Grain-Free Gingerbread Crumble with Blackberry and Apple

A fruity dessert topped with a grain-free gingerbread crumble. This healthy, gluten-free and vegan-friendly recipe is full of warming flavour and simple to prepare—perfect for sharing.

Crumble season has arrived, and this recipe captures everything I love about cooler months: comforting textures, spiced warmth and bright, fruity filling. The blend of apple and blackberry is classic, while the gingerbread-style almond topping adds depth and a lovely autumnal twist.

One of the best things about crumbles is how quick and forgiving they are. Minimal prep and a short bake time make this ideal for last-minute desserts or casual dinners with friends. The ground almonds used for the topping keep it grain-free, paleo-friendly and naturally gluten-free, while adding a pleasant nuttiness that complements the fruit.

I served this to friends who were surprised to learn it was a healthier dessert—everyone loved it. It’s especially good with a scoop of coconut milk ice cream for a dairy-free finish, but it’s delicious on its own too.

📖 Recipe

Grain-free Gingerbread Crumble with Blackberry & Apple

Yield:
6

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

A quick, easy dessert that balances sweet fruit and spiced almond crumble. Dairy-free, gluten-free and full of comforting flavour.

Ingredients

Filling

• 2 Bramley apples (approx. 300 g), peeled and cubed
• 150 g / 1 cup blackberries
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 3 tbsp water

Crumble

• 150 g / 1 ½ cups ground almonds (almond flour)
• 3 tbsp mild olive oil
• 1 tsp blackstrap molasses
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp mixed spice or pumpkin pie spice mix
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Combine the apples, blackberries, 1 tbsp coconut (or brown) sugar and 3 tbsp water in a saucepan. Simmer gently for 5–8 minutes until the fruit is soft but still holds some shape.
3. While the fruit cooks, mix the dry crumble ingredients (ground almonds, sugar, molasses, spices and salt) in a bowl. Add the olive oil a tablespoon at a time and stir until the mixture starts to clump into crumbly pieces.
4. Transfer the softened fruit to a baking dish and evenly scatter the crumble mixture over the top.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the topping is crisp and lightly golden.
6. Serve warm—optionally with a scoop of coconut milk ice cream—and enjoy.

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