Soft and sweet cinnamon apples with an oat crumble topping make this apple crumble with oats a comforting and warming dessert that the whole family will love and it's lighter than most desserts too! Healthy apple crumble, that still has all the flavour, but a crumble mix with oats.
Deliciously sweet apples mixed with some cinnamon and topped with a crispy crumble with oats. Forget traditional crumble topping - this apple crumble with oats has a lovely crunch to it and makes it a healthy crumble topping. It is also vegan and gluten free too!
The perfect comforting dessert on a cool day. Whilst we used apples, you could swap them for pears, or use a mixture of both. But this is a great way to use upoat a lots of apples.
If you are looking for some more apple recipes to try, then why not try our simple Apple Turnovers, delicious Healthy Apple Pie or, for a different breakfast, our Apple Cinnamon Pancakes. Also try our amazing Apple and Blackberry Crumble.
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Why you will love it
- Healthy comfort food - This oat apple crumble is total comfort food, but made a little bit lighter.
- Just 179 calories a portion - A filling portion for less calories than a more traditional apple crumble.
- Easy to freeze the leftovers - This stores well so make a big batch and freeze for quick and easy desserts.
- Can be done with pear instead of apples or a mixture - This is versatile and different fruit can be used.
Ingredients needed
- Apples - The star of the dish. We like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, but you really could use any apple.
- Cinnamon - Apple and cinnamon is such a classic combination. You could swap the cinnamon for nutmeg or ginger, or even a mixture of all three.
- Brown sugar - You might not expect to see sugar in a "healthy" recipe, but it really does add so much flavour and we have only used 1.5 tablespoons.
- Oats - Although crumble topping isn't usually made with oats, we find it gives it such a nice texture and gives it a fibre boost too. We use rolled oats. Don't use the quick cook porridge oats, because they will become mushy and don't use jumbo oats as they will still be too chewy.
- Maple syrup - We used this instead of sugar for the topping as it has lots of flavour, so you can use less of it. You can use Sweet Freedom to keep it sweetened with just fruit.
- Coconut oil - This is used instead of butter in the topping. Don't worry, it doesn't give it a coconut flavour. You could use butter if you prefer, and it will give a more golden colour to the apples.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make apple crumble with oats - Step by step
Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.
One: In a mixing bowl, add the oats, maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil.
Two: Mix everything together.
Three: Chop the apples into small cubes.
Four: Add the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil to a large pan and melt. Add the apples and gently cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Five: Put the sugar and cinnamon into the pan.
Six: Stir and cook for a further 2 minutes.
Seven: Put the cooked apples into a baking dish and top with the oat mix.
Eight: Put into the oven and cook for 20 minutes.
Healthy apple crumble
This is a hearty and comforting dessert, that doesn't over-do it on calories and fat either. We are all about the desserts at the moment, and finding ways to make them lighter so they can be more of an every day thing, rather than a once in a while thing.
We have used a little bit of brown sugar and maple syrup to give it some extra sweetness, but not as much as you would usually find in an apple crumble.
Apples are so good this time of year, that we wanted to let the natural sweetness shine through. You could use Sweet Freedom which is made of fruit, so this would all be naturally sweetened.
We have made a crumble topping with oats, which adds some extra fibre and we personally find easier to digest than the flour and butter crumble mixture. If you don't want to make your crumble topping with oats, then you could use a regular crumble topping.
Just 6 ingredients go into making this healthy apple crumble, so you can be sure exactly what has gone into it, compared to buying it in store. And it's only 179 calories per portion too.
What to serve with apple crumble with oats
Now it comes down to a debate that will turn your dinner table lively - what do you serve with a crumble? Ice cream or custard? We went with a good quality vanilla ice cream, but a good custard is another perfect side to a comforting crumble.
Why not try some vanilla frozen yogurt for a bit more of an indulgent dessert? We also love some caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Looking for a nice hot drink to serve with this apple and pear crumble? Why not try a Vegan Eggnog, Chai Tea Latte, Cinnamon Coffee or Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate?
Storage
Store: We hardly ever have any leftovers of this apple crumble recipe with oats, as we can happily eat double portions. But if so, it will keep in the fridge for a couple of days.
Freeze: You could freeze it in containers, but the oats would go a little soggy once defrosted. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Defrost: Defrost in the fridge overnight, or in the microwave until fully defrosted.
Reheat: You can put it in the microwave for a couple of minutes to reheat, or put it in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
Extra tips
- Serve with either custard, yogurt, ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- You could swap the apples for pears, or use a mixture of them both to make this crumble.
- Add some ginger and nutmeg for some extra seasonal flavours.
- For an extra crispy top, sprinkle on some demerara sugar before it goes in the oven.
- You can add some crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts to the oat crumble topping too for some extra crunch.
FAQs
When it comes to the best apple for your an apple crumble, we like to use a crisp, tart variety that keeps fairly solid when baking. Something like a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well. You could use a mixture of the two, or Golden Delicious is another good choice.
Yes, with this recipe you do have to soften them in a pan first, this means that they don't have to be in the oven as long.
Yes, you can make the apples and topping in advance, layer it in your baking dish and then just put it in the oven to crisp up before you are ready to serve it.
