Apple And Berry Crumble with Healthy Crumble Topping

Delight your taste buds with this easy-to-make Apple Berry Crumble featuring a healthy crumble topping, that also happens to be gluten free! This perfect fall dessert only needs 10 minutes of prep time.

Whether served with ice cream for a classic treat or transformed into a delectable parfait with Greek yogurt the next day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create this delightful and guilt-free dessert using fresh apples, mixed berries, and a nutritious oat-based crumble topping.

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Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love this Apple And Berry Crumble
• What Exactly is a Fruit Crumble?
• Ingredients for Apple And Berry Crumble
• Ingredients for Healthy Crumble Topping
• Equipment You Need for a Apple & Berry Crumble
• How to Make Apple And Berry Crumble
• Topping Ideas for an Apple Berry Crisp
• Ingredient Substitutions
• Are Apples Gluten Free?
• Apple & Berry Crumble Recipe Variations
• How Do I Get My Crumble Crunchy?
• What is Crumble Mix Made Of?
• How Do You Make Crumble Taste Better?
• How to Store Apple Berry Crumble
• Can You Make Berry Apple Crumble Ahead of Time?
• Can I Use Frozen Raspberries?
• Can I Make This Apple Berry Crumble Vegan?
• Can You Freeze Cooked Apple Berry Crisp Recipe
• Can You Freeze Uncooked (raw) Fruit Crumble?
• How to Reheat this Apple and Berry Crumble Recipe
• Tips to Make the Best Fruit Crumble Recipe
• More Gluten Free Apple Recipes to Try

Why You’ll Love this Apple And Berry Crumble

This apple and berry crumble is so tasty you won’t be able to stop eating it! It’s:

• Gluten Free
• Easy to Make
• Few Ingredients
• 10 Min Prep
• You Can Use Frozen Fruit
• Perfect Holiday Dessert
• Soy Free
• Paleo Friendly
• Vegetarian

What Exactly is a Fruit Crumble?

A fruit crumble is a delicious and popular dessert made with fresh fruits and a crumbly topping. The dish typically consists of a layer of sweetened and spiced fresh fruits, such as apples, berries, peaches, or plums, that are baked until tender and juicy.

The fruit mixture is then topped with a crumble made from a combination of flour, butter, sugar, and often oats or nuts. When baked, the topping forms a crispy, crumbly texture that contrasts with the soft and flavorful fruit filling.

Apples are most commonly used to make crumbles. But other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, plumbs and peaches are also used. It’s good to bake a crumble with fruit that doesn’t fall apart when you bake them like pears!

Ingredients for Apple And Berry Crumble

• Apples
• Frozen Raspberries
• coconut sugar
• stick butter
• rolled oats
• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• salt
• gluten free flour
• chopped almonds

Ingredients for Healthy Crumble Topping

• coconut sugar
• stick butter
• rolled oats
• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• salt
• gluten free flour
• chopped almonds

Equipment You Need for a Apple & Berry Crumble

To prepare this Apple Berry Crumble, you’ll need the following pieces of equipment:

• 9-inch baking dish
• Cutting board
• Knife
• 10-inch Corning ware or similar oven-safe dish

If you don’t have a corning wear you could use a bread loaf or throw away foil pan.

How to Make Apple And Berry Crumble

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Apple Berry Crumble:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel the apples and slice them into 1-inch cubes. Drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Place the apple slices in your 10-inch Corning ware or oven-safe dish and add the mixed berries.
4. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the stick of butter over low heat.
5. Add 1/4 cup of date sugar and the rolled oats to the melted butter, followed by the cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
6. Stir all the crumble topping ingredients until they form a delightful paste.
7. Pour the crumble mixture over the prepared fruits in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 50 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
9. In the last ten minutes of baking, remove the foil or lid to allow the crumble to lightly brown.

Topping Ideas for an Apple Berry Crisp

When it comes to a fruit crisp (crumble) its all about the toppings. You can transform this already insanely tasty treat from a decadent dessert to a healthy breakfast with the snap of a finger.

Add greek yogurt to make a fancy parfit. Or add your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of maple syrup to amp up the flavor for a seasonal Thanksgiving dessert.

Here are some more topping ideas you can try to mix up your crumble fun:

• scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and indulgent treat.
• dollop of whipped cream for a creamy and airy texture.
• drizzle of honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
• sprinkle of toasted coconut for added flavor and crunch.
• handful of fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness.
• homemade carmel sauce
• chopped nuts for extra crunch
• rasins for some extra sweetness

Ingredient Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this apple and berry crisp is that you can change up the ingredients without messing up the recipe. Here are the best ingredient substitutes I’ve tried so far!

