Our heart-healthy Apple Crumb Pie is a delicious treat that combines delightful flavors with your healthy lifestyle in mind. Naturally sweet apples, warm fall spices, a decadent oat crumb topping and a nutty gluten-free crust blend together into a guilt-free dessert. Whether it is a holiday gathering or a cozy evening by the fire, this apple pie will ensure that every slice is a nourishing heart-smart treat.
For more tasty treats, check out our collection of delicious gluten-free desserts, which provides expert baking tips to ensure perfect texture and flavor every time. You can trust that every recipe is dietitian-reviewed to strictly abide by our heart-healthy diet guidelines, so you can enjoy all of our sweet delights knowing we have your heart in mind.
This apple crumb pie is developed with heart health in mind by focusing on nutrient-dense ingredients.
The main difference is the topping. A traditional apple pie has a pastry crust on both the bottom and the top. An apple crumble pie (like this one) has a pastry crust on the bottom but is covered with a crumbly, streusel-like topping, often made from oats, flour, sugar, and butter (or in this case, oats, pecans, and olive oil).
Runny filling is usually caused by excess moisture from the apples. Using a mix of apples, like Granny Smith (which are firm) alongside softer apples (like Red Delicious), helps maintain texture. Also, ensure you let the pie rest for at least 1 hour after baking; the filling will thicken significantly as it cools.
It can be! While many traditional recipes are high in sugar and saturated fat, this heart-healthy version is modified to be more nutritious. It uses a nut-flour crust for better fats, an olive oil and oat topping, and relies on apples and spices for flavor, making it a lighter, gluten-free dessert option.
This recipe is tagged as diabetic-friendly, but to further reduce the sugar content, you can make substitutions. Replace the granulated and brown sugars in the filling, crust, and topping with a 1:1 baking-friendly, zero-calorie sweetener (like monk fruit or erythritol). Always check with your healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Yes, this recipe is easily adapted. The topping already uses olive oil. The only non-vegan ingredient is the 4 Tbsp of unsalted butter in the pie crust. You can replace this with 4 Tbsp of melted plant-based butter or melted coconut oil to make the recipe fully vegan.
If you loved the warm spices and wholesome ingredients in this pie, explore our other fruit-forward and gluten-free treats. These recipes feature the same heart-smart profile and comforting flavors to keep your dessert table both healthy and delicious.
Expand your holiday dessert rotation with these other nutrient-rich pies and classic baked goods. Whether you are craving creamy chocolate or spiced pumpkin, these heart-smart treats deliver a satisfying flavor without excess sugar or sodium.
A common question is how to prevent a runny apple pie filling.
Recipe yields 10 servings
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the old fashioned rolled oats, chopped pecans, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg. Drizzle with olive oil and stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
Set an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut apples, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract stir to combine. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, black pepper and sea salt. In small batches, sprinkle the sugar mixture over the sliced apples and stir to coat evenly. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, drizzling the excess liquid over the apples.
Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the fruit is tender and the topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 1 hour before serving (the filling will thicken as it cools).
If desired, serve the homemade apple crumble with whipped topping and garnish with fresh mint leaves and a cinnamon stick.
This recipe is flexible and can be adapted to meet specific dietary needs, including low-sugar, diabetic-friendly, and vegan diets.
For Low-Sugar/Diabetic-Friendly: To significantly reduce the sugar, replace the granulated and dark brown sugars in the crust, filling, and topping with a cup-for-cup, zero-calorie sweetener approved for baking (such as an erythritol or monk fruit blend).
For a Vegan Option: The recipe is almost vegan. Simply replace the 4 Tbsp of unsalted butter in the pie crust with 4 Tbsp of melted vegan butter or melted and cooled coconut oil. The filling and topping are already dairy-free.
For "No Butter": Use the vegan substitution above: replace the butter in the crust with melted coconut oil or a neutral-flavored olive oil.
Now that you have dessert covered, check out some of our healthy holiday favorites to make your feast just as memorable as it is nutritious. From succulent mains to lighter versions of classic sides, these heart-healthy recipes ensure a festive spread without the excess sodium or fat.