Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It's crucial to start with a well-heated oven to ensure that your crumble bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 10-inch cast iron skillet or a similar-sized pan, and grease it with butter or a cooking spray. This step helps in preventing sticking and allows for easy serving.
Add the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl. Mix vigorously until the brown sugar fully dissolves into the mixture. Then, gently add the flour and stir until a thick, crumbly texture forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want it crumbly!
Now, take your prepared cast iron pan and add the sliced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. To this, sprinkle in the flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a spatula, ensuring that all apple slices are evenly coated and distributed across the bottom of the pan.
Using your hands, take the crumble mixture and spread it evenly over the fruit filling. It’s okay to leave some pieces larger than others; this will create that lovely crunchy texture when baked.
Position the pan in the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until you see the fruit bubbling and the crumble topping turning a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it; you want it perfectly cooked, not burnt.
Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This cooling phase allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to serve without losing its shape.
Finally, serve your Vegan Apple Crumble warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy the delightful contrast of warm crumble with cold ice cream—a match made in heaven!
