Who says crumble has to be a dessert? This Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble is a nutritious way to start your day! Made with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a wholesome oat topping, this breakfast crumble tastes indulgent without the guilt. It’s naturally sweetened, packed with fiber, and easy to make ahead for busy mornings. Whether you enjoy it warm with yogurt or cold straight from the fridge, this crumble will have you looking forward to breakfast!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble
- Nutritious and Delicious: Naturally sweetened with apples and a hint of maple syrup.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with oats, nuts, and whole foods—no refined sugar.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and enjoy a healthy breakfast all week.
- Versatile: Serve it warm or cold, with yogurt, milk, or nut butter.
- Gluten-Free and Vegan Friendly: Easily adaptable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients
For the Apple Base
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
For the Oat Topping
- 1 ½ cups (150g / 0.33 lb) rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup (50g / 0.11 lb) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds or chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (or butter)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with coconut oil or non-stick spray. - Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Arrange the apples evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. - Make the Oat Topping:
In another bowl, mix the oats, chopped nuts, flaxseeds (or chia seeds), cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted coconut oil and maple syrup, stirring until well combined. - Assemble the Crumble:
Spread the oat mixture evenly over the apples, making sure to cover them completely. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the topping is golden and crispy. - Serve:
Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter, or eat it cold straight from the fridge!
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Store the baked crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or enjoy cold.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace the nuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Add Protein: Stir in a scoop of protein powder into the oat topping for an extra boost.
- Use Any Apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples all work well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this apple crumble?
Yes! Once baked, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What other fruits can I use?
This recipe works well with pears, peaches, or berries. You can even do a mixed fruit crumble!
Can I make this crumble vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup and coconut oil to keep it vegan-friendly.
How do I keep the crumble topping crispy?
Make sure to bake it uncovered, and store leftovers in the fridge without a lid to prevent the topping from softening.
Can I skip the coconut oil?
Yes! Swap it with olive oil, butter, or even nut butter for a different flavor.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple mixture for a pop of sweetness.
- Pro Trick: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the crumble before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Serving Suggestion: Top with Greek yogurt or a dollop of ricotta cheese for an extra creamy breakfast.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Apple Crumble: Drizzle peanut butter over the warm crumble before serving.
- Pumpkin Spice Crumble: Add pumpkin spice to the apples and topping for a cozy fall twist.
- Berry Apple Crumble: Mix in blueberries or raspberries for extra color and flavor.
- Apple-Almond Crumble: Use slivered almonds and almond extract in the topping for a nutty touch.
- Chocolate Lover’s Crumble: Sprinkle some dark chocolate chips over the apples before adding the topping.
