Use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful creations. I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens.

For more recipe inspiration and to save ideas for later, check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find plenty of other healthy and delicious recipes just like this one to pin and try.

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XO Lauren

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Photography by Hot Pan Kitchen