If you want a really crunchy topping, then sprinkle Demerara sugar over the topping before going into the oven, then your crumble should be much crunchier.
If you have used too much coconut oil to cook the apples in, then it will become soggy.
No, there is no need to cover it.
This will bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. The apple layer should be bubbling and the surface of the oaty crumble should be an even medium golden brown (you don't want it too dark). If you are using a shallower, slightly larger baking dish than we have, then watch it closely, as the crumble may be done in 5 less.
If you use gluten free certified oats, and make sure there is no cross contamination, then is can be a gluten free crumble.
More apple crumble recipes
If you’ve tried this apple crumble recipe with oats, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Apple Crumble with Oats
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) Apple - peeled, cored and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1.5 tablespoon Light brown sugar
- 100 g (1.25 cups) Oats
- 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon Coconut oil - melted; for the crumble
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil - melted; for the apples
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.
- Mix together 100 g Oats, 1 tablespoon Maple syrup and 2 tablespoon Coconut oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon Coconut oil to a pan and melt. Add 400 g Apple and gently cook for 5 minutes until softened. Put 1.5 tablespoon Light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon Cinnamon into the pan, stir and cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Put the cooked apples into a baking dish and top with the oat mix.
- Put into the oven for 20 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Serve with either custard, yogurt, ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- You could swap the apples for pears, or use a mixture of them both to make this crumble.
- Add some ginger and nutmeg for some extra seasonal flavours.
- For an extra crispy top, sprinkle on some demerara sugar before it goes in the oven.
- You can add some crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts to the oat crumble topping too for some extra crunch.
- To ensure this recipe is definitely gluten free, use oats that are certified gluten free.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Seanny says
It such an easy recipe to follow. Absolutely loves the topping so add double portion of it. Used honey instead of maple syrup. Will definitely bake it again. Many thanks.
Dannii says
I am glad it worked well with honey!
Beth says
This crumble is one of our favorites, so delicious and very yummy! A huge hit here and everyone loved it! A family favorite dessert!
Meg says
I made this with 200g of blueberries and 300g or tart cherries. Calories went up a bit, but delicious!
Ce says
This recipe may be good but this page is a nightmare! Banners and constant pop ups make it awful to try to read. It’s not worth it I’m sorry
Dannii says
I am sorry you didn't enjoy viewing this page. However, there shouldn't be constant pop ups. There is one pop up, which is to sign up to our mailing list. There are in content adverts, because this is how we earn money from our blog. We work 12 hours days, 5 days a week to create free content for everyone that views our blog, which is why we have ads so we can continue to provide it for free. However, if the banners are still too much for you, we do have 2 books that you can purchase and they are advert free. Just search Dannii Martin on Amazon and you will find them. If you are getting constant pop ups, then please let us know as that would be an error from our ad network. Thanks.
Emma says
This was beautiful and actually much nicer than a traditional crumble topping. I added some fresh ginger and doubled the cinnamon. Gorgeous.
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
This looks fantastic! I have lots of oats and apples so going to try this recipe tomorrow!
Llinos Vincent says
Really lovely! Thank you. Made it with 400g of frozen cherries as we didn't have any apples. The rest of the family loved it too.
Dannii says
Oooh yum! Love a cherry crumble. So glad you all enjoyed it.
Anushree says
My oats weren’t crispy, any tips on what went wrong and how I can fix it?
Dannii says
They should have been a little crispy, as cooked oats will crisp up. They will never be super crispy, like a traditional crisp, as this is a healthier version. However, if you do want them really crispy, you can give them a sprinkle of sugar before they go in the oven.
Hayden says
Can I use quick oats? And what substitution can I use for coconut oil? I don't mind using butter although it won't be as healthy. If not, I have corn oil, will that work? Thank you :)
Dannii says
Yes, quick cook oats and butter will work fine.
Anushree says
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Dannii says
Yes, no reason why not.
marie johson says
This recipe is simple and healthy. Its on my list now. Can't wait to try this recipe. thanks for sharing :)
Jenny says
Good recipe but no way would it serve 6! Two at a push.
Dannii says
This would definitely be way too much for us for 2 people. But we all eat different portion sizes, so feel free to adjust the portion size, however that would change the nutritional info.
We are a healthy recipe blog, so sensible portion sizes are key :)
Tanja Vinge says
This is a great healthier version of one of our favourite desserts.
Served with Greek yogurt it could even be used for breakfast or brunch.
This version will be our preferred choice in the future. I added a lot more cinnamon, but I do that to all recipes requiring cinnamon.
My 12 year old daughter also gave this version thumbs up and she can be rather hard to please, as she loves sugar.
Dannii says
So glad you all enjoyed it!
Kathy says
It’s amazing to think that back then, all of us just starting out, and that we had NO IDEA the adventures ahead of us. Couldn’t even have imagined, right? I adore watching the success you’ve had and the path that you’ve made… while staying true to your heart. Which is why I know this project will be a success – it’s not a gimmick, a show, a marketing idea. This is so you, sharing your passion in a way to truly change the lives of others. You, are so great.
Dannii says
Thanks so much Kathy!