Ready for a warm hug on a cold day? This Vegan Apple Custard Slice will do just that! It brings all that cozy comfort together in one irresistible dessert—a golden crumble oat layer, spiced caramelized apples, and smooth, silky custard that melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert to share with loved ones or simply craving something indulgent to enjoy with a cup of tea, this recipe checks every box!
The best part? It’s completely plant-based, made with wholesome ingredients like oat milk, coconut milk, and vegan butter—proof that comfort food can be both delicious and dairy-free. Music to our ears!
Serve it chilled for a creamy, classic dessert feel, or enjoy it slightly warm for that extra cozy touch. Either way, every bite tastes like home.
vegan apple custard slice recipe
Ingredients
For the base and crumble:
- 1 cup white flour
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or sucanat
- 1 cup vegan butter - not margarine
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the cinnamon apples:
- 4 large apples (red apples work best, but you can use any kind)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 25 g (2 Tbsp) vegan butter
- 25 g (2 Tbsp) brown sugar or sucanat
For the custard:
- 2 cups oat milk (or try our oat milk powder!)
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 390°F
- To make the base crumble, add the flour (white and oat), brown sugar, vegan butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to a bowl.
- Using a knife or a pastry cutter, slice the mixture until it is thoroughly mixed and has a sandy texture. Try not to use your hands, as this will cause the butter to melt.
- In a lined baking dish (9x12 inches), add two-thirds of the mixture and gently press it down using a flat object until it forms an even layer.
- In a separate lined baking dish, add the remaining crumble mixture (do not press down; this will be the crumble that goes on top)
- Bake both for 30 minutes. If you prefer a crunchier texture, leave the crumble mixture in the oven for a few minutes longer.
- Set aside to cool down completely.
- In a medium pan, add cubed apples, lemon juice, vegan butter, and sugar, and cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Add in a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. Remove the pan and allow the apples to cool.
- To make the custard, heat the oat milk, vanilla, and caster sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Do not boil.
- In a medium bowl, mix the coconut milk and cornstarch, then add it to the oat milk mixture.
- With the pan remaining on low heat, continuously stir until the mixture has thickened. It should take about 10-12 minutes. If the mixture is not thickening, increase the heat slightly and continue stirring.
- Once thickened, allow to cool slightly for a couple of minutes.
- To assemble, spread the apple mixture evenly over the base and gently pour the custard over it. Add the top crumble and let it cool down before placing it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Once chilled, remove from the fridge and enjoy!
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