If you clicked the link thinking fennel in a dessert was a farce, well I'm sorry to disappoint, but this really is a Fennel and Apple Crumble with a whole bulb of fennel mixed with some apples, caramelized with some coconut oil and then topped with an almond and smoked almond crumble and browned. It's real and it's vegan and gluten free to boot.

This past weekend was spent in Austria on a whirlwind trip to the quaint city of Salzburg. The getting up early and catching a train in time to get through security before boarding at 6.30am on a Saturday may have been too much if I was working.

Coming into land in Salzburg made me aware I had never much paid attention to the mountain scenes of the Sound of Music because the snow capped mountains that went as far as the eye could see was breathtaking and I was suddenly very wrong with my opinion on this country.

Between eating apple strudel and an afternoon tour, my time in Austria was something like 25 hours which I discovered is too short for this place with all it's natural beauty. I must go back and I fully intend to spend more time there to enjoy it's history and nature more for myself.

Why you'll love this

Apples + fennel = perfect fall dish

Once the fennel is cooked it lowers it's savory flavor and really compliments the apples warmly.

Almond topping

The ground almonds are paired with finely chopped smoked almonds that make this an all round perfect topping.

How to prepare Fennel and Apple Crumble

Caramelize your fennel: Brown sugar, coconut oil and fennel in a frying pan is a golden mix
Add your apples: Slightly cooking your apples here will help the flavors blend as they bake.
Spoon into your baking dish: Spread the fennel and apple out in your baking dish.
Combine the crumble: Place all crumble ingredients into a bowl and combine until it is a crumble.
Spoon on top: Crumble over the top nice and evenly.
Bake: We want that top golden and the apples and fennel baked into submission.
Serve: Spoon into serving dishes whilst warm and top with vegan cream or custard.

Tips for the best Fennel and Apple Crumble

Flavor of fennel: The anise flavor in fennel is a really beautiful flavor alongside the apples, though if you really can't stand it, this would work well without or even subbing the apples for pears would be great here.

Almond sub: If you are allergic to nuts (or simply don't like them), you could easily make a standard crumble topping here with plain flour or gluten free flour and a pinch of smoked salt (if you have that on hand) would add a subtle depth to the crumble.

More apple dishes you'll enjoy

Apple Crumble

Portuguese Apple Tart – Tarte de Maçã

Pwdin Eva - Welsh Eve's Pudding

How to make:

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350F.

Heat the coconut oil on low heat, add in the brown sugar and fennel, stirring every 2 minutes to evenly caramelize, approximately 8 minutes.

Add the apples and continue cooking, stirring to soften the apples up a little, cooking for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to evenly cook through.

Place the apple and fennel mixture into your baking dish and spread out evenly.

Meanwhile, place the ground almonds, smoked almonds, brown sugar and coconut oil in a bowl. Stir through until the mixture begins to resemble breadcrumbs.

Spoon the mixture over the top of the apple and fennel, spreading out to cover completely and evenly.

Bake for 45 minutes or until browned, remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Serve with vegan custard or pouring cream, if not vegan.