This Healthy Apple crumble features warm cinnamon apple filling and a perfectly nutty, crumbly topping made using almond flour, pecans, and coconut oil. It is straightforward to make, gluten-free, and is a healthier dessert for apple season.
This healthy apple crumble is packed with fresh juicy apples, topped with a nutty, crumbly topping that is made used wholesome ingredients like toasted pecans, almond flour and coconut oil.
What is apple crumble? Like the baked pears, it is a popular Fall dessert typically made using chopped apples topped with a crumbly mixture of butter, sugar, flour, and sometimes oats or nuts.
It is often served warm and is commonly topped by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast between the warm cooked fruit and the crisp, buttery topping makes it comforting like peach crumble.
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Why you'll love this recipe?
- Naturally gluten-free
- Modest amount of brown sugar
- Wholesome ingredients
- Smells divine when baking
Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Apple – Like in apple muffins, I like to use Fuji, Jonagold, Honey crisp, Braeburn or Golden delicious variety.
- Almond Flour - Unlike all my almond flour recipes, this healthy apple crumble will work with almond flour and almond meals.
- Pecans - Adds crispy and crunchy texture to the crumble topping.
- Brown sugar – There is brown sugar in both the filling and topping. Use light or golden brown sugar.
- Coconut oil - Like the almond flour shortbreads or black sesame cookies, the combination of coconut oil and almond flour is magical.
- Lemon - A dash of lemon juice adds brightness to the healthy apple crumble filling.
- Cinnamon - A classic combination with apples like in apple cinnamon bread or apple oatmeal.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make it nut-free. Skip pecans and use a total of 1 and ½ cup rolled oats like in mango crumble.
- Switch up the nuts and use walnuts or sliced almonds instead.
- Use other fruits like pears, mango or peaches instead.
How to make?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
1 & 2. In a medium bowl combine almond flour, brown sugar, toasted pecans, ground cinnamon, baking powder and stir until evenly combined.
3 & 4. Add the melted coconut oil and water and stir with a spoon until crumbly. Place the bowl in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
5. Peel, core and chop the apples into bite sized pieces. Add them into a square baking dish.
6. Add brown sugar, almond flour, lemon juice, cinnamon and salt, and stir well to combine. Spread into an even layer.
7. Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the top of the filling. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving with ice cream if desired.
How to serve?
As with all warm and cozy desserts like the air fryer bread pudding, a big scoop of creamy cold vanilla ice cream adds the perfect finishing touch. However, the healthy apple crumble is delicious with sweetened greek yogurt or some whipped cream.
Storage and reheating
To store leftovers, cover pan tightly with tinfoil or plastic warp and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or reheated!
To reheat - Place baking pan (remove the foil or plastic wrap), in a preheated 400 degree oven for 5 to 8 minutes or until warmed through.
Helpful tips
- Not a fan of coconut oil? Use melted butter instead.
- Adjust brown sugar, based on the sweetness of the fruit.
- Switch up the nuts. Use chopped walnuts or sliced almonds instead of sliced pecans.
Recipe FAQs
The best apples for healthy apple crumble are sweeter varieties because there is a very modest amount of sugar. You also want varieties that hold up well to baking without turning mushy. My favorite types are Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Fuji, and Golden Delicious.
If you use tart varieties like Granny Smith, increase the quantity of brown sugar.
Whether or not to peel the apples is a matter of personal preference. Apple crumble made using peeled apples are softer with a smooth texture and uniform appearance. Whereas, the dish made with peel-on saves time, offers texture, and has a beautiful color contrast.
Sure can! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
More healthy desserts
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Healthy Apple crumble
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¾ cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup brown sugar, light or golden
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons liquid coconut oil, not hot
- 1 + ½ tablespoon water
Filling
- 2 pounds apples (6 cups peeled and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, light or golden
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Topping
- In a medium bowl combine all ingredients of the crumble topping (except coconut oil and water) and stir until evenly combined.
- Add the melted coconut oil and water and stir with a spoon until crumbly.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Filling
- Peel, core and chop the apples into bite sized pieces.
- Add the chopped apples along with all filling ingredients into the prepared baking pan and stir well to combine. Spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the top of the filling.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving with ice cream if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love your feedback! Please let me know by leaving a comment, a star rating or review below.
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