Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble

When I want something warm, cozy, and just sweet enough to start the day, I make this Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble. It’s packed with real ingredients like apples, oats, nuts, honey, and cinnamon — and it smells just as amazing as it tastes. Whether I’m enjoying it fresh out of the oven with a splash of dairy-free milk or serving it as a dessert with a scoop of yogurt or ice cream, this recipe always feels like the perfect balance of indulgent and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this apple crumble because it’s made entirely from wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients — and I don’t have to feel guilty enjoying it for breakfast. There’s no refined sugar, just a touch of honey, and the oats and nuts keep it filling. The apples get warm and tender, and the crumbly topping turns golden and crisp in the oven. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and versatile enough for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium sweet apples, chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• A pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1½ tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp water

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Apples
I start by heating a pan over medium-high heat and adding the chopped apples, cinnamon, coconut oil, and a small pinch of salt. I stir everything together and cover the pan for a few minutes to help the apples soften. I cook just until they begin to get tender — they’ll finish in the oven.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the apples are cooking, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 3: Make the Crumble
In a small bowl, I mix the oats, chopped nuts, melted coconut oil, honey, and water. The mixture should be slightly sticky but crumbly — perfect for sprinkling over the fruit.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake
I transfer the apple mixture to a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet, then evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top. I bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, I let it cool for a few minutes before serving. I enjoy it warm with a splash of almond milk or spoonful of yogurt in the morning — and if I have leftovers, I warm them up again for dessert with a little ice cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 7 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Calories: Approximately 220 per serving

Variations

• I sometimes toss in raisins or chopped dates with the apples for natural sweetness.
• For a more indulgent version, I add a dollop of Greek yogurt or dairy-free whipped cream on top.
• I love swapping the nuts for seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) when I want a nut-free option.
• When I have extra apples, I double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish for meal prep.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop a portion into the microwave for about 30–45 seconds or warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through. It stays crispy and delicious even the next day.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, I can — though the texture will be a little softer. Rolled oats give more crunch, but quick oats still work well.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Absolutely. I swap it 1:1 for a slightly different sweetness and to make it vegan-friendly.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. I prepare the filling and topping ahead, store them separately, and assemble right before baking. Or I bake it and reheat individual portions as needed.

What kind of apples work best?

I usually go with sweet apples like Fuji or Gala, but Honeycrisp or Pink Lady also work beautifully.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be. I just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

Conclusion

This Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble is my favorite way to turn basic ingredients into something that feels warm, cozy, and a little bit indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition — easy enough to whip up on a weekday and delicious enough to serve to guests. Whether I enjoy it in the morning with yogurt or at night with a scoop of something cold and creamy, it always hits the spot.

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