This is a yummy, dairy and gluten- free dessert that is a healthier way to enjoy an old classic favourite! Put a healthy spin on your dessert tonight and your whole family will enjoy it.

Ingredients:

  • 6 – 8 Apples (approx. 1 kg)
  • 1 1/2 Cups/350 ml. of water
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
  • 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon

Custard ingredients:

  • 2 cups/500 ml. of almond milk
  • 3 Tbsp. of arrowroot (or use gluten-free vegan natural custard powder like I did! You can also use tapioca.)
  • 3 Tbsp. of coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumble Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 Cups/160 g. almond meal
  • 1 Cup / 218 g. macadamias (halved)
  • 1 Teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 Teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3/4 Cup / 170 g. of coconut sugar
  • 1/2 Cup / 125 oz. coconut oil (softened slightly)
  • 2 Tbsp. arrowroot (or use gluten- free vegan natural custard powder)
  • 1 cup / 140 g. fresh or frozen blueberries

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F/180 C.
  2. Wash and remove the apple core and cut into wedges with the skin left on (optional).
  3. Place the apples into a large saucepan with water, vanilla and cinnamon and cook over medium to low heat for about 20 – 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples have completely softened. Cover for half of the cooking time.
  4. To make the custard: Mix the arrowroot or custard powder, coconut sugar and 3 tablespoons of water in a saucepan until smooth on medium to high heat, then slowly add the almond milk while stirring until it boils. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 minute. Then remove from heat and let it stand, this will thicken the custard.
  5. To make crumble: Combine almond meal, macadamias, cinnamon, nutmeg, arrowroot or custard powder and coconut sugar in a bowl. Stir to combine. Add coconut oil using your fingertips, rub into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  6. To ensemble crumble: Place apples into a heatproof 6 – 8 cup pie dish or 6 – 8 individual ramekins, add blueberries, pour custard over the apples then scatter crumble over custard.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden. Serve warm with coconut yogurt or coconut ice cream.

Note: You can omit the custard if you wish.