Spiced Apple Crumble with a Healthy Whole-Grain or Low-Carb Topping

Spiced apple crumble highlights some of fall’s best flavors. In this recipe, lightly spiced, sweet apples nestle under a delicious crumbly topping. Enjoy a guilt-free dessert with whole grains, fiber, and less sugar and saturated fat than in a traditional recipe. It takes just a few modifications like reducing sugar, using whole-grain flour and oats, and using trans fat-free buttery spread instead of butter or shortening. 

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• The recipe uses light buttery spread or margarine, but you can opt for olive oil or canola oil instead. It’ll have more calories and fat, but still be low in saturated fat.
• For a low-carb or gluten-free crumble, use a nut topping. Pulse ¾ cup of walnuts in a food processor with ½ cup of gluten-free oats and 2-3 tablespoons of buttery spread. Include up to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar if desired. 
• For a hidden crunch within your crumble, add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts into the apple mixture.
• For a breakfast treat, serve apple crumble with a source of protein like cottage cheese, plain yogurt, or egg whites. You’ll have a balanced breakfast that tastes decadent!
• For variety, swap apples for ripe pears. Pears are another high-fiber, fall fruit.
• For a lemony flavor, stir 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into the apple mixture. Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the crust. 

Recipe for Healthy Low-Sugar Spiced Apple Crumble with Whole Grains

Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients:

Filling

• 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Cosmic Crisp), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons of water

Crumb Topping

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons cold light margarine spread (trans fat-free, 40-45 calories per tablespoon), cut into small cubes
• (Optional) ¾ cup whipped topping, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. 
3. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4. In a separate medium bowl, prepare the topping. Whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed margarine to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, cut the margarine into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender. Let the crumble cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, serve with whipped topping. 

Nutrition information per serving (with 2 tablespoons of whipped topping per serving): 250 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 70 mg sodium, 43 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of sugar, 5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein

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