Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble is a warm, comforting dish that combines tender baked apples with a naturally sweet and crunchy oat topping. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, cinnamon, and a touch of honey, this breakfast crumble offers a nutritious twist on a classic dessert. It’s the perfect way to start your day with a balance of fiber, healthy fats, and a touch of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This breakfast crumble is both delicious and nourishing, providing you with a satisfying start to your morning. The apples are soft and lightly sweetened, while the oat topping adds a delightful crunch. It’s packed with fiber from the apples and oats, and the natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup makes it feel indulgent without being overly sugary. It’s a simple, one-pan recipe that’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a quick weekday breakfast or a cozy weekend treat.

Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble

Ingredients

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts, optional)
2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional, for added nutrition)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with cooking spray or a little coconut oil.
Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts (if using), coconut oil, ground ginger (if using), salt, and chia seeds. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is crumbly.
Assemble the crumble: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Allow the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it as is, or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter for extra creaminess.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add fruit: For extra flavor and nutrition, you can add other fruits like pears, blueberries, or raspberries to the apple base.
Sweetener options: Feel free to swap the honey or maple syrup for your preferred natural sweetener, like stevia, agave syrup, or coconut sugar.
Vegan option: To make this recipe vegan, simply use plant-based butter or coconut oil and a dairy-free yogurt topping.
Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture for an added depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Can I make this apple crumble ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple and crumble topping separately and store them in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, simply assemble the crumble and bake as instructed.

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are ideal for this crumble, but you can use frozen apples if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

How can I make this crumble sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter crumble, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup, or add a bit of brown sugar to the oat topping. Taste as you go to get the desired sweetness.

Can I make this crumble gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the oat topping, or sprinkle some seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for an extra protein boost.

How do I know when the crumble is done?

The crumble is done when the apples are soft and tender, and the topping is golden brown and crisp. You can test the apples with a fork to make sure they are fully cooked.

Can I use a different type of fruit for this crumble?

Yes, you can swap the apples for other fruits like peaches, pears, or plums, depending on the season and your preference.

How can I make the topping crunchier?

For a crunchier topping, you can add extra chopped nuts or seeds to the crumble mixture. Baking the crumble a bit longer can also make it more crisp, just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Is this crumble suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can make the crumble ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual servings when you’re ready to enjoy.

Can I add a yogurt topping to the crumble?

Yes, a dollop of Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt makes a great topping, adding creaminess and a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the crumble.

Conclusion

Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, nourishing breakfast without compromising on taste. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, it’s a great way to fuel your day. Whether you make it for a quick weekday morning or a leisurely weekend breakfast, this crumble will keep you satisfied and energized. The balance of warm, tender apples and crunchy oat topping makes this dish a delicious way to start your morning!