Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp: Your Healthy & Cozy Gluten-Free Fall Delight

Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and dates, this Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp is perfect with yogurt for a wholesome morning meal or with ice cream for a delicious dessert.

The crisp autumn air is calling, signalling the return of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and, most importantly, warm and comforting breakfast recipes. If you’re anything like us, this time of year ignites a craving for hearty meals that feel like a hug in a bowl, especially when it’s still chilly outside the covers. We’re talking about those breakfasts that are so delicious, they blur the line between a nourishing start to your day and a decadent dessert. And honestly, who doesn’t love the idea of eating dessert for breakfast?

This Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp is designed to be your ultimate fall morning ritual. Imagine waking up to the aroma of sweet, spiced apples baking to perfection under a golden, crunchy oat and almond crumble. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that makes jumping out of bed a little easier, even on the frostiest mornings. This recipe combines seasonal flavors with wholesome ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence that truly fuels your body.

What makes this particular apple crisp stand out is its commitment to both taste and nutrition. While it boasts a luscious, dessert-like appearance and flavor, every component is carefully chosen to provide energy and goodness. We’ve naturally sweetened it with the rich, earthy notes of maple syrup and the caramel-like sweetness of Medjool dates, completely bypassing refined sugars. This ensures a delightful sweetness without the sugar crash, setting you up for a productive day.

The robust oat and almond crumble topping isn’t just for crunch; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with gluten-free rolled oats and raw almonds, it provides a substantial source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. To further boost its nutritional profile, we’ve ingeniously incorporated a spoonful of vanilla protein powder into the apple pie filling. This smart addition not only acts as a natural thickening agent, replacing traditional cornstarch, but also gives you that extra protein kick, making this crisp an excellent post-workout or energy-boosting breakfast option.

Beyond the protein, almond butter and raw almonds contribute essential healthy fats, providing a creamy texture and nutty depth to the crumble, all while keeping the entire recipe wonderfully oil-free. This thoughtful combination of ingredients ensures that every spoonful of this apple crisp is not only incredibly delicious but also genuinely beneficial for your health. It’s a truly plant-based, gluten-free, and oil-free fall breakfast that tastes like pure comfort. Shall we delve deeper into the delicious details?

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp

Creating this irresistible breakfast crisp is simpler than you might think, relying on a handful of wholesome ingredients easily found in your pantry or local grocery store. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this dish so special. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for both the luscious apple filling and the golden, crunchy crumble topping:

For the Sweet Apple Crisp Filling:

• Apples: The star of the show! We recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the most complex and balanced flavor profile. Granny Smith apples offer a lovely tang that cuts through the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples provide a crisp texture and natural sweetness. This combination ensures a vibrant and flavorful filling. You’ll need approximately 5-7 medium-sized apples, cored and thinly sliced to allow them to soften beautifully during baking.
• Maple Syrup: Our chosen natural sweetener, pure maple syrup adds a depth of flavor that complements apples perfectly, far superior to refined sugars. It contributes a rich, caramel-like note and helps create that desirable gooey texture in the filling.
• Cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice, cinnamon brings warmth, comfort, and that classic apple pie aroma to the crisp. It’s non-negotiable for a truly autumnal experience.
• Vanilla Protein Powder: This ingenious addition serves two primary functions. Firstly, it acts as a natural thickener for the apple juices, creating a luscious, saucy filling without the need for cornstarch. Secondly, it provides a valuable boost of plant-based protein, making your breakfast even more nourishing and satisfying. Choose a good quality vanilla-flavored vegan protein powder for best results.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the apple flavors, prevents oxidation (keeping your apples looking fresh), and adds a subtle zesty counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Filtered Water: Just a touch of water ensures the apples steam gently and soften evenly in the oven, helping to create that perfectly tender filling.

For the Hearty Crumble Topping:

• Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats form the base of our wholesome crumble, offering a chewy texture and a good dose of fiber. Make sure they are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions. For a grain-free alternative, you can simply increase the amount of raw almonds.
• Raw Almonds: Adding a delightful crunch and a wealth of healthy fats, raw almonds are key to the crumble’s texture and nutritional value. They also contribute a subtle nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
• Medjool Dates: These naturally sweet and sticky dates are the secret to our oil-free crumble. When processed, they bind the oats and almonds together, creating a rich, caramel-flavored topping that becomes beautifully golden and slightly crispy when baked. Make sure they are pitted before use.
• Runny Almond Butter: Another source of healthy fats and a vital binding agent, runny almond butter helps to bring the crumble together into a moist, clumpable mixture. It adds richness and a smooth, nutty undertone. You might need a generous amount to achieve the perfect sticky consistency.

