This quick and easy strawberry apple crumble has a sweet, juicy filling and melt-in-your-mouth buttery oat streusel on top. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for a delicious dessert! No one can tell it’s healthy, gluten-free, and vegan.
The best homemade strawberry apple crumble
Apple season is the best season of the year because it means I can eat these air fryer apples, these healthy apple pie oatmeal cookies, and this apple pie granola daily! Every Fall, I make my classic healthy apple crumble (you guys love this recipe), but this year, I wanted to add another fun and experimental crumble recipe to my blog. I have a delicious apple blueberry crumble, but I am so excited to add this strawberry and apple crumble!
I can confidently say that this homemade strawberry apple crumble recipe is a true winner. My family and friends are obsessed; best of all, it is 100% kid-approved. It’s the perfect Fall dessert, and it’s super easy to throw together in one bowl.
The combination of the sweet, juicy strawberry apple filling and the crisp, buttery crumble topping is out-of-the-world delicious. My favorite part is the golden oatmeal crumble, which melts in your mouth. It’s made with ingredients like oats, oat flour, maple syrup, and coconut sugar, so once it is baked, it becomes irresistibly crispy and buttery.
I love that this crumble recipe is healthy. You only need simple and good-for-you ingredients like whole oats, oat flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and coconut sugar for sweetness. These ingredients also make this crumble gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, vegan, and dairy-free. But don’t worry, you can’t tell because this dessert is so delicious!
Why you’ll love this healthy dessert recipe
- Healthy dessert: Strawberry apple crumble is the perfect healthy dessert.
- Super flavorful: The strawberry apple filling is juicy, sweet, jammy, and warm, while the oatmeal streusel topping is crisp and buttery.
- Perfect for Fall: It’s Fall, which means it’s apple picking season!
- Gluten-free & vegan: This healthy crisp recipe is 100% gluten-free and vegan.
- Quick & easy: Less than 10 minutes to prep before baking.
- No butter: No butter is needed; this recipe is 100% dairy-free.
- No refined sugars: It is sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar.
- Try this delicious healthy apple crumble or this apple blueberry crumble next!
Ingredients needed
Strawberry apple crisp is the perfect healthier dessert that everyone will love. It has a jammy, sweet filling and a crisp oatmeal topping. Here is a list of all the ingredients you will need to make this healthy apple strawberry crisp. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom to see the exact measurements.
Strawberry Apple Filling:
- Strawberries: Provide a juicy and sweet fruit base. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Apples: You’ll need one sweet Honey Crisp apple and one tart Granny Smith apple. Pick a “firm” apple like Golden Delicious, Jonathan, or Jonagold if you need to substitute one of these.
- Coconut Sugar: To sweeten the filling! This recipe is refined-sugar-free.
- Lemon Juice: I highly recommend fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. This helps coat the apples and strawberries in the starch and coconut sugar.
- Cornstarch, Arrowroot, or Tapioca Starch: Don’t skip out on this ingredient. This starch helps hold together the gooey and juicy strawberry apple filling together.
Oat Crumble Topping:
- Rolled Oats: Use rolled oats or quick oats. Measure out 1 cup, and remember, if you are gluten-free, use gluten-free certified oats. Don’t use steel-cut oats.
- Oat Flour: This is my secret ingredient. This crumble topping is better than traditional recipes because almond flour makes the topping crispy and melt in your mouth.
- Nuts: This adds the best crunch to this healthy oat crisp topping. You can use walnuts, almonds, or pecans. If you are nut-free, leave the nuts off.
- Salt: Add a dash for a sweet and salty combo.
- Ground Cinnamon: I love adding cinnamon to my crumble and crisp recipes. It welcomes all the cozy Fall flavors.
- Maple Syrup: Instead of refined sugar, we use maple syrup to naturally sweeten this oat crumble topping. It helps bind everything together and makes the oat topping crispy as it bakes.
- Coconut Oil or Butter: Finally, you need 1/3 cup of coconut oil so that this crumble topping is crisp on the outside but melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. You can also use butter or vegan butter.
Kitchen tools needed
You only need a few kitchen utensils to make this gluten-free, healthy strawberry apple crumble. Here is a list:
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch square baking dish or a 9-inch pie dish works well.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Oven
How to make strawberry apple crumble
Homemade strawberry apple crumble is so easy to make. Here are easy step-by-step instructions with pictures so any level baker can make this simple recipe.
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, 9-inch pie dish, or skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Then, set it to the side.
Step 2:
Next, toss the strawberries, apples, coconut sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and starch in a large mixing bowl. Spoon the filling into the greased dish.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, oat flour, walnuts or pecans (optional), coconut sugar, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour maple syrup, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla on top and mix using your hands.
Step 4:
Spread the oat crumble mixture evenly on top of the strawberry-apple filling.
Step 5:
Bake for 32 – 42 minutes until the top is golden crisp, the strawberries are bubbly, and the apples are tender. I baked mine for about 40 minutes.
Let cool for 10 – 15 minutes before enjoying! I love serving mine with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Expert baking tips
- Pick the right apples: You’ll need a balance of firm apples. I like to use one large Honey Crisp apple and one large Granny Smith apple. Don’t worry, though, you can also use Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Jonagold, or Pink Lady apples.
- Ensure the oven is at 375°F: This is my #1 tip. Some recipes call for an oven temperature of 350°F. But I found that it’s better to use a higher oven temperature when baking fruit crumbles so the oat topping is crisp and the filling is jammy and not liquidy.
