This peanut butter apple crumble has a delicious, natural peanut butter based topping and is incredibly simple to put together. Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and 100% whole grain.
This recipe actually started off as peanut butter apple crumb bars. But that got complicated. My choice was to either most likely attempt it another 3 times before giving up and feeling defeated OR I could just turn it into a crumble. I obviously decided to take the easy way out and am so thankful that I did because there’s no way that bars could have beat these peanut butter crumbles!
I originally had a whole wheat topping, but then I saw a big bag of oat flour just sitting there and thought that the gluten-free folks may appreciate me using that. So now my gluten-free friends and my whole grain loving friends can be happy together (since oats are also whole grain!)
You can use four ramekins or two 5″ tart dishes. The sides of my dishes were about 1″ high. If yours are a lot smaller, then maybe divide the crumble between 2 tart dishes and a small ramekin. The recipe can easily be doubled or even quadrupled if you want a larger amount. Just be sure to refrigerate it to prevent the topping from becoming soft overnight.
The first time I made this, I didn’t add any cinnamon. I thought that peanut butter and maple syrup were too perfect together to mess with, but… the apple portion didn’t taste like anything. The peanut butter topping, which is almost like a crumbly peanut butter cookie, totally overwhelmed it. So the next time, I added a little cinnamon.
With the cinnamon addition, they were perfect. But when I starting taking the pictures, I realized that the crumbles looked boring on their own and figuring that ice cream would perhaps be a strange combination (and not wanting to go to the grocery store), I chose to go the peanut butter route.
These no-bake peanut butter cookies that I posted a few months ago are made by boiling peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla and coconut oil and tossing in some oats. Leave out the oats and coconut oil and that’s what we’ve got on top of these crumbles! The only difference is that I added a little more maple syrup. The sauce was just too thick without it.
If you’re used to my somewhat reduced sugar treats, don’t be surprised when you take a bite of these peanut butter crumbles. They’re sweet. As sweet as regular desserts. Especially with the added peanut butter maple sauce! I know some of you are going to feel compelled to reduce the sugar, but remember that you’re likely going to affect the shape and structure of the crumbles. If you do experiment, let us know how it goes because I could always do with less sugar!
Peanut Butter Apple Crumble (gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, 100% whole grain)
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Ready in:
- Yield: 3-4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (64 grams) salted natural peanut butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon (17 grams) light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon (29 grams) oat flour (use gluten-free oat flour, if necessary)
- 1/4 cup (22 grams) rolled oats (use gluten-free oats, if necessary)
- 1/16 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (350 grams) peeled, cored and diced apples (about 3 medium apples / 555 grams apples pre-coring and peeling)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or more, if desired)
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salted natural peanut butter (the kind with just salt and peanuts)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the peanut butter topping:
For the apples:
For the peanut butter maple sauce:
Directions
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, sugar and maple syrup. Add in the oat flour, oats, baking powder and salt and stir until well combined. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes while preparing the rest of the recipe.
- Place the apples in a medium mixing bowl and add the remaining apple portion ingredients. Stir until well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease two 5" tart dishes.
- Divide the apple mixture between the two dishes. Top with the peanut butter topping.
- Place the crumbles on a baking sheet to catch any possible spills. Bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is firm and the apples have started to bubble lightly.
- Let cool for about 20 minutes before serving. Cover and keep at room temperature for up to 12 hours and then refrigerate (which prevents the topping from softening) for up to 3 days.
- Before serving, prepare the peanut butter maple sauce. In a saucepan, mix together all sauce ingredients over medium heat. At first it won't appear to come together well. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and while continuing to stir constantly, boil for about 30 seconds. It should have thickened a bit and should you have any leftovers after pouring it over your crumbles, will continue to thicken while cooling. The sauce will be too firm to pour at room temperature. To liquefy it again, reheat it on the stove over low heat, while stirring constantly, until liquid.
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58 comments on “Peanut Butter Apple Crumble (gluten-free, vegan, whole grain)” — Add one!
This sounds amazing! Would it be ok to substitute regular peanut butter for the natural peanut butter if I don’t have it on hand? Thank you so much for all of the great recipes!
You’re welcome for the recipes! :) I’ve never tried regular peanut butter in this so I’m not sure. Natural peanut butter (at least the kind I use) is so much runnier than the regular kind so I’m not really positive. Sorry I can’t give you a better answer! Thanks for your comment. :)
My family loved this! I was so happy to find a gluten free/vegan dessert that everyone loves! The second time I made it I had to double it, because one batch disappeared way too fast!! Thank you!!!
You’re welcome! I’m happy you enjoyed it. :) I can also recommend this gluten-free apple crisp which is also vegan and should please everyone. It’s one of my favorites! Thanks for your comment.
I LOVE PB and Apples. BUT – Is there a suggestion for subbing coconut oil in this? Maybe avacado oil? I wish I did not dislike coconut flavor so anytime a recipe calls for coconut anything I need to sub it out.
Thank yoU!!
Can you have butter? If so, I think that should work! I wouldn’t recommend any kind of oil that’s liquid at room temp. I don’t think it’d come out well (though I could be wrong!).
