Working in Catering, I some days was making a berry or apple crumble for over 400 people at a time.

Have you ever tried to make a controlled dish? Its hard right?? The topping of the crumble recipe I had to use was one that had to be checked every few minutes, and turned every 3. For up to 16 trays.

It was stressful, but it taught me so much about myself, how to elevate stress, and deal with unproductive emotions in a work setting. It was a time of personal growth and while it wasn't easy, no meaningful transformation is.

I had swore off baking for about a year after leaving my pastry chef career. It was a part of the growth I needed in order to heal, become grounded, and re-center. I had discovered an acute gluten sensitivity while working in pastry getting rashes on my hands after handling dough, and becoming instantly sick when tasting my dishes. This fear of being sick again was a large part of my swear-off of sweets, but I have rekindled my love and now work towards making healthy versions of the dishes that I made during my time in work.

This apple crumble is not at all based on those recipes, but largely inspired by the giant bag of baking apples in my mother in laws pantry!

So over a year after making crumble for hundreds of people, i’m back at it, in a relaxed setting and on my own terms with ingredients I trust.

Oh the excitement!

This crumble is best served warm, but can be easily reheated in the microwave.

I have served it with regular vanilla ice-cream, vegan caramel (recipe coming soon), vegan custard (recipe also coming soon) or -unashamed to say- for breakfast with kefir and goji berries.

The crumble can be left covered on the counter or fridge for up to 4 days (so you can treat yourself all week long).

Easy Apple Crumble

Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Refined Sugar Free

Serves 8

45 Minutes

Ingredients

Apple Base

-6 Bramley Apples

-1 tsp Cinnamon

-1/8 tsp Nutmeg

-2 tbsp. Maple Syrup

Crumble

-2 1/2 Cups GF Oats

-1/2 Cup Pecans

-1/3 Cup Ground Almonds (or Almond Flour)

-1/3 Cup Maple Syrup

-1/4 Cup Melted Coconut Oil

-Pinch Salt

Method

Preheat Oven to 180 C.
Peel the apples. Make clean cuts around the core into four sides. then thinly into semi circle slices.
Place the apple slices in a bowl. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg and maple syrup. Ensure the fruit is evenly coated with the spices and syrup. Spread in a 8 x 8 tray, and set aside.
In a bowl add the oats, ground almonds, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, salt, and half of the pecans (1/4 cup). Roughly chop the other half of the pecans (1/4 cup), add to the mixture, and fully combine.
Spread the topping evenly over the apples in the pan.
Bake 30 minutes or until fragrant and golden brown on top.