For Serving & Garnish:

• Unsweetened Almond Milk Yogurt: This is our go-to for mimicking the creamy decadence of ice cream, but with a lighter, healthier twist. It adds a delightful tang and coolness that contrasts beautifully with the warm apple crisp.
• Salted Caramel Coco-Thins: For an extra touch of gourmet delight, these thin, crispy cookies make a fantastic garnish. Their salted caramel and coconut notes perfectly complement the apple crisp, adding another layer of texture and flavor.

That’s it! With these simple, nutrient-dense ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating an incredible healthy breakfast or dessert that everyone will love.

Enhancing Your Crisp with Sejoyia Coco-Roons & Coco-Thins

Yes, let’s absolutely continue, because a little extra magic comes from incorporating my favorite snack cookies into this already delightful fall creation! Sejoyia’s treats are a game-changer, adding layers of flavor and texture that elevate this apple crisp from simply delicious to truly extraordinary. We’re integrating two types of their incredible offerings to bring a unique twist to our homemade breakfast crisp.

First, we’re folding in Vanilla Maple Coco-Roons directly into our wholesome crumble topping. These soft, chewy cashew cookies, with their delightful coconut and vanilla maple notes, melt slightly into the oat and almond mixture as it bakes. They impart an additional layer of natural sweetness and a subtle, irresistible chewiness that truly makes the crumble stand out. The vanilla maple flavor perfectly harmonizes with the apples and cinnamon, enhancing the overall autumnal vibe of the dish. It’s a fantastic way to add complex flavors and a unique texture without any artificial ingredients.

Then, for a final flourish and a dash of elegance, we’re using Salted Caramel Coco-Thins as a dazzling cookie garnish. Crumbled lightly over the finished, warm apple crisp, these thin, crispy cashew cookies provide a wonderful textural contrast. The delicate crunch and the luxurious salted caramel flavor, coupled with a hint of coconut, introduce an unexpected gourmet dimension. They’re perfect for scattering over your yogurt-topped crisp, adding both visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor that will impress anyone lucky enough to try it. You’re going to absolutely adore how these cashew-based treats jazz up this healthy apple crisp with their unique coconut, cashew, and natural sweetness.

Speaking of sweetness and flavor balance, I’ve discovered through numerous culinary experiments that the most flavorful and satisfying apple crisp comes from a thoughtful blend of apple varieties. Specifically, a mix of tart and sweet apples creates a dynamic and complex taste experience. For this recipe, I highly recommend using a combination of crisp Granny Smith apples for their refreshing tartness and sweet Honeycrisp apples for their juicy, sugary notes. This pairing ensures that the apple filling isn’t overwhelmingly sweet but has a vibrant, multi-dimensional flavor that truly shines.

Crafting Your Delicious Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this healthy apple crisp is a straightforward process, promising delicious results with minimal fuss. Follow these detailed steps to create a perfect batch every time, whether for a special brunch or a simple weekday treat:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment your crisp enters the oven. While it’s heating, select a large baking dish (a 9×13 inch casserole dish works well for 8-12 servings) and lightly grease it if desired, though with our oil-free recipe, it’s often not strictly necessary.
2. Assemble the Apple Filling: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine your prepared apples (cored and cut into uniform 1/2-inch slices). Add the pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla protein powder, and the freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon. Toss all these ingredients thoroughly until every apple slice is beautifully coated with the fragrant mixture. This ensures each bite is bursting with flavor and the protein powder is evenly distributed.
3. Pre-Bake the Apples: Transfer the coated apples to your prepared baking dish, spreading them out into an even layer. Pour 1/3 cup of filtered water over the apples; this helps them steam and soften perfectly during the initial bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apple slices are tender but not completely mushy. This crucial step ensures the apples are perfectly cooked before the crumble topping is added.
4. Prepare the Hearty Crumble Topping: While the apples are pre-baking, turn your attention to the crumble. Add the gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, raw almonds, and pitted Medjool dates to a food processor. Pulse the ingredients until you achieve a coarse, rough meal consistency. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture, not a paste. Transfer this mixture to a separate bowl. Now, add the 1/2 cup plus two generous tablespoons of runny almond butter. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix everything together until it is well-combined, sticky, and forms large clumps. If the mixture seems too dry or not sticky enough, add a little more almond butter, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Combine Apples and Crumble: Once the apples are tender from their initial bake, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Evenly distribute the almond oat crumble mixture over the baked apples. Use your hands to gently break the crumble into varying-sized clumps, ensuring the entire surface of the apples is covered. This creates that wonderfully textured, golden-brown topping.
6. Final Bake to Golden Perfection: Return the baking dish to the oven for an additional 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The crumble topping should turn a beautiful golden brown and become deliciously crispy, while the apples underneath will continue to soften and become wonderfully gooey and bubbly.
7. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents you from burning your tongue! Serve the warm apple crisp as is, or with a generous 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk yogurt for a creamy contrast. Don’t forget those optional Salted Caramel Coco-Thins crumbled on top for an extra special treat.
8. Storing Leftovers: Any leftover apple crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warm before enjoying again. It tastes just as good the next day!

