Try This Weight Waters Friendly Apple Crumble Today

Apple crumble, a beloved English dessert, derives its name from its characteristic crumbly topping. According to the Guardian, it emerged as a culinary innovation after the Second World War, when resourcefulness was essential.

The English, known for their love of baked goods, needed a way to make the most of ripe fruits without splurging on costly pastry ingredients like cream, butter, and sugar.

In response to these constraints, they created a delectable dessert with a frugal twist. Instead of a traditional pie crust, apple crumble featured a smooth fruit pulp base, generously covered with a mixture of flour and butter. This inventive approach reduced the reliance on expensive baking staples, using only half the flour and butter found in a typical pie. To make up for this reduction, a generous layer of crumble topping was added, providing a satisfyingly crispy contrast.

These attributes make apple crumble a perfect candidate for those following the Weight Watchers program. In adapting this dessert we don't need to make extensive changes. By substituting regular wheat flour with oats and replacing butter with water and eggs, the crumble can become a healthier option. Naturally, sugar can be swapped for a sugar substitute like stevia, further reducing its calorie content.

The result is a dessert that not only aligns with modern dietary goals but also carries a rich history of resilience and adaptability. It's a delightful taste of post-war England, where necessity led to culinary invention. The evolution of apple crumble showcases how creative minds can turn limitations into opportunities, making it a treat that is both satisfying and storied. Enjoy a serving of this modified, healthier apple crumble, and savor a piece of history on your plate.

Why you should try this recipe

In a world where culinary traditions meet contemporary health-conscious choices, this apple crumble recipe bridges the gap. Here are two compelling reasons to give it a go:

1.      This recipe allows you to indulge in a beloved dessert without the guilt. With sugar alternatives and lower-calorie ingredients, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on your health goals.

2.      By preparing this dish, you're taking a bite of culinary history. It's a connection to a time when inventive cooks turned scarcity into scrumptious creations, making this crumble both nostalgic and timeless.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Servings: Approximately 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup (90g) Rolled Oats

• ¼ cup (40g) Oat Flour

• ¼ cup (40g) Stevia (or another sugar substitute)

• ¼ cup (60ml) Water

• 1 Egg

• 1 tablespoon light butter

• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

• ¼ cup (30g) Chopped Nuts (your choice-optional)

• ¼ cup (40g) Raisins

• 2 Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

Instructions for making Apple Crumble

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, oat flour, stevia, water, egg, butter, and cinnamon. Mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly mixture. You may need to use your hands to ensure it's well combined.

2. Incorporate the chopped nuts and raisins into the crumble mixture. Knead the mixture gently to distribute them evenly. The topping should have a chunky texture.

3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

4. Arrange the sliced apples in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

5. Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish. The crumble should cover the apples entirely.

6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.

7. Allow the crumble to cool slightly, and then serve it warm. Optionally, top with a dollop of low-fat vanilla yogurt or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon.

WW Points

Uncooked old fashioned rolled oats 7 points

Oat Flour 3 points

Stevia Leaf herbal extract 0 points

Water 0 points

Egg 0 points

Light butter 4 points

Ground Cinnamon 0 points

Raisins 4 points

Apple 0 points

3 points per serving based on the WW app recipe creator.

Variations and substitutions

These variations allow you to tailor your Weight Watchers-friendly crumble to your taste and dietary preferences, making it a versatile and enjoyable dessert with a personal touch.

1. Apple and Strawberry Crumble: This version combines the traditional apple filling with the sweet tang of strawberries. Use sliced strawberries in place of some or all of the apples. Strawberries provide a very interesting acid touch.

2. Peach Crumble: Prepare the recipe as usual, but use an equal quantity of fresh or canned peaches for a delicious peach crumble.

3. Custom Nutty Mix: Customize your crumble with your favorite nuts or the ones that fit your budget. Consider options like peanuts (budget-friendly), almonds, macadamia nuts, or pistachios. Add them to the oat-based topping mixture for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

4. Mixed Berry Crumble: Combine a variety of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with the traditional apple filling. The burst of berry flavors adds a delightful twist.

Tips and Tricks Section for Making Apple Crumble

Adjust the sweetness of your crumble by tasting the apple filling before baking. If the apples are very sweet, you can reduce the amount of added sugar substitute to maintain a balanced flavor profile.

To prevent a soggy base, let the apple filling cool for a few minutes after preparing it. This helps to release excess moisture and keeps the crumble's bottom layer from becoming overly wet during baking.

Finally, there are those who enjoy this warm dessert with ice cream. However, I highly recommend trying this dessert cold, refrigerated for at least 8 hours because it is exquisite.

Related Recipes

Apple Crisp Pizza

Apple Fritter Bread