• Oats: If you don’t have oats you can use instant oats. Use four packets of instant oats instead of 2 cups of rolled oats.
• Coconut Sugar: While I prefer to use coconut sugar because it’s healthier you can use date sugar, regular sugar or brown sugar. If you want to make it lower in sugar and carbs you could use monk fruit crystals as well!
• Raspberries: You can use frozen or fresh raspberries. And if you don’t have berries blueberries, blackberries and strawberries work great.
• Butter: Make this recipe vegan by replacing the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter.
• Almonds: Any chopped nut will do or leave it out all together.
• Gluten Free Flour: You can use regular all purpose flour or simply leave out the flour.

Are Apples Gluten Free?

Are apples gluten free? The quick answer is, yes. All apples in their natural state are gluten free unless they have been processed in some way that causes them to come into contact with another gluten containing ingredient.

Apple & Berry Crumble Recipe Variations

Life’s all about variety! And experimenting in the kitchen is one of the coziest ways to get excited about the daily task of cooking. Just in case this basic apple and berry crisp recipe isn’t doing it for you, here are some variations:

1. Tropical Twist: Swap the mixed berries with a combination of diced mangoes, pineapples, and papayas for a tropical fruit crumble that will transport your taste buds to an island paradise.
2. Nutty Delight: Add a generous handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the crumble topping for an extra nutty flavor and delightful crunch.
3. Spiced Up: Boost the cozy factor by adding a pinch of ginger or a sprinkle of cardamom to the fruit mixture. It’ll give your crumble a warm and aromatic twist.
4. Vegan Vibes: Make the crumble vegan-friendly by replacing the butter with coconut oil.
5. Caramel Apple: Drizzle some gooey caramel sauce over the fruit before adding the crumble topping for an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
6. Boozy Berry Burst: For a grown-up twist, soak the mixed berries in a splash of your favorite liqueur (like Grand Marnier or amaretto) before baking. The flavors will meld beautifully with the fruits.
7. Chai-Spiced Crumble: Infuse your crumble topping with the warming flavors of chai by adding a touch of ground cloves, allspice, and black pepper.
8. Lemon Raspberry Surprise: Introduce a tangy kick by adding lemon zest and juice to the raspberry filling. It’ll balance the sweetness and add a burst of citrusy flavor.

These variations are just the beginning! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different fruits, spices, and toppings to create your own unique and mouthwatering Apple & Berry Crumble!

How Do I Get My Crumble Crunchy?

The best way to get your crumble crunchy is to follow these tips!

1. Take the foil off of the crumble for the last ten minutes of baking. This will help dry out your oats.
2. Place the crumble on the top rack for the last five minutes of baking.
3. Bake the apple and berry crumble as soon as you make the healthy crumble topping. If you leave the topping standing for too long it will get soggy.
4. Use steel cut oats which are thicker and stronger. They will stand up to the soggy butter and melted sugar better then rolled or instant oats.

What is Crumble Mix Made Of?

Crumble mix is typically made of simple ingredients that combine to create a delightful, crumbly topping for fruit desserts. The basic components of a crumble mix include:

1. Flour: All-purpose flour or a gluten-free alternative is commonly used as the base for the crumble topping. It provides structure and helps bind the other ingredients.
2. Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is the key to achieving the crumbly texture. It is usually cut into small pieces and mixed with the dry ingredients to create coarse crumbs.
3. Sugar: Granulated sugar is added to the mix to sweeten the crumble topping. The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on personal preference and the sweetness of the fruits used in the dessert.
4. Oats: Rolled oats are a popular addition to many crumble recipes, adding extra texture and flavor to the topping.
5. Nuts (Optional): Chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, can be incorporated into the mix to enhance the taste and add a crunchy element.
6. Spices (Optional): Common spices used in crumble mix include cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which add warmth and depth to the overall flavor.

The process of making the crumble mix involves cutting the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

his can be done by using a pastry cutter, two knives, or even your fingertips. Once the crumble mix is ready, it is sprinkled on top of the fruit filling before baking.

The beauty of a crumble mix is its versatility, as you can easily customize it by adding different ingredients like nuts, spices, or alternative sweeteners, allowing you to create a variety of delicious and unique crumble toppings to suit your taste preferences.

How Do You Make Crumble Taste Better?

