Caramel Apple Crumble

Craving a warm, guilt-free dessert that satisfies without the sugar crash? This Caramel Apple Crumble is packed with tender, crisp apples smothered in rich caramel sauce and topped with crunchy, satisfying oat clusters, all made from wholesome, simple ingredients. No dairy, eggs, wheat, oil, soy, nuts, or refined sugars—just pure, comforting goodness in every bite. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s the perfect treat for a cozy night in!

NOTE: Check out the new ingredients sections—this is where you can see the science-backed research for each ingredient. This section is still growing and is a living document so check back often for some of the healthiest and disease-fighting ingredients, all backed with the latest in cutting-edge medical and scientific research.

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Recipe Overview

As usual, all the recipes are allergy-friendly and Top 8 Allergy Free:
no dairy, no eggs, no wheat, no nuts, no tree nuts, no shellfish, no seafood, no soy, no corn, no salt added, no oil added, no sugar added, no coconut.
Using only minimally processed or proven safe foods from scratch.

Have questions or a request to update a recipe for a specific allergy or food restriction? Contact me and I’d love to help!

A Note About Glycemic Index & Dates

Avoid Sellaj and Maktoomi dates since their glycemic index is quite high 74.6 and 71.0, even

For a low glycemic index pick common: Medjool, Deglet Noor, Ajwah, (Khudri; GI:62), Parnoosh, Sukkary, Barhi, Nabtat-ali, Sabaka for a glycemic index below 60 more research and information on dates and their glycemic index (including a chart of GI and GL and common varieties) can be found in the Science-to-Ingredient Lookup for Dates / Date Fruit

Why I Had to Make Caramel Apple Crumble

We all crave something warm and sweet as the colder months roll in, something that brings that cozy, comforting feeling from the inside out. What better way to do that than with the perfect combination of apples, cinnamon, caramel, and oats?

Apple crumble has always been one of my fall favorites growing up—like the warmth of apple pie, but without all the fuss. But I wanted a version that was just as delicious without all the sugar, butter, and processed ingredients. That’s why I had to create a healthier version—so we can enjoy the same cozy, warming dessert, minus the unhealthy extras.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Crumble

• Cozy Comfort: All the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall in one easy dessert.
• Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with dates and apples—no refined sugars here! (If you don’t like dates try raisins, prunes, or other dried fruit)
• Simple & Wholesome: Made with whole, minimally processed and science-backed ingredients you can feel good about, and that will help to fight disease.
• Diet-Friendly: Free from dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, oil, coconut, and refined sugars—suitable for various dietary needs.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for a quick fall treat.
• Texture Heaven: A perfect balance of tender apples, rich caramel, and crunchy oat clusters in every bite. Yum! 😋

The Menu

⭐Full Caramel Apple Crumble Recipe⭐

Caramel Apple Crumble

Chef Rob

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Comfort Food, Dessert, Junk Food, Snack

Cuisine British

Servings 3 people

Equipment

• 1 Spice / Coffee Grinder
• 1 Pot
• 1 Seasoned Steel or Cast Iron Pan

Ingredients

  

DATE CARAMEL SAUCE

• 3 tbsp oats
• ½ cup dates pitted dried Parnoosh, or raisins
• ½ tbsp vanilla extract or better
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cups water

CRUMBLE CLUSTERS

• ½ cup oats ground into a flour
• ½ cup oats steel cut/rolled/large-flake whole
• ¼ cup dates pitted dried Parnoosh, or raisisns
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds hulled
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup date caramel sauce

CARAMEL APPLE FILLING

• 1 cup apples small dice the side of a pea
• ¼ cup date-oats flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup water
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup date caramel sauce or as much as you have

Instructions

 

Date Caramel Sauce

• Turn oats into a flour in your spice grinder. Next, open the dates and coat then in the oat floor.
  
• Pulse the dates/raisins and oats flour every second for 30 seconds then grind and shake the grinder, to avoid clumping, for 20 seconds. Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Once the caramel is boiling turn it down to a low simmer, for about 10 minutes or until it thickens.
  

Crumble Clusters

• Grind oats into a flour the open and coat the dates in the flour, then pulse both together for 20 seconds followed by grinding for 20 seconds while shaking the grinder to avoid clumping. Reserve ¼ cup of the date-oats flour.
  
• In a seasoned plan add all the dry ingredients to a pan and cook on medium high, stirring often. When the oats become toasty smelling add in the caramel and stir and press down with the back of a spoon to make sure everything gets covered in the caramel and starts to make small cluster clumps.
  
• If it’s not clumping add water 1 tbsp at a time while stirring and pressing until it does, cook until it gets nice and lightly crispy, about 10 more minutes on a medium high heat, stir often to avoid burning.
  

Caramel Apple Filling

• Dice apples and add everything to a pot, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil.
  
• Cook uncovered until the liquid thickens and the apples soften a little, or about 5 minutes more.

  Fill a dish ¾ full with the Caramel Apple Filling, then top it with the Crumble Clusters.

  Enjoy and stay nourished!
  

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Nutrition Facts Table – Caramel Apple Crumble

💡 Pro Tips for Caramel Apple Crumble

• Choose the Right Apples: Use firm seasonal apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
• Get Clumpy Clusters: When making the oat clusters, press down with the back of a spoon/fork/etc. to help form those irresistible crunchy clumps of clusters.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It adds a subtle brightness to the caramel sauce and keeps the apples from browning. If you pre-cut your apples coat them in lemon juice to slow down oxidization.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth and depth.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the date caramel and crumble clusters in advance—just store them separately and assemble before serving.
• Serve Warm: This crumble is best enjoyed warm, so reheat it slightly if needed for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!

Variations and Customizations for Caramel Apple Crumble

• Add Nuts or Seeds: For extra crunch, sprinkle in some pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or your favorite nuts (if not avoiding) into the crumble topping.
• Fruit Mix-In: Swap out some apples for pears, peaches, strawberries, other berries, or other fruit and berries or combine to create a delicious fruit medley.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger, cardamom, or cloves for a unique flavor twist. Or even try adding Pumpkin Spice from the Pumpkin Spiced Blondies!
• Gluten-Free Oats: Ensure all oats used are certified gluten-free if needed for a gluten-free version.
• Nut Butter Swirl: For a creamy touch, add a swirl of almond or peanut butter to the caramel sauce before combining with the apples.
• Topping Options: Try saving some caramel—easier said than done!—for topping, and serving it with a scoop of Fast Freeze No Churn Ice Cream is recommended for a decadent finish.

🧂If you absolutely must add salt then try to add it to taste, and in small amounts and only after tasting it first. The same goes for other “less healthy” additions, but the idea should be to try to limit and eventually remove adding them, over time, when you are ready.

After a few weeks of not eating a SAD diet your tastebuds reset and you’ll notice the natural sodium in foods, check out the great article, and subscribe to, Michael Corthell on Substack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Caramel Apple Crumble

1. Can I use a blender?

Yes. You can use a blender, food processor, or even a hand blender to make this recipe, although a spice grinder was what it was designed for so that it’s accessible to those with lower incomes or living a nomadic, RV/Van Life, or other limited living or cooking spaces, as well.

2. Can I substitute the apples?

Absolutely! While apples are the star of this recipe, you can substitute them with pears, peaches, or any seasonal fruit you enjoy.

3. How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving for the best taste and texture.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the date caramel and crumble clusters in advance. Just store them separately and assemble on the stovetop before serving.

5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This crumble can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. Just keep the components separate until you’re ready to heat them on the stovetop.

6. What can I use instead of dates?

You can substitute dates with other dried fruits like raisins, currants, prunes, dried apricots, or even chopped dried apples. Avoid using any liquid or non-whole food sweeteners to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

7. Can I freeze the crumble?

Yes! You can freeze the unprepared components for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy.

8. What can I serve it with?

Try saving some of the caramel for topping and or serving the crumble with a scoop of Fast Freeze No Churn Ice Cream. It also goes well with 🍂 12 Minute Pull Apart Pumpkin Spiced Blondie

Conclusion

Indulging in a warm dish filled with Caramel Apple Crumble is the perfect way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides a wholesome treat made from simple, nourishing ingredients. Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with a drizzle of caramel and a scoop of ice cream, every bite is a delightful reminder that dessert can be both comforting and healthy. So gather your apples, embrace the seasonal cheer, and treat yourself to this guilt-free delight. Enjoy the warmth, the sweetness, and the joy of homemade comfort food!

The Science – Sources

Please tell me how it turned out! Did you: try it, like it, hate it, change it, or do something else unexpected???

If I’ve made any mistakes, or something doesn’t make sense, or if you want more/less details, please let me know in the comments.

Stay nourished!

Caramel Apple Crumble

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