Heart Healthy Apple Crumble

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.

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.