Creative Ways to Serve Your Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp

This Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp (Gluten-Free!) is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a delightful snack, or a wholesome dessert, this recipe has you covered. Its comforting flavors and nutritious profile make it suitable for any occasion, proving that healthy eating can also be incredibly delicious. Here are some of our favorite ideas for serving and savoring this autumn gem:

• The Classic Breakfast Indulgence: Spoon some out by itself for a simple yet satisfying start to your day. The warm, spiced apples and crunchy topping are a comforting combination that’s sure to wake up your taste buds.
• My Favorite Creamy Pairing: For an extra layer of decadence that still keeps things healthy, serve your warm apple crisp with a generous dollop of unsweetened almond milk yogurt. The cool, tangy creaminess of the yogurt beautifully complements the warm, sweet apples. It truly mimics the experience of eating apple pie with ice cream, making you question if you’re actually having dessert for breakfast!
• Elevated Dessert: While perfect for breakfast, don’t shy away from serving this crisp as a healthy dessert. For a truly indulgent experience, pair it with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce. It’s an impressive yet easy dessert for entertaining or a cozy night in.
• Hearty Oatmeal Booster: Stir a spoonful or two of this baked apple crisp into your warm morning oatmeal. It instantly transforms plain oats into a gourmet breakfast, adding natural sweetness, spice, and a delightful texture.
• Pancake or Waffle Topping: Move beyond traditional syrup! Spoon this warm apple crisp over a stack of fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles for an unforgettable brunch. The warm fruit and crunchy topping make a fantastic alternative to fruit compote, offering both flavor and fiber.
• Quick & Healthy Snack: Portioned into smaller bowls, this crisp makes an excellent mid-morning or afternoon snack. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you energized between meals without reaching for processed snacks.
• Meal Prep Perfection: This apple crisp reheats beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. Bake a large batch on the weekend, then portion it into individual containers for quick and easy breakfasts or snacks throughout the week. You’ll thank yourself during busy mornings!
• Creative Toppings: Enhance your serving with additional toppings like a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, a handful of fresh berries, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a dusting of cinnamon. For a truly special touch, don’t forget those crumbled Salted Caramel Coco-Thins!

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wholesome way to embrace the flavors of fall. Enjoy every delicious, comforting bite!

More Wholesome Vegan Crumbles & Crisps to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors and easy preparation of this Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious vegan and gluten-free crumble and crisp recipes from Flora & Vino. These recipes celebrate seasonal fruits and wholesome ingredients, perfect for any time of year. Dive into these equally delightful creations:

• Apple Cherry Tahini Crumble

  A unique twist on the classic, this crumble combines the sweet-tartness of apples and cherries with the rich, nutty notes of tahini for an unexpected yet incredibly delicious flavor profile. It’s a must-try for those looking to expand their dessert horizons.

• Easy Vegan Peach Pecan Crisp

  Embrace the sweetness of summer peaches in this easy-to-make crisp. The juicy peaches are perfectly complemented by a crunchy pecan crumble, creating a dessert that’s both light and satisfying.

• Vegan Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

  A timeless favorite, this recipe captures the delightful balance of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb. The vibrant fruit filling topped with a golden crumble makes for a perfect springtime or early summer treat.

• Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars

  For a portable and equally delicious option, these raspberry oat crumble bars are fantastic. They offer all the flavors of a crumble in a convenient bar form, ideal for snacks, lunchboxes, or a quick breakfast on the go.

• Cranberry Apple Crumble

  Another fantastic fall recipe, this cranberry apple crumble offers a beautiful blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries, creating a festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting weeknight treat.

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Your culinary adventures inspire us! If you get a chance to make this delicious Baked Breakfast Apple Crisp (Gluten-Free!) recipe, please don’t keep it a secret. We absolutely love hearing about your experiences and seeing your beautiful creations.

Be sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts, a star rating, and a review. Your valuable feedback is instrumental in helping us create even more incredible, wholesome recipes for you to enjoy. We’re always striving to improve and offer content that truly resonates with our amazing community.

Share your masterpiece with us on social media! Give us a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino. We love to feature your posts and celebrate your cooking successes!

Looking for more wholesome inspiration? Check out my Pinterest page to discover and pin countless other delicious vegan and gluten-free recipes like this one, ready for you to try later.

If you’ve enjoyed this post and want to stay updated with all our latest recipes, tips, and inspiration, please visit our homepage and subscribe to our newsletter. Get delicious updates delivered directly to your inbox, ensuring you never miss a beat!

XO Lauren

Print

This post is proudly brought to you by Sejoyia, a brand we genuinely love and trust. All opinions, words, and delicious eats shared here are entirely our own. We’re grateful for your support of the sponsors that help keep us creating and sharing hungry inspiration!