This was delicious, thanks for the great recipe! I used coconut flour instead of oat flour to mix with the oats. Used an extra apple as well. I’m in love! Very rich, so small ramekins would be wise for me ;) But extremely tasty combo. Topped it with whipped cream as I got a bit lazy with making the sauce…
That’s interesting that coconut flour worked as a sub! That’s great to know. :) Thanks for your feedback! I’m so happy you liked it.
Is there an alternative I can use for cornstarch ?😊 Maybe Patato starch ? What do you think?
I’ve never used potato starch but I think 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder / starch would work well. :)
LOVE your recipes!!! This one looks DELISH too, and I can’t wait to try it!! I was just wondering, what could you bake this in if you don’t have tart dishes? Would an 8×8 dish work? Thank you so much!!
Thanks so much! It’s not enough for an 8×8 so I’d recommend doubling it. I’m not sure of the baking time, though, so keep a close eye on it! I hope you’ll enjoy it. :)
Hi, I’m hoping to make this but the recipe says 1/16 tsp for baking powder and for salt…is this right? Seems too small an amount and impossible to measure!! Am I misreading it? Thanks
It’s correct! My measuring spoons go down to 1/32 teaspoon. Do you have 1/4 teaspoon? Just try to do 1/4 of that. It won’t make a huge difference if you’re off a bit. Hope you’ll enjoy the crumbles! :)
Apple crumble is my ALL TIME favourite desert so I’m defo going to give this a try, it looks so tasty
I hope you’ll enjoy it! It’s definitely a tasty variation on the regular kind. :)
OMG Erin this dessert has all my favorite things combined. I am obsessed with apple desserts. With cinnamon, obviously! This crumble looks amazing, seriously!
Thanks so much, Marie! I’m obsessed with apple desserts, too. I can’t get enough!
Nice touch with the maple peanut butter sauce. This is definitely making me drool. The perfect use for apples this season.
Thanks, Renee!
Peanut butter and apples are probably one of my favorite fall snacks when apples are just perfect, crispy and tart. So I love the sound of this dessert, especially with your crumble topping. Also would it be horrible to go get that scoop of ice cream and have the sauce on top because I’m liking the sound of it.
Haha. Not horrible at all! It’d be super sweet, but maybe even more fun. ;)
I adore apples and peanut butter together, so I’m all about trying this crumble. Although the bars sound good, I think the crumble sounds amazing. Maple PB is also my fave, so I’m betting I’d get slightly addicted to this!
I have to admit that it’s terribly addictive. They were gone all too quickly!
Totally genius! Love the twist on apple crumble with the peanut butter. So, so good!
Thanks, Kellie! It was indeed pretty delicious. :)
What a great idea!! I’ve had peanut butter and apples as a snack – but never thought to put it in a dessert together. So clever!
It’s definitely worth a try!
Peanut butter and apples together is a thing of beauty! Loving this crumble!
Thanks a bunch, Trish!
This looks heavenly! Love the idea of using peanut butter in a crumble. Fantastic!
Thank you! It really was. :)
This looks great. I love the chunks of apple and that top, oh that top looks wonderful.
Thanks so much, Michelle! :)
This combo of apples and peanut butter are such a crowd pleaser. Yes please I’ll take two!
Both the crumbles?! My, my. You naughty girl. ;)
Yum! What a fabulous idea :)
Thanks so much, Emma! I was pretty surprised by how well it turned out, considering that it does sounds a little unusual. :)
As I said on Facebook, you outdid yourself with this one, Erin. Peanut butter and apple is one of my favorite snacks, and I can only imagine how good that combo tastes in a crumble.
Thanks again, Dara! I appreciate it. :)
This sounds wonderful and I love that you added cinnamon!
Thanks, Theresa!
What a fabulous recipe1 I love your sauce and will be adding it to my recipes to try. Pinned!
I hope you’ll enjoy it!
How funny I’ve never made a combo of peanut butter and apple in a dessert yet my daughter and i enjoy eating apples and PB for a snack! Love this crumble!
Thanks, Brenda! It sounds like sort of a strange combination for dessert so I totally get it.
Probably would break the gluten/vegan theme, but I would love to eat this with ice cream on top!
I don’t have any dietary restrictions so I’ll join you! ;)
Looks great and super fall-ish. Definitely pinning to my fall entertaining board!
Thanks so much for pinning!
Oh wow, I LOVE crumbles of any kind and this looks and sounds amazing! I never would have thought to use peanut butter and I just love it!
Thank you, Kimberly!
I am seriously DYING over this! Yes, cinnamon makes everything better :) I love the ingredients!
Thanks so much, Lauren!
I totally understand about recipe ideas not working out the first time! This crumble looks like a smash hit!
Right? It’s more fun to just be lazy sometimes, especially if that means an even more delicious version. :D
Oh my gosh, Erin. You’ve totally outdone yourself. This is literally everything I love rolled into one beautiful package! Delicious!
Thanks, Alexa! I tried. ;)