All the cozy fall flavors with this Healthy Apple Crumble. With apples soaked overnight for extra flavor, this easy dessert is also high protein, low fat and contains no added sugar.
Jump to RecipeHow good was this recipe?
OH MY GOODNESS! I gave my husband the plate as soon as I finished filming the recipe and he use quite some words here. To keep it simple – it was beyond delicious! Soft gooey apples with the topping – and all of this warm with some ice cream? Phenomenal!
Okay to be honest here, I only made this recipe because I wanted to make something apple because my Pumpkin recipes weren’t doing so well on Instagram. LOL.
The caramel apple combo sounded delicious, so I thought of a crisp recipe, but turned out I already had a healthy single serve caramel apple crisp recipe on my website. And also a strawberry apple crisp. Crumble was all that was left.
What are the best apples for apple crumble?
I had this exact question when I started planning my protein apple crumble recipe, and here’s what it is. The best apples for making apple crumble is a mix of Granny Smith & Honey Crisp in a 2:1 ratio for a perfect sweet-tart flavor.
So basically, for 450g apples, you want 300g Granny Smith + 150g Honey Crisp. If you had to pick between either one of them, I would say go for Granny Smith to get that tart flavor, and then add bit ofextra sweetener to the apple mix.
Ingredients for Healthy Apple Crumble Recipe
This easy and healthy apple crumble recipe is so because of the clean ingredients used. There’s no added sugar, only a little bit of butter and even protein powder for that extra boost.
The Sugar Free Apple Filling
- Apples – I recommend a mix of Granny Smith & Honey Crisp (see above).
- Vanilla Protein Powder to sweeten the filling without sugar; I recommend Dymatize or Isopure whey protein.
- Zero Calorie Brown Sugar – This is the Brown Monkfruuit 1:1 Sugar Substitute from Lakanto, and keeps this recipe sugar free
- Cornstarch
- Some Lemon Juice
- A bit of Cinnamon
For the High Protein Crumble Topping:
- Flour: I used Whole Wheat Pastry Flour, but any plain flour works here
- Vanilla Protein Powder – key for the high protein apple crumble with no sugar;
Again, Dymatize or Isopure whey protein. - Unflavored Protein Powder to replace some of the flour and give a lower carb, higher protein recipe.
I used the Multi-purpose Mix from Quest, but another good option is the Unflavored from KOS.
- Cold Butter – This has to be cold!
- Unsweetened Applesauce
- Baking Powder
Instructions to make Low Calorie Apple Crumble with Protein Powder
This high protein apple crumble uses protein powder instead of sugar and also some applesauce instead of some of the butter to make it low calorie. Here’s the steps:
Step 1: Prep the Fruit Filling
- Peel and core the apples.
Slice into thin pieces. - In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples and lemon juice. Toss lightly.
- Add protein powder, granulated sweetener, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
Recommended: Set this mixture in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight for the flavor absorbs well.
Step 2: [After 4 hours or Next Day] Create the Crumble Topping
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In another bowl, mix together flour, protein powder and baking powder.
- Add applesauce and grated cold butter.
Combine with hands gently to form crumbles.
Step 3: Assemble the Protein Apple Crumble Topping
- Transfer the prepared fruit filling into an 8” skillet or baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
There will be extra liquid; Only pour in a little bit of it. - Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the fruit mixture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling, and the topping is golden brown and only slightly crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Pour extra apple liquid over your weightwatcher friendly apple crumble.
- Allow tje crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving.
I recommend topping with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce!
How to Store Healthy Apple Crumble Dessert Recipe:
It’s very easy to eat this entire healthy apple crumble dessert in one go (I won’t judge, haha),but here’s how to store leftovers or keep it if you prepare it in advance.
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover crumble, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, cover the skillet or transfer individual servings to airtight containers
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready for a serving, you can enjoy it cold, or reheat it in the microwave or oven for a warm, comforting experience.
- Freezing: To freeze the protein apple crumble for longer storage, allow it to cool completely.
Cut it into individual portions and place in freezer-safe, airtight containers.
Label and date the containers.
Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen apple crumble, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, and the topping regains its crispiness.
Alternatives for Low Fat Weight Watchers Apple Crumble:
You can easily make this low fat weight watchers apple crumble recipe your own to fit your dietary restrictions. Here’s some options to the ingredients I listed:
Options for the Apples in this No Sugar Apple Crumble:
- Sugar-free Monkfruit Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or regular brown sugar works here.
- Cornstarch: Tapioca Starch or Arrowroot starch would work great here.
Alternatives for the Crumble Topping:
- Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: All purpose flour or 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, in the same amount by weight.
- Unflavored Protein Powder: Oat flour or Almond Flour. Maybe even some regular flour.
Start with less milk in this case.
- Applesauce: Mashed banana or pumpkin puree would be good alternatives, but you might taste the flavor a little different.
- Butter: Vegan butter or light butter would be a great option here.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Options:
To make this low fat apple crumble recipe dairy free and Vegan, use a plant based protein powder (like this one form KOS) and vegan butter.
Gluten Free
1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour instead of regular flour is all you need for a gluten free recipe.
Also make sure that your protein powder is gluten free.
More Healthy Apple Recipes with No Sugar
- Healthy trawberry Apple Crisp
- Apple Protein Muffins
- Apple Pie Protein Popsicles
- Mini Apple Pie Bombs
- Protein Apple Walnut Cake
- Apple Pie Protein Jar
The Best Healthy Apple Crumble – Low Fat, No Sugar
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 1 lb Peeled Sliced Apples, 450g (mix of Granny Smith & Honey Crisp)
- 1½ tsp Lemon Juice, 7ml
- 2 Tbsp Brown Monkfruit Sweetner (0 cal), 12g
- 2 Tbsp Vanilla Whey Protein Powder, 11g
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
Crumble Topping:
- ⅓ cup Flour, 40g
- ⅓ cup Unflavored Protein Powder, 30g
- ¼ cup Vanilla Whey Protein Powder, 22g
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 3 Tbsp Applesauce, 45g
- 1 Tbsp Grated Cold Butter, 14g
Instructions
- Toss sliced apples and lemon juice in a large bowl.
- Add brown sweetener, protein powder, cornstarch and cinnamon.Use hands to mix completely.
- Recommended: Let rest in fridge 3-4 hours or overnight.
Crumb & Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8” cast iron skillet.
- In a bowl, combine flour, vanilla protein powder and baking powder.
- Add applesauce and grated butter.
- Use hands to mix and form crumbles.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour apples into skillet (only pour little bit of extra liquid).
- Spread crumbles on top.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until top is cooked.
- Pour extra liquid, let cool a little.Top with whipped cream or ice cream and serve!
Notes
- Nutrition information is calculated using products recommended below.
- See blog post above for alternate ingredients, tips and storage options.
- Yield: 6 portions | Serving size: 1
- Calories: 128 cal
- Fat: 2.3g | Saturated fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22.9g | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 8.5g
- Protein: 8.9g
Hey! I'm Haylee
Google Software Engineer
I use my passion for baking (and eating) to create healthy, high-protein, good-for-you and diet-friendly desserts and sweet treats that are actually delicious.
Come join me in Hayl's Kitchen and let's eat high protein, sweet and guilt free!