Description

There’s some truth to the saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, mostly because of the antioxidant flavonoids contained in the peel. Another important health component in apples is a special fiber called pectin, making for a unique fiber-plus-phytonutrient combination. This is a raw version of the commonly baked dessert, so you get all the health-boosting properties of the ingredients without having to turn on your oven (and a toothsome, crispy texture, to boot!). Raisins are energy boosters with all their natural sugar, not to mention iron and potassium. Walnuts are a favorite for their cancer-fighting, heart-healing, brain-boosting nutrients, and combining forces with dates, coconut, and spices, they create a perfect crumble topping for a healthy spin on this classic dessert. Enjoy this with a dollop of Strawberry Cashew Cream (page 297).

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Layer

4 cups unpeeled, cored and thinly sliced apple (about 3 apples)
1 cup raisins
½ cup pitted Medjool dates (see page 125)
½ cup water
¾ cup freshly squeezed apple or orange juice
¼ teaspoon orange zest
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Pinch of ground allspice
Pinch of sea salt

Crumble

1 ¼ cups chopped walnuts
¼ cup pitted Medjool dates
2 tablespoons dried shredded unsweetened coconut
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground cardamom

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Instructions

Prepare the apple layer:

Place the apples and raisins in a bowl.
Place the dates, water, apple juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sea salt in a blender and blend until creamy.
Add to the apple mixture and mix well.
Transfer to an 8 by 8-inch casserole dish.

Prepare the crumble:

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse chop until the walnuts are finely ground. Do not overprocess.
Sprinkle on top of apple layer.

Variations:

Replace the apples with pears, peaches, or pineapple.
Replace the walnuts with hazelnuts, pistachio nuts, or sunflower seeds.
Replace the dates with dried figs or apricots.

Notes

*Nutrition Facts per serving (122 g): Calories 250, Fat Calories 105, Total Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 19 mg, Total Carb 38 g, Dietary Fiber 5 g, Sugars 29 g, Protein 4 g

*Excerpted from Healing the Vegan Way: Plant-Based Eating for Optimal Health & Wellness by Mark Reinfeld. Copyright © 2016. Available from Da Capo Lifelong Books, an imprint of Perseus Books, LLC, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup