Apple Pie Parfaits

It is officially fall! The first day of fall was four days ago and the high today is…95. So while it may not quite feel like fall, we can still celebrate by busting out the decorations and using all the warm, spiced flavors! These Apple Pie Parfaits are full of all the fall flavors: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and coziness. 🙂 Warm, spiced apples are “cozy” between layers of dairy free whipped cream and nutty, crunchy granola crumble. Delicious! I knew this recipe was a keeper when my picky nephew kept asking for more. *praise hands* I hope you and your family enjoy this vegan, refined sugar free fall treat as much as mine did!

• Servings: 4
• Print

Ingredients

For the apple filling:
• 4 medium sized apples, thinly sliced (I used two Gala and two Granny Smith. I also left the skin on for looks + extra fiber, but you can peel them if desired.)
• 1 tbsp of coconut sugar
• 1/2 tbsp of pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp of ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
For the granola crumble:
• 1/2 cup of old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup of slivered almonds
• 1 tbsp of whole flax seeds
• 1/2 tbsp of coconut sugar
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp of salt
For the whipped cream layer:
• Generous spoonfuls of dairy free whipped cream (there is also a coconut cream whipped cream made by Reddi Whip)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Drop apple slices in the boiling water and boil for about 5-7 minutes, until tender crisp.
3. While the apples are boiling, make your granola crumble by combining all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pulse until combined, but with texture – you don’t want granola dust!
4. Once apples are cooked, drain and return to pot. Stir in remaining apple filling ingredients until all slices are coated in “coziness” 😉
5. In a glass of your choice, layer whipped cream, granola crumble, and apple slices. Repeat layers until you reach the top, ending with whipped cream!
6. Serve warm.
7. Keep leftovers separate – apples in the fridge and crumble at room temperature. Simply reheat the apples when you want more and layer away!

For more recipes to celebrate fall (or “hotumn” as I saw on Facebook), check out my Cinnamon Applesauce, Slow Cooker Apple Cider, Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping, or Pumpkin Spice Cake. And to make your home smell like a fall-themed bakery, use my “recipe” for Apple Cinnamon Stovetop Scent! I certainly wish it were cooler, but it’s my favorite season, so I will still celebrate! Enjoy this marginally cooler weather, celebrate anyway…and enjoy your pinch of crazy!

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using the links, it is of no extra cost to you, just a small commission for me. Thank you for supporting A Pinch of Crazy!

 

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Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

This post contains promo codes and affiliate links. If you purchase using the links, it is of no extra cost to you, just a small pantry fund for me. Thank you for supporting A Pinch of Crazy.

Sibling Rivalry

When the mornings get chilly and the windows get frosty, that means it’s time for steaming hot bowls of oatmeal for breakfast. Growing up with four sisters, my mom would buy the giant variety packs of instant oatmeal, and I distinctly remember arguing with my big sister over the last packet of strawberries and cream…more than once. I think my mom would have us take turns; she could have the last strawberries and cream this time, and I could have the last one on the next box. When it wasn’t my turn for strawberries and cream, I would always snag cinnamon apple. Yum! Looking back now, cinnamon apple was better because it didn’t turn your oatmeal a strange pepto pink…

Now, I like to make us cinnamon apple oatmeal for those chilly mornings because it’s warm and comforting, with plenty of fiber and healthy carbs; I feel kind of silly for even writing this out as a “recipe”, but it changes up the breakfast routine of cereal, and it takes about 10 minutes tops! I’m sure you have most, if not all, of these ingredients on hand, and could make a pot for your family tomorrow morning. I know everyone will love the sweetness (shh…the kids don’t need to know that it’s refined sugar free), and it will make you feel good to get your family going with a healthy, hearty breakfast.

Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

Serves four to five, and could easily be doubled or halved if needed.

Ingredients:

• Two cups of water
• One small gala apple, skin on, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened raisins
• One cup of old fashioned oats
• 2 tbsp of maple syrup, or according to taste
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional toppings:
  • walnuts
  • more raisins

Directions:

• Combine water, apples, chia, raisins, and salt in a medium pot
• Place pot on stove and turn burner to high
• Once boiling, add remaining ingredients
• Let boil, stirring frequently, until all the liquid is absorbed
• Serve hot with toppings, if desired

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it also includes the most important beverage of the day: coffee! Use this promo code to get 20% off some delicious cold brew coffees along with 10% off these delicious, dairy free, sugar free creamers. These promotions end soon, so grab them while you can! If you would rather prep your oatmeal the night before, you would probably like my Peanut Butter and Chocolate Overnight Oats, or my Fruit and Nut Granola for a quick grab-and-go breakfast. If oats aren’t your thing, I also have a Whole30 Breakfast Hash and a Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bake for you. I’m sure you can find something you like! Get a healthy and hearty breakfast…and enjoy your pinch of crazy!

Cinnamon Applesauce

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using the links, it is of no extra cost to you; just a small pantry fund for me. Thank you for supporting A Pinch of Crazy!

Fall Traditions

I’ve just recently learned that going apple picking is a thing people do in the autumn months. I’ve never gone apple picking, but growing up we would pick pears off my grandparents’ trees; my grandpa would put us in the bucket of his tractor and lift us up high enough to pluck off the pears. It was always terrifyingly amazing, and my sisters and I would giggle and shriek as Pappy lifted us up into the trees. And every Father’s Day, as a gift for my dad, we would go berry picking in the hot Texas sun; running from bees and trying to not get jabbed by thorns. We complained a lot as kids, but, looking back now, we all enjoyed picking the sticky sweet berries in the hot morning sun, enjoying a shady picnic lunch before driving home, then eating berries and cream for dessert that night. So, based upon my fond memories of harvesting other fruits, I am thinking it’s time to instate a new family fall tradition- apple picking!

If you’ve gone apple picking this fall, I have the perfect dish to use up all those apples: Cinnamon Applesauce! Or if you’re like me and didn’t go apple picking, pick up a few extra apples at the grocery store, and it will be well worth it. Because whether you went apple picking or not, there is never a bad time for a warm bowl of homemade applesauce! Unlike many store bought versions, this applesauce is free of refined sugar, it is simple to make, it seriously tastes like the filling for an apple cobbler, and your house will smell amazing as it simmers on the stove. *drool* Not to mention, it is an enjoyable and healthy snack for your kiddos! I hope this sweet, spiced snack makes its way to your kitchen soon!

Cinnamon Applesauce

Serves 6-8, and could easily be doubled.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds of gala apples, diced, with or without skin (I left the skins on)
• 1/2-1 tbsp of ground cinnamon, depending on taste
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup of coconut sugar
• Enough water to cover the apples, about 4-5 cups

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a large pot
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cover
• Let simmer about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and water is reduced
• Carefully mash apples to desired consistency
• Serve warm (my favorite!) or cold
• Store covered in refrigerator for 2 weeks

If you love the welcoming smell of apples and cinnamon, you would like my Apple Cinnamon Stovetop Scent! And for more warm fall-y treats, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping and Banana Bread with Granola Crumble; both are delicious gluten free, refined sugar free breads, and are amazing served warm with butter. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, all these healthier treats will sure be nice to have on hand! I hope you bake something scrumptious for you and your family. Make some new fall traditions…and enjoy your pinch of crazy!