Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert but watching your calorie intake? This low-calorie apple crumble recipe is the perfect solution! Forget those heavy, sugary versions; this recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a classic crumble with significantly fewer calories, making it a guilt-free treat for healthy eating enthusiasts. It's a simple, easy recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a delightful weekend treat. Get ready to enjoy a homemade dessert that's both satisfying and good for you!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4 and is easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute (e.g., stevia or erythritol) – adjust to your sweetness preference
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Get started with the Apple Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small (8x8 inch) baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar substitute, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. This step prevents the apples from becoming mushy during baking.
Prepare the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, almond flour, chopped nuts (if using), brown sugar substitute, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the apple crumble cool slightly before serving. A warm scoop of vanilla ice cream (consider a low-calorie option) or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a delicious touch, though it will increase the overall calorie count.
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Crumble:
- Apple Selection: Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith provides a nice tartness, balanced well by sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp.
- Sugar Substitute: Experiment with different sugar substitutes to find your preferred level of sweetness. Start with the amount suggested and adjust to taste.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your crumble during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Variations:
- Berry Crumble: Replace the apples with a mix of your favorite berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries).
- Spiced Crumble: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the crumble topping for an extra warm flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free oats and flour for the regular oats and flour.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on ingredients and sugar substitute used)
This delicious and healthy apple crumble recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Enjoy this easy and quick dinner dessert! It's a fantastic option for a healthy meal, a delightful treat, and an example of delicious dishes you can create with simple homemade cooking. This recipe is among the best recipes for those seeking easy recipes and quick dinner ideas while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.