Healthy Apple Crumble Recipe: A Deliciously Guilt-Free Dessert

Apples are a fantastic source of fiber and vitamins, and crumble is a classic comfort dessert. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, offering a healthy apple crumble that's both delicious and nutritious. We've focused on reducing refined sugar and unhealthy fats, without sacrificing the amazing flavor and texture you expect from a traditional crumble.

Why This Apple Crumble is Healthier

This recipe prioritizes whole foods and minimizes processed ingredients. Here's how we achieve that healthier twist:

• Whole Grains: We use wholewheat flour in the crumble topping, providing added fiber and nutrients compared to refined white flour.
• Reduced Sugar: We use less sugar than most recipes, relying on the natural sweetness of the apples and a touch of maple syrup or honey for extra flavor. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference.
• Healthy Fats: We use less butter and incorporate options like olive oil or coconut oil for healthier fats.
• Plenty of Fruit: The star of the show remains the apples! We pack in plenty of them for a filling and fiber-rich dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp are great choices), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (prevents browning)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup wholewheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or less, to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Get started with the apple filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup/honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using).

Now for the crumble topping:

1. In a separate bowl, combine the wholewheat flour, rolled oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Stir in the olive oil or melted coconut oil until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble and bake:

1. Pour the apple filling into a baking dish (approximately 8x8 inches or a similar-sized pie dish).
2. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
3. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
4. Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Tips for an Even Healthier Crumble:

• Add more fruit: Include other fruits like berries for extra antioxidants and flavor.
• Use oat flour: Substitute half of the wholewheat flour with oat flour for a gluten-free option (if needed, check for cross-contamination).
• Experiment with spices: Add a dash of ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
• Make it vegan: Use a vegan butter substitute or increase the amount of oil in the crumble topping.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (consider a lower-sugar option) or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• A sprinkle of extra cinnamon adds warmth and flavor.

This healthy apple crumble recipe is a perfect balance of deliciousness and nutrition. It's a guilt-free dessert you can enjoy without compromising your health goals. Enjoy!