- Use fresh or frozen strawberries: One of the best parts about this recipe is that you can use fresh or frozen strawberries. If you use frozen strawberries, add them directly to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients, and do not let them thaw before baking.
- Customize the oat crumble topping: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the topping. You can add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of salt can also enhance the flavor profile.
- Make it nut-free: If you have a nut allergy, leave off the walnuts to make this healthy apple and strawberry crumble nut-free.
- Double the recipe: You can double this recipe. Simply bake the strawberry apple crisp in a large 9×13″ baking dish for the same time.
- Make it ahead of time: You can make this crumbles up to one day in advance if you plan on serving it at a party or event. I left instructions below!
- Let the crumble cool: Allow the strawberry apple crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving so the juicy and jammy filling thickens up and the crumble topping firm up.
Ingredient substitutions
I bake a lot, so here is a list of the best ingredient substitutions for this strawberry apple crumble. I only recommend swapping out one or two, so the original recipe does not change too much.
- Fresh Strawberries: You can use frozen strawberries if preferred. Just don’t thaw them.
- Apples: While Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, and Pink Lady apples are recommended, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Jonagold, or Pink Lady apples.
- Pecans: You can use chopped almonds or walnuts. If you have a nut allergy, leave them off.
- Coconut Oil: You can use melted unsalted butter or vegan butter. If you only have salted butter, leave off the additional salt called for in the oat topping.
- Strawberries: Swap them out with peaches, blackberries, blueberries, or mixed berries.
- Oat Flour: You can substitute it with almond flour.
- Coconut Sugar: You can substitute the coconut sugar with light brown sugar or dark brown sugar.
- Cornstarch: You can use tapioca flour or arrowroot powder.
- Real Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can replace maple syrup as a sweetener.
Serving suggestions
You can serve this homemade strawberry and apple crisp with so many things. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Frozen yogurt
- Whipped cream
- Non-dairy whipped topping
- Chocolate drizzle
- Drizzle of honey
- Greek yogurt
- Your favorite ice cream
- Lemon zest
- Custard or vanilla pudding
- Mint leaves
- Caramel drizzle
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of apples should I use?
Some good options include Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Jonagold apples. These apples are firm so that don’t get mushy when baked.
Do I have to peel the apples?
No! You don’t leave to peel the apples if you don’t want to. In fact, the peel will add a nice texture to the apple filling in this easy crumble recipe.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for this recipe. Don’t allow them to thaw before baking; add them directly to the bowl with the apples.
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
You can experiment with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or raspberries, depending on your taste and what’s in season.
What’s the best substitute for oat flour?
Almond flour is the best substitute for oat flour in a streusel topping. Do not use coconut flour.
Can I use quick oats for the crumble topping?
I recommend using rolled oats since they provide a crunchier, crisper topping. However, you can use quick oats if needed. Do not use steel-cut oats.
Is this crumble healthy?
Yes, this strawberry apple crumble is healthy for many reasons; here are a few: (1) it’s made without refined sugars since it is sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, (2) it calls for oat flour which is a healthy flour alternative, (3) it is gluten-free, (4) it is packed with fiber and whole grains from the oats, (5) it is dairy-free and vegan, and (6) it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can easily make this strawberry apple crumble up to one day in advance. Prepare the crumble as instructed, but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and bake as the recipe directs.
Can you freeze apple crumble?
You can freeze this strawberry apple crumble for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely after baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then wrap it with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw the crumble in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven (without the plastic wrap) at a low temperature until warm.
How to store and reheat apple strawberry crumble:
Storing: I recommend enjoying this healthy strawberry apple crumble within 3 – 5 hours of removing it from the oven for the best taste! If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container or the original baking dish with aluminum foil.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the large pie dish or pan in the oven for 10 – 15 minutes at 350°F. If you are in a rush or want to heat a single serving, reheat it in the microwave for 45 – 60 seconds in 15-second intervals so the berries do not burn.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Healthy Apple Crumble
- Air Fryer Apples
- Gluten-Free Apple Pie
- Apple and Blueberry Crumble
- Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
- Strawberry Crumble
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Strawberry Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Filling:
- 3 cups strawberries, destemmed & halved or quartered (read notes below if you want to use frozen strawberries)
- 1 large Honey Crisp or Pink Lady apple, peeled, cored and cubed
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and cubed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp tapioca flour or arrowroot starch
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
Oat Crumble:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free certified if needed
- ⅔ cup oat flour, spooned and leveled (I used homemade, but store-bought will work)
- ½ cup walnuts, almonds, or pecans (optional), chopped
- ¼ cup coconut sugar, or light brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon, (I love 1/2 tsp because I love a hint of cinnamon)
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or butter, you can also use vegan butter
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, 9-inch pie dish, or skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Make sure the apples and strawberries are dry if you washed them.
- Toss the strawberries, apples, coconut sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and starch in a large mixing bowl. Spoon the filling into the greased dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, oat flour, walnuts (optional), coconut sugar, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour maple syrup, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla on top and mix using your hands.
- Spread the oat crumble mixture evenly on top of the strawberry-apple filling.
- Bake for 32 – 42 minutes, until the top is golden crisp, and the strawberries are bubbly and apples are tender. I baked mine for about 40 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 – 15 minutes before enjoying! I love serving mine with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Nutrition
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