If you are on the lookout for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Vegan Plum Crumble Recipe is just the thing. Juicy, tender plums are perfectly complemented by a golden, crunchy oat and almond topping, with warming spices pulling all the flavors together. It’s an effortless, cozy treat that celebrates the vibrant taste of plums in a wholesome, plant-based way. Trust me, once you try this crumble, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients form the heart of this crumble, each playing a crucial role in building texture, depth, and warmth. From the luscious plums to the nutty almonds in the topping, every element is essential to bring this dessert alive.
- Plums (500 grams or 1 lb): Fresh and ripe, these will be the juicy star of the dish.
- Maple syrup (2 + 2 tablespoons): Natural sweetness that enhances the fruit and the crumble topping.
- Coconut flour (1-3 tablespoons for the filling, 30 grams or 1/4 cup for the topping): Absorbs fruit juices and adds a subtle nutty flavor, keeping the crumble perfectly balanced.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with plums.
- Ground cloves (a pinch): Just a hint for that extra cozy depth.
- Old fashioned oats (70 grams or 3/4 cup): The base of the crumble topping, adding irresistible crunch.
- Chopped almonds (30 grams or 1/4 cup): For a delightful nutty texture and flavor.
- Salt (a pinch): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Liquid coconut oil (2 tablespoons): Binds the topping together while keeping it crisp and vegan-friendly.
- Light coconut milk (35 ml or 3 tablespoons, plus more to serve): Adds moisture and creaminess without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Vegan Plum Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Plums
Start by preheating your oven to 180 °C or 350 °F. Pit and halve the plums, then toss them with maple syrup, ground cinnamon, cloves, and coconut flour. The coconut flour is key here as it soaks up the juices from the plums, especially if they are particularly juicy—this prevents the crumble from turning soggy. Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized baking dish (roughly 17 x 27 cm) and bake for 15 minutes until the plums start releasing their lovely juices. This step ensures the fruit is soft and infused with spice, setting the perfect base for the crumble topping.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
While the plums bake, combine your old fashioned oats with the coconut flour, chopped almonds, maple syrup, salt, liquid coconut oil, and light coconut milk. The goal is to achieve a texture that sits between granola and cookie dough—not too dry and not too sticky. This balance allows the topping to crisp nicely in the oven while remaining tender enough to contrast the soft plums.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once the plums have softened and their juices are bubbling, remove the baking dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit layer. Pop it back into the oven for another 20 minutes or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma at this point is absolutely irresistible, signaling that your Vegan Plum Crumble Recipe is nearing perfection.
How to Serve Vegan Plum Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
This crumble shines when served warm with a generous drizzle or scoop of coconut milk. The creaminess beautifully balances the tartness of the plums and the crunch of the topping. For an extra special touch, a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a dusting of cinnamon on top adds an inviting look and additional flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
While this dish can absolutely stand alone as a satisfying dessert, pairing it with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut yogurt elevates the experience. For brunch or afternoon tea, a hot cup of chai or spiced herbal tea complements the warming spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your friends or family, serve the crumble in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic, charming presentation. Layering it in glass jars with some coconut cream creates a lovely parfait effect. You can also add fresh mint leaves or edible flowers as a fresh, colorful garnish to brighten up each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Vegan Plum Crumble Recipe tastes fantastic even the next day. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The topping may lose a bit of its crunch but will still be deliciously soft and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this crumble in advance, you can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the crumble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time. Alternatively, freeze leftovers in portions for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the crumble gently in a preheated oven at 160 °C or 320 °F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the topping soggy. Serving it with fresh coconut milk or a dollop of vegan cream after reheating revives the creamy contrast beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Absolutely! This Vegan Plum Crumble Recipe can be adapted with fruits like peaches, nectarines, or berries. Just adjust the amount of coconut flour slightly depending on how juicy your chosen fruit is to keep the crumble topping from becoming soggy.
Is coconut flour necessary in the recipe?
Coconut flour plays a crucial role in absorbing excess moisture from the fruit and providing a subtle, nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you could try ground almonds or oat flour, but be mindful of the texture and adjust quantities accordingly.
Can I make this crumble nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit the chopped almonds from the topping and increase the oats or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
What if I don’t have liquid coconut oil?
You can replace liquid coconut oil with melted vegan butter or another neutral oil like sunflower or canola. The key is to use a fat that will help bind the crumble topping and make it crisp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This crumble is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and double-check that your other ingredients, like maple syrup and coconut flour, are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Vegan Plum Crumble Recipe that’s hard to resist. It’s easy to fall in love with its combination of sweet-tart plums, warm spices, and crunchy oat topping. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family night or a festive gathering, this crumble is guaranteed to delight both vegans and non-vegans alike. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and let yourself enjoy every comforting bite.
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Vegan Plum Crumble Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Plum Crumble is a delightful, plant-based dessert featuring juicy roasted plums under a crunchy oat and almond topping. Sweetened with natural maple syrup and infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, it offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. The crumble uses wholesome ingredients such as old fashioned oats, coconut flour, and coconut oil, making it a comforting and nourishing treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Plums
- 500 grams (1 lb) plums, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1–3 tablespoons coconut flour (adjust based on plum juiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves
Topping
- 70 grams (3/4 cup) old fashioned oats
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) coconut flour
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) chopped almonds or almond meal
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons liquid coconut oil
- 35 ml (3 tablespoons) light coconut milk
To Serve
- Additional coconut milk (to drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Plums: Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Pit and halve the plums, then toss them with maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and coconut flour. The amount of coconut flour depends on how juicy your plums are; use more if needed to absorb excess moisture. Spread the mixture evenly in a medium baking dish (approximately 17 x 27 cm or 6.7 x 10.5 inches). Bake for 15 minutes until the plums release some juice.
- Make the Topping: While the plums bake, prepare the crumble topping by mixing old fashioned oats, coconut flour, chopped almonds, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, liquid coconut oil, and light coconut milk. The texture should be balanced between granola and cookie dough—not too dry and not too wet.
- Assemble and Bake: Remove the partially baked plums from the oven, then evenly spread the oat topping over them. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Once out of the oven, serve the crumble warm with a generous scoop or drizzle of coconut milk to enhance creaminess and richness. Enjoy your comforting vegan plum crumble!
Notes
- If your plums are very juicy, increase the coconut flour to prevent the crumble from becoming soggy.
- Chopped almonds can be substituted with almond meal for a different texture.
- For a nut-free version, try substituting the almonds with pumpkin seeds or omit them completely.
- Ensure to use liquid coconut oil for better mixing with the topping ingredients.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
