Apple Crumble Chia Pudding: The Ultimate Cozy, Healthy Breakfast Parfait

There are few things more comforting than a warm, spiced apple crumble, but what if you could transform that indulgent flavor profile into a healthy, make-ahead breakfast or a guilt-free dessert? Welcome to the world of Apple Crumble Chia Pudding. This recipe is the perfect blend of creamy texture, warm autumnal spices, soft, tender apples, and that essential crunch provided by a perfectly toasted oat topping. It’s flavor complexity meets effortless preparation, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to sacrifice decadence. If you are looking for a satisfying meal prep solution that tastes like dessert, your search ends here. Get ready to embrace your new favorite way to enjoy the classic pairing of apples and cinnamon, all layered within a wholesome and gut-friendly chia base.

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

The beauty of the Apple Crumble Chia Pudding lies in its dynamic contrast of temperatures and textures, delivering an unparalleled culinary experience in every spoonful. Unlike a standard overnight oat or basic chia pudding, this recipe is a true layered masterpiece, incorporating three distinct and delicious components:

A Symphony of Textures and Flavors

• The Creamy Base: The chia pudding itself is rich, thick, and infused with vanilla and warming cinnamon. It provides the essential, smooth foundation that acts as a canvas for the intense apple flavor. Because it requires chilling time, the chia base is effortlessly made the night before.
• The Warm Spiced Apple Filling: This is where the cozy “apple crumble” magic truly happens. Tender apples, sautéed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, taste exactly like the interior of a pie. Using firm apple varieties ensures they soften without turning into pure mush, maintaining a delightful bite. This warm layer melts slightly into the cool chia base, creating a satisfying temperature gradient.
• The Crunchy Oat Crumble Topping: No crumble is complete without the crunch! The crispy oat crumble topping is baked or toasted until golden brown and is crucial for providing textural interest. The contrast between the soft pudding, the tender apples, and the crunchy, buttery oats elevates this simple dish into something truly special.

This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is also incredibly customizable. Whether you prefer a lighter, less sweet breakfast or a richer, decadent dessert, you have full control over the sweetness level and the type of milk and sweeteners used. Moreover, preparing this recipe allows you to utilize seasonal apples, making it a perfect autumn and winter treat. Imagine waking up on a chilly morning, opening the fridge, and having a ready-made, nourishing, and deeply flavorful meal waiting for you. It simplifies busy mornings while providing sustained energy, making it an ideal choice for students, busy professionals, and anyone seeking a healthy meal prep option. The complex spices, reminiscent of holiday baking cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg create an inviting aroma and flavor profile that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly healthy.

The assembly process, though consisting of three distinct steps, is straightforward. Crucially, the elements are meant to be prepared separately, which means you can handle the time-consuming steps (like the overnight chilling of the chia pudding) when convenient, and quickly assemble the final product in under five minutes when hunger strikes. This layered parfait structure isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it ensures you get a burst of every essential flavor creamy, sweet, spiced, and crunchy in every single bite. This is much more than just pudding; it’s an experience.

Beyond Delicious: Why You Should Try This Healthy Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Recipe

While the taste of this recipe is undeniably fantastic, the health benefits packed into every serving of Apple Crumble Chia Pudding are perhaps the most compelling reason to add it to your regular rotation. This is a breakfast that actively nourishes your body, supporting everything from digestive health to energy levels.

Nutritional Powerhouse: Chia Seeds

The foundation of this dish, the humble chia seed, is a nutritional giant. Chia seeds are renowned for their high fiber content. When mixed with liquid, they swell up to form a gel-like consistency, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness that lasts until lunchtime. This means fewer mid-morning energy slumps and less temptation to reach for processed snacks.

Furthermore, chia seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). Omega-3s are essential fats known for supporting heart health and reducing inflammation throughout the body. By incorporating Apple Crumble Chia Pudding into your diet, you are boosting your intake of these vital nutrients effortlessly. Unlike many traditional breakfast options that rely on refined sugars and simple carbohydrates, this recipe provides complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, ensuring a balanced start to your day.

