This breakfast apple crumble is one of those recipes that just feels like a cozy morning. Warm, sweet apples, crunchy oat topping, and just the right hint of cinnamon—it tastes like dessert, but it’s made with better-for-you ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes your home smell like fall. You can prep it in 10 minutes and enjoy it straight from the oven or even cold from the fridge the next day (yep, still good!).
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of my go-to breakfasts when I want something cozy but still healthy. It’s inspired by weekend trips to the orchard, when I’d come home with way too many apples and not enough ideas. This crumble solved that problem real fast.
- Feels indulgent but is made with whole ingredients
- Naturally sweetened—no refined sugar
- You can make it ahead and eat all week
- Smells like a bakery
- Tastes amazing warm or cold
What You’ll Need
- 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the crumble topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith so they don’t turn mushy when baked
- Melt the coconut oil first so it mixes evenly with the oats
- Add chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch, or leave them out for a nut-free version
- Double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish if you want leftovers for the week
- Serve it with Greek yogurt for extra protein
Tools You’ll Need
- 2 mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8 baking dish
- Peeler and knife
- Spoon or spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap almond flour for oat flour or whole wheat flour
- Use melted butter instead of coconut oil
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the apple mix
- Swap maple syrup for honey
- Use pecans instead of walnuts
Make Ahead Tips
You can assemble the crumble the night before. Just store it covered in the fridge, and pop it in the oven in the morning. It also reheats well in the microwave or oven for up to 4 days.
Recipe and Instructions
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Step 1: Prep the apples
In a bowl, mix 4 diced apples (peeled and cored) with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until the apples are well coated.
Step 2: Make the crumble topping
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup almond flour, 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, and 2 tbsp maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and moist.
Step 3: Add apples to baking dish
Pour the spiced apple mixture into an 8×8 baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Add the crumble topping
Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apples.
Step 5: Bake the crumble
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Let it cool for 5 minutes, then scoop into bowls and enjoy warm.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to crisp the topping again.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Apples break down slightly during baking, releasing their natural juices. The lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning too fast. The oat crumble crisps up thanks to the coconut oil, which helps the oats toast without drying out. Almond flour keeps the topping light and tender.
Common Mistakes
- Using too-soft apples like Red Delicious—they’ll turn to mush
- Not coating the apples well—stir everything so each piece gets flavor
- Using cold coconut oil—it won’t mix well with the oats
- Overbaking—it’ll dry out the topping too much
What to Serve With
- A scoop of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- A drizzle of nut butter
- A hot cup of coffee or chai
- A side of scrambled eggs for protein
FAQ
Can I make this nut-free?
Yes, just skip the walnuts and use more oats or seeds instead.
Can I freeze it?
Yep! Let it cool, then freeze in portions. Reheat in oven or microwave.
Can I use other fruits?
Totally! Try pears, berries, or even peaches.
Is it sweet enough for dessert?
It is! Especially with a scoop of yogurt or dairy-free whipped cream.
Enjoy This Cozy Breakfast
I hope you love this healthy apple crumble as much as I do. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular morning into something special. If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it went—or if you have any questions, I’m here to help!