This Breakfast Apple Crumble is a warm and cozy dish, perfect for starting your day. Sweet apples mixed with a crunchy, buttery topping make every bite satisfying!
It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but healthier! I love serving it with a dollop of yogurt on top—it makes for a delightful morning treat that I can’t resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For a good apple crumble, go with tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking. If you’re short on fresh apples, try using canned pie filling for quick preparation!
Blackberries: These add a nice burst of flavor. If you don’t have them, feel free to omit or substitute with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Frozen berries work just as well!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the crumble a hearty texture. If you prefer gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can also be used, but they may create a softer topping.
Butter: Unsalted butter is common in desserts, but if you’re out, coconut oil or vegan butter can easily replace it. For a richer flavor, try browned butter!
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and healthy fats. If nuts are an issue due to allergies, feel free to skip them completely. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds can be a tasty alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Topping is Perfectly Crunchy?
The crumble topping can make or break your dish, so here’s how to nail it! You want a nice crunch along with soft fruit underneath.
- Make sure your butter is cold before adding it to the dry ingredients. This keeps the topping flaky.
- Work the butter into the flour and oats until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want a mix of small and pea-sized chunks for a nice texture.
- Don’t overmix! A little unevenness and lumps in the topping are fine and will create that crunchy layer when baked.
Baking it until golden brown will finish the topping perfectly, so keep an eye on it as it cooks!
Breakfast Apple Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for extra crunch)
For Serving:
- Greek yogurt or whipped cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Breakfast Apple Crumble takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Afterward, you’ll just need 5 minutes to cool it slightly before serving. In total, you should expect to spend about 1 hour on this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, lightly grease an 8-inch round baking dish or a dish of similar size. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples and optional blackberries with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined so each bite is flavorful. Once combined, spread the fruit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Mix the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and chopped nuts (if using). Stir them together to mix well.
4. Add the Butter:
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to your oat mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to achieve a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. This gives the topping its wonderful texture!
5. Assemble the Crumble:
Now, sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples and berries in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the fruit completely for that delicious crunchy layer.
6. Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbly fruit underneath!
7. Cool it Down:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This small wait will make it a bit easier to serve.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the warm crumble and top each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a creamy contrast. Enjoy this comforting Breakfast Apple Crumble as a satisfying and wholesome start to your day!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any variety you prefer. Just try to choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, like Fuji or Gala.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out when reheating.
Can I Freeze This Apple Crumble?
Yes, you can freeze it! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave!