Healthy Apple Crumble – No Flour, No Added Sugar & Easy to Make

This healthy apple crumble is a simple and delicious dessert made without wheat flour or added sugar. With juicy apples, dried cranberries, cinnamon, fresh orange zest, oats, and crunchy walnuts, every bite is packed with comforting flavor and texture.

The preparation takes only a few minutes, making this an excellent option when you’re craving something sweet but want to keep the ingredients simple. Instead of traditional flour, finely ground oats create the crumble, while your preferred sweetener can be used instead of regular sugar.

 

Underneath the crispy oat and walnut topping is a tender apple filling flavored with cinnamon and dried cranberries. Fresh orange zest adds a bright citrus aroma that makes the dessert even more irresistible.

If you’re searching for a healthy apple crumble, no-flour apple dessert, apple crumble without added sugar, oatmeal apple crumble, healthy apple pie, or easy oat dessert, this recipe is definitely worth trying.

 

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small pieces
• 30 g (about 1 oz) dried cranberries
• 4 tablespoons water
• Sweetener of your choice, to taste
• 2/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Oat-Walnut Crumble

• 150 g (about 1 1/2 cups / 5.3 oz) oats, finely ground
• 40 g (about 1/3 cup / 1.4 oz) walnuts, chopped
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• Zest of 1 orange
• A pinch of salt
• Sweetener of your choice, to taste

 

For the Base

• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons water

Equipment

• 16 cm (6.3-inch) round baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Coffee grinder or food processor for grinding the oats

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).

Line a 16 cm (6.3-inch) round baking pan with parchment paper.

Set the prepared pan aside while you make the apple filling and crumble mixture.

 

2. Prepare the Apples

Peel and core 2 apples, then cut them into small pieces.

Place the chopped apples in a bowl and add the dried cranberries.

Add 4 tablespoons water, cinnamon, and your preferred sweetener to taste.

Mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

3. Add the Cornstarch

Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch over the apple mixture.

Stir thoroughly so the cornstarch is evenly distributed.

During baking, the cornstarch helps thicken the juices released by the apples, creating a tender filling rather than an excessively watery one.

Set the apple mixture aside.

 

Prepare the Oat and Walnut Crumble

4. Grind the Oats

Place 150 g oats in a coffee grinder or food processor.

Process until the oats develop a fine consistency.

These ground oats replace the traditional wheat flour normally used in a crumble.

5. Add the Walnuts

Transfer the ground oats to a mixing bowl.

Add 40 g chopped walnuts.

The walnuts add crunch and a rich nutty flavor that pairs especially well with apples and cinnamon.

 

6. Add Orange Zest

Finely grate the zest of 1 orange directly into the oat mixture.

Add a small pinch of salt and sweetener according to your taste.

Mix well.

The orange zest gives the crumble a fresh citrus aroma and adds another layer of flavor without requiring additional sugar.

7. Add the Coconut Oil

Add 3 tablespoons coconut oil.

Mix until the ingredients develop a crumbly consistency.

The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed while still remaining loose enough to form a crumble topping.

 

Prepare the Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons water

Mix until evenly combined.

Add this mixture to the appropriate portion of the oat mixture to create the base of the crumble.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.

 

Assemble the Apple Crumble

Spread the prepared apple and cranberry filling evenly over the base.

Make sure the apples are distributed across the entire pan.

Sprinkle the remaining oat and walnut crumble evenly over the apple layer.

Don’t press the topping down too firmly. Keeping it relatively loose helps create the characteristic crumbly texture.

Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake at 180°C (360°F) for approximately 60 minutes.

The crumble should become lightly golden on top, while the apples underneath should be tender and juicy.

Because ovens can vary, begin checking the dessert toward the end of the recommended baking time.

 

Cool and Serve

Remove the apple crumble from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before removing it from the pan.

You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

It’s delicious on its own or paired with:

• Plant-based yogurt
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh fruit
• A cup of coffee
• Black or herbal tea

For a dessert-like treat, serve a warm slice with a spoonful of yogurt on top.

 

Tips for the Best Healthy Apple Crumble

Choose flavorful apples: Apples with a balance of sweetness and acidity work especially well.

Cut the apples evenly: Similar-sized pieces will cook more evenly.

Adjust the sweetness: The amount of sweetener you need depends on the natural sweetness of your apples, cranberries, and personal preference.

Use fresh orange zest: It adds a much stronger and fresher aroma than artificial orange flavoring.

Don’t over-process the walnuts: Keep them chopped rather than turning them into walnut flour so the crumble retains some crunch.

Let it rest after baking: Giving the crumble a little time to cool allows the apple filling to set and makes it easier to slice.

 

Storage

Store leftover apple crumble covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Enjoy leftovers cold, bring them to room temperature, or gently reheat individual portions before serving.

Approximate Nutritional Information

Based on approximately 8 servings, each portion contains roughly:

Calories: 140–170 kcal
Protein: About 3 g
Fat: About 7 g
Carbohydrates: About 18 g

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary considerably depending on the type of apples, dried cranberries, sweetener, coconut oil, walnuts, and exact serving size used.

 

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Apple Crumble

This easy dessert combines tender cinnamon apples, chewy dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, aromatic orange zest, and a crispy oat topping in every bite.

There’s no wheat flour or added table sugar in the recipe, and you can adjust the sweetness according to your preference. Ground oats create a hearty base and topping, while walnuts and coconut oil add richness and texture.

It’s a wonderful dessert for family, guests, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving a comforting apple treat made with simple ingredients.

With only a few minutes of preparation, this healthy apple crumble with oats and walnuts is an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again. 🍎🥰

Enjoy!