Fueling Your Day The Healthy Way

Traditional apple crumbles, while delicious, are often loaded with refined sugar and saturated fats. This recipe dramatically cuts down on both while retaining all the flavor. We use small amounts of maple syrup or honey to sweeten the chia base and brown sugar to caramelize the spiced apple filling, keeping the overall sugar profile moderate and relying on natural flavors. The rolled oats in the crispy crumble topping provide additional slow-releasing energy and fiber, supporting stable blood sugar levels.

This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is also a fantastic way to increase fruit intake. Apples are rich in powerful antioxidants and Vitamin C. Pairing them with the superfood qualities of the chia seeds creates a synergy of nutrients that supports immune function, especially beneficial during the cooler months when apples are in season. For those managing specific dietary restrictions, this recipe is inherently flexible. It is naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats, and easily made vegan by swapping dairy milk for a non-dairy alternative (like oat or almond milk) and using coconut oil instead of butter in the crumble. It’s a versatile, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying option that makes healthy eating genuinely enjoyable. Try pairing this wholesome breakfast with another autumnal favorite, like learning how to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar for a complementary spiced snack.

Essential Ingredients and Tools for the Perfect Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

Success in creating the ultimate Apple Crumble Chia Pudding relies on using quality ingredients and the right tools. We break down the necessary components and highlight the role of each item to ensure your final product is perfectly layered, spiced, and crunchy.

I. For the Chia Pudding Base

This layer provides the creamy, high-fiber foundation for the entire parfait. Getting the ratio correct is key to achieving a perfect pudding consistency.

• 1/2 cup Chia Seeds: Use whole, quality chia seeds. They are the backbone of the pudding, responsible for thickening the liquid.
• 2 cups Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): The choice of milk significantly impacts flavor and creaminess. Almond or cashew milk yields a thinner result, while full-fat dairy milk or oat milk creates a wonderfully creamy, dessert-like texture, making the Apple Crumble Chia Pudding taste truly decadent.
• 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or Honey (Adjust to taste): This provides natural sweetness. Maple syrup offers a distinct autumnal flavor that complements the apples exceptionally well. Adjusting this quantity is crucial for controlling the final sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding depth and warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Essential for infusing the chia base with a subtle spice that marries well with the apple filling.
• Pinch of Salt: A crucial ingredient! Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the vanilla and cinnamon flavors.

II. For the Warm Spiced Apple Filling

This is the soul of the “apple crumble” portion richly spiced, tender, and fragrant.

• 2 medium Apples (Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): The type of apple matters immensely. Honeycrisp offers a balance of sweetness and tartness, while Granny Smith provides a noticeable tart contrast to the sweet pudding. They must be peeled, cored, and diced into small, uniform pieces (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking.
• 1 Tablespoon Water or Apple Juice: Necessary to prevent the apples and spices from scorching at the beginning of the cooking process.
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar (or maple syrup): Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses note that caramelizes beautifully with the apples, enhancing the crumble flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: A generous amount needed here to truly impart that classic “apple pie” spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: This spice adds an essential layer of warmth that completes the autumn spice blend.

III. For the Crispy Oat Crumble Topping

This topping must be crispy! Using cold fat and letting it cool completely are the secrets to achieving the perfect crunchy texture.

• 1/2 cup Rolled Oats (not instant oats): Old-fashioned rolled oats hold their shape better and deliver a superior crunch compared to quick oats.
• 1 Tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (or almond flour): Helps bind the oats and fat slightly, ensuring the crumble clumps together rather than just scattering.
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar: Contributes a rich, slightly molasses-like sweetness and helps the oats caramelize when baked.
• 1 Tablespoon Cold Butter or Coconut Oil: The fat must be cold! Using cold fat is vital for achieving that flaky, crisp texture typical of a traditional crumble.
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Ties the crumble topping flavor back to the pudding and apple filling.

