Go Back
Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

Hearty Apple Crumble Chia Pudding (Overnight Breakfast)

This layered breakfast or healthy dessert combines creamy, spiced chia pudding with warm, tender sautéed apples and a crunchy, toasted oat crumble topping, offering a perfect blend of textures and fall flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 330
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

I. Chia Pudding Base (Overnight)
  • 1/2 cup Chia Seeds
  • 2 cups Milk (dairy or non-dairy) Almond or oat milk recommended.
  • 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or Honey Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • Pinch Salt
II. Warm Apple Filling
  • 2 medium Apples Peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended).
  • 1 Tablespoon Water or Apple Juice
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar Or use maple syrup.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
III. Crispy Crumble Topping
  • 1/2 cup Rolled Oats Use old-fashioned, not instant.
  • 1 Tablespoon All-Purpose Flour Or almond flour.
  • 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Cold Butter or Coconut Oil Diced into small cubes.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking Sheet or Skillet
  • Serving Jars (4)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chia Pudding Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl or a sealed container, combine the chia seeds, milk, maple syrup/honey, vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the pinch of salt.
  2. Whisk the mixture thoroughly for about one minute, ensuring there are no clumps of chia seeds stuck together at the bottom. Let the mixture rest for five minutes, and then stir it vigorously one more time.
  3. Cover the container tightly and refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of four hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the pudding to thicken completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Crumble Topping
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients well.
  2. Cut the cold butter or coconut oil into small cubes and use your fingertips to quickly work the fat into the dry mixture until coarse, pea-sized crumbs form.
  3. Spread the crumble mixture evenly onto a small, parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fragrant. (Alternatively, toast in a dry skillet.)
  4. Remove the crumble from the heat and allow it to cool completely before assembly; this is crucial for maintaining crispness.
Step 3: Prepare the Warm Apple Filling
  1. Place the diced apples, water or apple juice, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the apples have softened significantly but still retain a slight structure. They should not be completely mushy.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the spiced apples aside, allowing them to cool to room temperature before layering.
Step 4: Assembly and Serving
  1. Retrieve the chilled chia pudding base from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Select your four serving containers.
  2. Spoon a generous layer of the chia pudding into the bottom of each container, filling approximately halfway. Add a substantial layer of the prepared spiced apple filling over the top.
  3. If desired, add a final spoonful of the remaining chia pudding on top of the apples. Finish the dessert by sprinkling a generous portion of the cooled, crispy oat crumble topping over the very top.
  4. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast.

Notes

For a fully vegan option, ensure you use non-dairy milk (like oat milk for extra creaminess) and coconut oil for the crumble topping. If preparing ahead, store the chia pudding and apple filling separately, and do not add the crumble topping until right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.