Autumn and apples are a gift of nature’s matchmaking.

Is there anything better than a fresh, crisp, juicy apple in Autumn? My first bite each year when I meet up with my local apple seller at the farmer’s market always marks the true start of the season. Leaves can be falling, turning colors, and the weather can be shifting to cooler temperatures but it’s not truly Autumn until I’ve sampled the goods.

And once I have, I can’t stop my mouth from watering as I think of my home smelling of the warming scents of cinnamon, and vanilla, and the sweet, sweet smell of apples as I bake them into a crumble.

I’m not much of a dessert person. But apple crumble? Be still my heart. It’s comfort food at its best. And the best thing about it? It’s easy. It’s ridiculously easy. Easy to make, easy to eat, easy to share—because all comfort foods must fit these qualifications, right?

This homestyle version of apple crumble doesn’t need any special baking skills, it can be adapted to special diets, and it’s got extra cookie-crumble topping just to make the world a little brighter.

Warming Homestyle Apple Crumble

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Oven temperature: 350℉

Filling:

>> 4 apples (I used Honeycrisp.)
>> 2 tablespoons maple syrup
>> 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or other starch)
>> 1 tablespoon lemon juice
>> 1 teaspoon cinnamon
>> ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
>> ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
>> ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Topping:

>> 1 teaspoon cinnamon
>> ½ teaspoon sea salt
>> ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
>> ½ cup maple syrup
>> 1 cup rolled oats (gluten free or regular)
>> 1 cup all purpose flour (gluten-free or regular)

How to Prepare:

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉.
2. Peel the apples and chunk them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix the apples with the filling ingredients until they are completely blended. You can do this right inside the baking dish to save on dishes!
4. Place this dish into the oven, covered, and bake for 20 minutes to pre-bake the apples.
5. While the apples are baking, whisk together the cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla, and maple syrup for the topping.
6. Mix the flour and oats into the wet ingredients. This will get thick! You’ll need to use your hands to separate this into small chunks, but make sure all ingredients are completely mixed together and there is no flour remaining in the bottom of the bowl.
7. Remove the apples from the oven and sprinkle the topping on by hand. Cover the entire top of the dish.
   Place back in the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes or until the topping is toasted and the juices are bubbling on the edges of the crumble.
8. Serve alone or with a side of (vegan) whipped cream or ice cream. Best enjoyed while it’s still slightly warm and you’re snuggled under a blanket.