Recommended Tools and Utensils

While this recipe is simple, having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and optimal results for your delicious Apple Crumble Chia Pudding:

• Sealed Container or Mason Jar: Essential for mixing and chilling the chia pudding base overnight. A secure lid is necessary for shaking the mixture effectively.
• Whisk or Fork: Used to break up chia seed clumps during the initial mixing stage.
• Small Saucepan: Needed for gently simmering the spiced apple filling.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For peeling, coring, and dicing the apples uniformly. Uniform pieces cook at the same rate.
• Small Baking Sheet or Skillet: Required for preparing the crispy oat crumble topping. Parchment paper is highly recommended for easy cleanup if baking.
• Serving Jars or Glasses: For visually appealing assembly of the final layered parfaits. Mason jars (8oz or 12oz) are ideal for grab-and-go meal prep.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

Creating this layered delight is an exercise in planning ahead. The key components the chia base, the crumble, and the apples can all be prepared in advance, making assembly quick and painless.

Step 1: Prepare the Chia Pudding Base (Requires time to set)

This step should ideally be completed the night before serving, as the pudding requires a minimum of four hours to properly set and achieve its thick, desirable consistency.

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or a sealed container (a quart-sized mason jar works perfectly), combine the 1/2 cup of chia seeds, 2 cups of milk, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the pinch of salt.
2. Initial Whisking is Crucial: Whisk the mixture thoroughly for about one full minute. Chia seeds are notorious for clumping at the bottom, so vigorously mixing ensures even hydration and prevents a lumpy pudding texture.
3. Rest and Secondary Stir: Let the mixture rest at room temperature for five minutes. During this time, the seeds begin to absorb liquid and settle. Stir or shake the container vigorously one more time. This secondary mix is essential; if you skip it, you will likely end up with a layer of dry, unmixed seeds at the bottom of your container.
4. Refrigerate: Cover the container tightly and refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of four hours, but preferably overnight. The extended chill time guarantees a fully thickened, uniform chia pudding base, perfect for your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Crumble Topping

The crumble is the texture king of this recipe. It must be prepared and fully cooled before assembly to maintain its crunch.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. If opting for the stovetop method, prepare a small, dry skillet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of flour, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix thoroughly.
3. Cut in the Fat: Cut the 1 tablespoon of cold butter or coconut oil into small cubes. Use your fingertips to quickly work the fat into the dry mixture. The key here is speed and minimal heat; you want coarse, pea-sized crumbs, not a paste. Overworking the dough will result in a less crisp topping.
4. Bake or Toast: Spread the crumble mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the topping is fragrant and beautifully golden brown. If toasting, use a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-8 minutes until toasted.
5. Cool Completely: Remove the crumble from the heat and allow it to cool completely before touching or assembling. This step is absolutely crucial for the crumble to harden and achieve maximum crispness.

Step 3: Prepare the Warm Apple Filling

The spiced apple filling adds warmth and the deep, satisfying flavor that makes this recipe reminiscent of a classic apple dessert.

1. Start the Simmer: Place the diced apples, 1 tablespoon of water or apple juice, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 12 minutes. The goal is for the apples to soften significantly but still retain a slight structure, offering a pleasant chew. They should not dissolve into applesauce.
3. Set Aside: Remove the saucepan from the heat. The spiced apples are best layered when they have cooled slightly to room temperature, especially if you plan to store the parfaits for later. If serving immediately, keeping them slightly warm provides a lovely temperature contrast against the cold chia pudding.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

Now for the fun part: layering your healthy breakfast parfait! This preparation technique makes all the difference in the presentation and the eating experience.

1. Retrieve the Base: Take the chilled chia pudding base from the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir to loosen it up and ensure consistency.
2. Layer 1 (Pudding): Select your serving containers (mason jars or glasses). Spoon a generous layer of the chia pudding into the bottom of each container, filling approximately halfway.
3. Layer 2 (Apples): Add a substantial layer of the prepared warm or cooled spiced apple filling over the top of the pudding layer. This is the heart of the Apple Crumble Chia Pudding flavor.
4. Optional Layer 3 (Pudding): If you prefer more pudding, add a final spoonful of the remaining chia base over the apples. For a denser dessert, skip this step and go straight to the topping.
5. The Grand Finale (Crumble): Finish the dessert by sprinkling a generous portion of the fully cooled, crispy oat crumble topping over the very top of the pudding. Always add the crumble right before serving to prevent it from absorbing moisture and becoming soggy.
6. Serve: Serve immediately for the best textural contrast, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours (with the crumble stored separately until serving). For another comforting fall dessert idea, consider our recipe for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls.

Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations for Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

This recipe for Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is highly adaptable to various dietary needs and flavor preferences. Use these tips to perfect your technique and customize the dish.

Perfecting the Texture and Flavor

• Troubleshooting Chia Clumps: If you find unhydrated clumps of chia seeds after refrigeration, the most likely culprits are skipping the second stir or not whisking vigorously enough. If this happens, simply transfer the mixture to a blender and pulse briefly (just a couple of times) to redistribute the seeds, then re-chill for 30 minutes.
• Maximizing Crumble Crispness: Ensure your fat (butter or coconut oil) is extremely cold when making the crumble. Use small pieces and work quickly with your fingertips. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate the crumble mixture for 10 minutes before baking.
• Flavor Boosters for the Apples: Add a splash of lemon zest or a teaspoon of fresh ginger to the apple filling during cooking for a brighter flavor profile. A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can also deepen the autumnal notes in your Apple Crumble Chia Pudding.

Dietary and Ingredient Variations

If you need to cater to specific dietary requirements, swapping ingredients in this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is easy:

• Vegan Apple Crumble Chia Pudding: The base recipe is already easy to make vegan. Simply ensure you use a non-dairy milk (oat milk provides the best creaminess) and substitute the butter in the crumble topping with coconut oil, vegan butter sticks, or shortening. Make sure your sweetener is 100% maple syrup, not honey.
• Gluten-Free Version: Chia seeds are naturally gluten-free. To make the entire recipe GF, use certified gluten-free rolled oats and swap the all-purpose flour in the crumble for almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
• Lower-Sugar/Keto Friendly: For a low-sugar version, skip the maple syrup in the chia base entirely, or replace it with erythritol, xylitol, or monk fruit sweetener. In the apple filling, replace the brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute (like Sukrin Gold) and ensure you use a tart apple, like Granny Smith.
• Time-Saving Hack (No-Bake Crumble): If you don’t want to turn on the oven, you can make the crispy crumble entirely on the stovetop (as described in Step 2). Alternatively, mix the oats with a little melted coconut oil, cinnamon, and sweetener, and toast them gently in a dry skillet until fragrant and golden.

Meal Prep and Storage Advice

This Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is designed for meal prep, but careful storage is key:

The chia pudding base and the spiced apple filling can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The crumble topping should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain its crunch. Only assemble the parfaits right before serving. If you assemble them too early, the moisture from the apples will turn the crisp oat crumble soggy, defeating the purpose of the “crumble.” This strategy ensures that when you finally get to assemble your breakfast, the textures are perfect.

Nutritional Insights: The Health Benefits of Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

The Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is not just a delicious breakfast; it is a nutritional powerhouse that supports overall health and well-being. By swapping high-sugar cereals or pastries for this wholesome alternative, you invest in sustained energy and better digestion.

Fiber and Digestive Health

The star ingredient, chia seeds, are exceptionally high in soluble and insoluble fiber. A single serving of chia pudding can provide a substantial portion of your recommended daily fiber intake. Fiber is vital for regulating bowel movements, preventing constipation, and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy microbiome, supported by high-fiber foods like this Apple Crumble Chia Pudding, is increasingly linked to better mood, reduced inflammation, and improved immune function.

Omega-3s for Brain and Heart Health

Chia seeds are among the highest plant sources of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. While ALA needs to be converted by the body into the more active forms (EPA and DHA), regular consumption of chia seeds contributes significantly to essential fat intake. Omega-3s are critical for brain function, maintaining healthy cell membranes, and reducing the risk factors associated with heart disease. Incorporating this chia pudding into your routine is an easy, tasty way to boost these necessary fats.

Vitamins and Antioxidants from Apples

Apples are rich in various phytonutrients, including quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid. These compounds act as powerful antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. Apples are also a good source of Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and B vitamins, which aid in energy metabolism. The soluble fiber found in apples, specifically pectin, works alongside the chia fiber to further stabilize blood sugar levels, providing smooth, long-lasting energy without the crash often associated with high-sugar breakfasts.

