Name: Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 gluten free pie crust (see link in instructions); 6 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick (8-10 cups total; combination of granny smith and pink lady apples); 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated preferred); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup rolled oats (gluten free certified); 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or applesauce for low fat option)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 7 reviews

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for the perfect cozy dessert that’s both gentle on your diet and bursting with comfort, I’ve got you covered. This Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is just that kind of magic – tender apples, warm spices, and a crumbly topping that feels like a hug in every bite. I love making this when friends come over because it’s not only stunning to serve but also easy enough that I’m never stressed in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for cool evenings or anytime you crave something naturally sweet and wholesome.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The combination of tart and sweet apples with cinnamon and nutmeg creates cozy fall vibes in every bite.
Textural Delight: Crisp, buttery crumble topping contrasts perfectly with the softened, juicy apple filling.
Diet-Friendly & Delicious: Being both gluten free and vegan, it fits many dietary needs without compromising on taste.
User-Friendly: The recipe is straightforward with practical tips so you won’t get overwhelmed in the kitchen.

Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie, gluten free vegan dessert, vegan apple dessert, healthy apple crumble, plant-based apple pie - A clear glass pie dish holds a layered apple crumble pie. The bottom layer is a pale, smooth pie crust that rises slightly up the sides. Above the crust is a thick layer of sliced apples, visible in a light pale yellow with hints of green from the skins. The top layer is a rough, crumbly oat and brown sugar mixture covering the apples fully. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I always pay close attention to the quality of ingredients when whipping up this Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe. Using the right apples and gluten-free staples makes all the difference—and don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with tips to source them easily.

Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie, gluten free vegan dessert, vegan apple dessert, healthy apple crumble, plant-based apple pie - Flat lay of a mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples sliced thin with their bright green and rosy pink skins contrasting against the pale creamy flesh, scattered raw rolled oats showing their soft, slightly rough texture, a small heap of golden almond flour with a fine, sandy look, warm brown piles of light and dark brown sugar crystals sparkling gently, a small mound of ground cinnamon in rich reddish-brown powder form, freshly grated nutmeg shavings with a light tan color, a couple of fresh lemon wedges with vibrant yellow skin and juicy interiors, and a few drops of clear vanilla extract glistening softly, all beautifully arranged with natural spacing and slight overlaps to create depth, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Apples: A mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples gives the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, plus great texture after baking.
Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener so your apple filling isn’t runny—a must-have trick for perfect pie results.
Lemon juice: Brightens flavors and prevents the apples from browning before baking.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices are non-negotiable in any apple dessert, delivering that classic cozy aroma.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweet undertone that rounds out the flavors.
Rolled oats (gluten free): Provide that irresistible chewy texture in the crumble topping.
Almond flour: Adds nuttiness and helps create a crumbly, golden topping.
Coconut oil: Brings moisture and richness to the crumble while keeping it vegan-friendly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is how wonderfully flexible it is. I’ve played around with spices, mix-ins, and even the topping to make it just right for different occasions.

Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth—perfect if you’re craving a more festive flavor.
Swap the topping: Try chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the crumble for a richer crunch (just make sure your guests don’t have allergies).
Make it oil-free: If you’re avoiding fats, replace the coconut oil in the crumble topping with unsweetened applesauce—you’ll still get that moist texture but less oil.
Seasonal twist: Swap half the apples for pears or even add fresh cranberries for a tart contrast in winter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Step 1: Make and Pre-Bake the Crust

