"Apple" Betty (Vegan & Oil-Free)

There's something about the warm, cozy vibes of a classic Apple Betty that just screams comfort food. But what if you're craving that sweet and spiced goodness without using apples? 🤔 

Believe it or not, zucchini makes the perfect stand-in! It might sound unusual, but this versatile veggie takes on the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg like a pro. So, today we’re taking this classic dessert for a little twist, keeping it vegan, oil-free, and gut-friendly for anyone looking for a lighter, healthier option. 

The beauty of this Apple Betty lies in its simplicity. Just a few wholesome ingredients, and some warming spices, and you’ve got a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The zucchini, once cooked, becomes tender and juicy, mimicking the texture of apples while allowing all those sweet and spicy flavors to shine through. The crumbly oat topping adds that delightful crunch we all know and love in a Betty.

Let’s get baking! 🍂

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 "Apple" Betty 

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchini, peeled and sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or another liquid sweetener of choice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)

For the crumb topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour (or any flour of your choice)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the zucchini filling:

   • In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with lemon juice, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and arrowroot starch. This will give the zucchini that lovely, spiced sweetness.
   • Transfer the mixture to an 8x8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

3. Make the crumb topping:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and starts to hold together.

4. Assemble the dish:

   • Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the zucchini mixture.

5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

6. Cool & serve: Allow the Apple Betty to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, or let it sit a bit longer for a firmer texture. 

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A Sweet, Simple, and Healthy Twist ✨

This Apple Betty is a delightful surprise in every bite. You won’t miss the apples one bit, and the zucchini brings a new level of freshness to this nostalgic dish. The warm spices, sweet zucchini, and crispy oat topping come together to make a dessert that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here 😋).

Whether you're topping it with a dollop of coconut yogurt or enjoying it on its own, this dish is a wonderful way to treat yourself while keeping things wholesome and light. Give it a try and see just how delicious a veggie twist on a classic can be! 🌿🍽️