To make a crumble taste even better, you can try the following tips and tricks to elevate its flavors and textures:

1. Use Ripe and Flavorful Fruits: Choose fresh, ripe, and flavorful fruits for your crumble. The sweetness and juiciness of the fruits will enhance the overall taste of the dessert. Experiment with a mix of fruits to create interesting flavor combinations.
2. Balance Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the crumble mix and fruit filling to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness. If the fruits are naturally sweet, you can reduce the sugar in the filling and topping to let the fruit flavors shine through.
3. Add Citrus Zest or Juice: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the fruit filling to add a zesty brightness. A splash of citrus juice can also enhance the flavors and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness.
4. Spice It Up: Sprinkle some ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or other favorite spices into the crumble mix. These warm spices will complement the fruit flavors and add depth to the overall taste.
5. Use High-Quality Butter: Opt for high-quality unsalted butter, as it will significantly impact the taste of the crumble topping. Cold butter should be cut into the dry ingredients to create that delightful crumbly texture.
6. Add Nuts or Oats: Incorporate chopped nuts, like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, into the crumble mix to introduce extra crunch and flavor. Rolled oats can also add texture and a nutty taste.
7. Experiment with Liquor: Consider adding a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Amaretto, Grand Marnier, or bourbon, to the fruit filling for a subtle boozy note that pairs well with certain fruits.
8. Serve with Accompaniments: Pair the warm crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess and richness to each bite.
9. Drizzle with Sauces: Drizzle caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or berry coulis over the crumble when serving to elevate the dessert’s presentation and add extra layers of flavor.
10. Toast the Topping: Before baking the crumble, you can lightly toast the topping mixture in the oven or a skillet. This will enhance the nutty flavors and add an extra dimension to the crumble’s taste.

By implementing these tips, you can create a crumble that is bursting with delicious flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable dessert for you and your guests to enjoy!

How to Store Apple Berry Crumble

The best way to store an apple crumble depends on if it’s cooked or not.

The best way to store a raw apple crumble is to place the raw fruit in a baking dish that has a lid. Squeeze a lemon over the apples to prevent them from browning. Store the crumble topping in an air tight container separately from the fruit.

If you want to store a berry crumble that is cooked you should keep it in the container you baked it in. This makes it easy to reheat it in the oven or a large toaster oven. You can also store it in a Pyrex container with a tight lid. This is best because you can reheat the crisp in the pyrex container.

Pyrex is a type of glass that is oven and microwave safe. Make sure to check the bottom of the container to make sure that the container is in fact pyrex. Regular glass will crack or explode under exposure to extreme heat from ovens or microwaves.

In fact, you should always inspect your glass containers before heating them. I have pyrex mixing bowls that I’ve microwaved for years. I made popcorn in one bowl and it exploded when I took it out of the microwave. That is why you should inspect for any hairline cracks or chips prior to heating.

Can You Make Berry Apple Crumble Ahead of Time?

Yes you can make a berry apple crisp ahead of time! You can completely assemble the crisp and put it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply remove the container from the fridge and pop it into the oven to bake an hour before you’re ready to serve.

Can I Use Frozen Raspberries?

You can use frozen raspberries to make this recipe. I love using frozen berries because it’s cheaper. I like to enjoy my fresh raspberries, well… fresh!

Since this crisp works well with frozen fruit you can make it for the holidays when berries are out of season.

Can I Make This Apple Berry Crumble Vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this apple and berry crumble vegan by swapping out the only vegetarian ingredient in the whole recipe: butter! I mean, I’m not going to lie to you. Butter makes this apple crisp taste absolutely amazing. But you can use a vegan butter or a coconut oil.

Most vegan butters are unhealthy because they use highly processed canola oil. The best vegan butter you can use is the almond vegan butter by Kite Hill. You can buy Kite Hill products in whole foods and other supermarkets throughout the United States.

Can You Freeze Cooked Apple Berry Crisp Recipe

Yes you can freeze cooked apple berry crumble for up to one month after you bake it. Simply place the crumble in a freezer safe bag and wrap it plastic wrap. Don’t forget to write the date on the crumble!

Can You Freeze Uncooked (raw) Fruit Crumble?

Luckily, if you want to make this dish ahead you can freeze it un cooked. You can either freeze the crisp assembled in a freezer safe baking dish, or to keep the crumble topping crunchy you can freeze the fruit and crumble separately.

How to Reheat this Apple and Berry Crumble Recipe

In the Oven

The best way to reheat a crumble or a crisp is to reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and place the crisp in the oven for 20 minutes on the lower rack. Keep an eye on the crumble topping to make sure that it doesn’t burn.

In the Microwave Oven

You can also reheat the apple berry crisp in the microwave oven by placing it in a microwave safe dish or plate. Microwave the crumble for 1 minute at a time until it has warmed through. This takes about 4 minutes for a large crisp and only 2 minutes for a single serving.

Tips to Make the Best Fruit Crumble Recipe

1. Cut all of the apples in the same size.
2. Use a fruit that doesn’t fall apart easily like apples or pairs.

More Gluten Free Apple Recipes to Try

The best gluten free apple recipes you’ll find on the internet, just in time for the start of fall apple season.