I start with a gluten free pie crust I trust—making it from scratch or using a store-bought one that’s vegan and gluten free. After pressing it into the pie pan, I blind-bake it for 10-12 minutes so the crust holds up nicely without getting soggy once the filling goes in. If you’ve never blind-baked before, just poke a few holes in the crust with a fork and line it with parchment paper filled with pie weights or dried beans—this prevents bubbling.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the oven preheats to 375°F, I toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. It’s important to slice those apples evenly (about 1/4 inch thick) so they cook uniformly. The cornstarch thickens the juices during baking, stopping the filling from turning watery. I always keep some of the syrupy juice from the bowl when layering into the crust—it adds lovely moisture but too much liquid can weigh the pie down.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, I mix gluten free oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then stir in melted coconut oil. The texture should be crumbly but moist enough to hold small clumps together. This topping bakes into a gorgeous golden crust with lots of texture and flavor. If you want it less oily, applesauce works well here too, but I find the coconut oil gives the best buttery finish.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the apple filling (with a bit of that reserved juice) into your pre-baked crust, then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. To avoid the topping burning during the long bake, I cover the pie edges with a foil shield halfway through baking or use a ready-made pie crust protector. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples have softened nicely. The house smells amazing at this point—promise!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

This is the hard part—I let the pie cool for 2-3 hours before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but the cooling time thickens the filling so it slices neatly without running everywhere. Serve with your favorite non-dairy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

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Pro Tips for Making Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: Mixing tart and sweet varieties helps the filling avoid being one-dimensional; Granny Smith adds tartness while Pink Lady brings sweetness.
Don’t Skip the Blind Bake: Pre-baking your crust prevents sogginess since apple filling releases a lot of moisture.
Make a Foil Shield: Protect your pie’s edges with foil halfway through baking to keep the crust from over-browning without disrupting the bake time.
Patience Is Key: Let the pie cool completely before slicing to get clean slices and allow flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie, gluten free vegan dessert, vegan apple dessert, healthy apple crumble, plant-based apple pie - A slice of apple crumble pie sits on a white plate with a slightly scalloped edge. The pie has three layers: a golden-brown crust on the bottom, a chunky layer of cooked apple pieces with a warm orange tone in the middle, and a crumbly oat and brown sugar topping that is rough in texture and light brown in color. On top of the pie slice, there is a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting slightly, with small brown specks sprinkled over it. A silver fork lies on the right side of the plate, resting on the edge. Nearby, two whole red apples with a slight yellowish tint and a round glass dish holding more apple crumble pie are placed on a dark surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for simple yet cozy garnishes here. A scoop of creamy non-dairy vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped coconut cream ups the decadence and balances the warm spices. Sometimes I top it off with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch and nuttiness—makes the whole dessert feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This pie shines on its own but if you want to turn it into a cozy dessert spread, pair with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a robust herbal blend. For celebrations, I sometimes add a small cheese board with vegan cheeses and fresh fruit to keep things balanced and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this pie in mini ramekins instead of a big dish—everyone gets their own crumble and I don’t have to worry about slicing precision. Another fun trick is layering apples and crumble in a clear glass trifle bowl for a rustic yet elegant look that shows off all the textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or a pie dome and keep it in the fridge. It stays good for about 4 to 5 days—though honestly, mine rarely lasts that long because it’s such a crowd-pleaser!

Freezing

I recommend freezing this pie if you want to prep ahead or save leftovers long term. Wrap the whole pie tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze individual slices in airtight containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes—this brings back that freshly baked taste and crisps the crumble topping back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact, but it works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples in this Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a mix of berries can work beautifully. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the fruit’s juiciness and firmness.
Is the crust recipe included?

This recipe calls for a gluten free pie crust that you can make yourself or buy pre-made. I link to my favorite homemade gluten free pie crust recipe elsewhere, but feel free to use one you trust for the best results.
Can I make this Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe oil-free?

Yes! Simply swap the melted coconut oil in the crumble topping with unsweetened applesauce. This keeps it moist and crumbly without the fat.
How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?

Blind baking the crust before adding the filling is key. Also, including cornstarch in the filling thickens the apple juices, so they don’t make the crust soggy during baking.
Can I use all one type of apple?

You can, but mixing tart and sweet apples tends to give the best flavor and texture balance. If you use just one type, Granny Smith is a safe and traditional choice.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe really feels like a little slice of home and comfort wrapped up in every bite. I love how it caters to special diets without making me compromise on that rich, nostalgic apple pie experience. If you try it, you might just find it becoming a seasonal staple for you and anyone lucky enough to get a slice. So go ahead, put this recipe on your must-bake list—you’re going to thank me later!