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

While precise values vary depending on the type of milk and sweetener used (dairy milk vs. almond milk, honey vs. maple syrup), a typical serving of this wholesome Apple Crumble Chia Pudding (assuming 3 servings total, using oat milk and maple syrup) generally provides:

• Calories: Approximately 300–350 kcal
• Total Fat: 12–15g (rich in healthy, unsaturated fats from chia)
• Protein: 8–10g (contributes to satiety)
• Fiber: 12–15g (over 50% of the recommended daily intake)
• Carbohydrates: 40–50g (mostly complex carbs from oats, fiber, and fruit sugars)

Choosing a protein-rich milk (like soy milk or dairy milk) can further increase the protein content, making this an even more satisfying post-workout snack or brunch option. This recipe provides high satiety due to the combination of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making it an excellent choice for weight management and sustained energy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about preparing, storing, and customizing this delightful Apple Crumble Chia Pudding.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Apple Crumble Chia Pudding Awaits

The Apple Crumble Chia Pudding is the ultimate solution for those who crave the comforting flavors of a classic dessert but demand the nourishment of a healthy, wholesome breakfast. This recipe successfully marries texture and taste, delivering the creaminess of chia pudding, the warmth of spiced apples, and the satisfying crunch of a buttery oat crumble all in one perfectly portioned parfait. It’s an ideal candidate for meal preparation, simplifying your mornings and ensuring you start the day with fiber, Omega-3s, and sustained energy.

Whether you’re looking for a seasonal treat to enjoy during the cooler months, a healthy alternative to traditional apple pie, or a simple way to incorporate more superfoods like chia seeds into your diet, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Remember the golden rules: whisk the chia pudding well, let the seeds hydrate completely overnight, and ensure the crispy oat crumble topping is fully cooled before assembly to preserve that vital textural contrast. For more inspiration on incorporating delicious, healthy recipes into your routine, check out our guide on Apple Crisp with Oatmeal, which complements the flavors found in this pudding perfectly.

We encourage you to try this simple yet elegant recipe tonight so you can enjoy a perfect start to tomorrow. Don’t forget to customize it to your liking adjust the spices, swap the sweeteners, and play with different milk types to find your personal favorite version of this incredibly satisfying Apple Crumble Chia Pudding. Share your creations and let us know your favorite assembly techniques in the comments below!

Gourmet Apple Crumble Chia Pudding (Overnight Breakfast)

This healthy, layered chia pudding combines a creamy cinnamon base with warm, spiced sautéed apples and a crunchy oat crumble topping, perfect for an elegant make-ahead breakfast or dessert.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

I. For the Chia Pudding Base

• 1/2 cup Chia Seeds
• 2 cups Milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
• 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or Honey (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• Pinch Salt

II. For the Warm Apple Filling

• 2 medium Apples (firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 Tablespoon Water or Apple Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar (or maple syrup)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

III. For the Crispy Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup Rolled Oats (not instant oats)
• 1 Tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (or almond flour)
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Cold Butter or Coconut Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Small saucepan
• Mason Jars or Serving Containers

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Chia Pudding Base (Requires time to set)

1. In a large mixing bowl or a sealed container, combine the chia seeds, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, 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.
3. Let the mixture rest for five minutes, and then stir it vigorously one more time to prevent the seeds from settling too quickly. Cover and refrigerate 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 these dry ingredients together 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 smells fragrant. Remove 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, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
2. Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the apples have softened significantly but still retain a slight structure. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the spiced apples to cool to room temperature before layering.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crumble Chia Pudding

1. Retrieve the chilled chia pudding base from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Select your serving containers (mason jars or small bowls).
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 of the pudding layer.
3. Finish the dessert by sprinkling a generous portion of the cooled, crispy oat crumble topping over the very top of the pudding.
4. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours (only add the crumble just before serving to maintain its crunch).

Notes

To make this recipe entirely vegan, ensure you use a non-dairy milk (like oat or almond) and substitute the cold butter in the crumble topping with coconut oil. If you prefer a faster assembly, you can use canned or jarred apple pie filling, but reduce the added sugar significantly.