Imagine a rustic, golden-crusted pastry that fills your kitchen with the warm, intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and ginger, while promising a guilt-free dessert experience that's both stunning and deliciously plant-based. This vegan ginger apple crostata is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned vegan baker or just looking to impress your friends with an effortlessly elegant dessert, this recipe is your ticket to dessert stardom!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the crust by combining flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add cold, solid coconut oil and use your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Drizzle maple syrup into the flour mixture and continue mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough seems dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water.
- Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the coconut oil to firm up and the gluten to relax.
- While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. Peel and slice apples into thin, uniform pieces. Toss the apple slices with grated fresh ginger, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch, ensuring even coating.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large, rough circle about 12 inches in diameter.
- Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the spiced apple slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Gently fold the edges of the dough over the apples, creating rustic pleats. The center should remain open, showcasing the apple filling.
- Brush the exposed dough edges with a little maple syrup or plant-based milk to encourage golden browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with vegan vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Keep your coconut oil cold: The secret to a flaky, tender crust is working with cold coconut oil. If it starts to soften, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Don't overwork the dough: Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overworking can lead to a tough crust.
- Use a variety of apples: Mix sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for a more complex flavor profile.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dough to chill helps the gluten relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Rustic is beautiful: Don't aim for perfection with the crust. Uneven, hand-folded edges are part of the crostata's charm.
- Check for doneness: The crust should be golden brown, and the apple filling should be bubbling slightly at the edges.
- Serve with flair: A dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream can elevate this dessert from great to extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 0mg
