I always have lots of apples in the house as we all love them (yes even The Boy !) so I wanted to find some different ways of using them than just plain raw apple. I found these 3 great recipes online and as usual I have made my own alterations to them as they all contained sugar and I really prefer, wherever I can, to avoid giving the kids uneccessary sugar. The first two can be used for desserts or breakfast and all three make great snacks. I hope you enjoy as much as we do! 

Apple crispy crumble

2 Apples (I have used Red Delicious, Gala and Pink Lady before and find the sweeter ones work better)

2 tpsp plain flour

4 tbsp porridge oats (uncooked)

1 Pinch of cinnamon

1 Pinch of nutmeg

4 tbsp butter

Optional:

1 tbsp raisins

2 tbsp sugar

NB: I love using pots of fruit puree as you can all tell by now and I have made this recipe using them. It does work but to be honest its a bit too smooth and liquidy for my liking but does save you making your own puree (although as you will see it only takes a couple minutes in the microwave to make your own).

Peel and and cut the apples into little pieces and put into a bowl with some water then cook on high for 2 minutes in the microwave or until the apple is soft enough to mash. Mash the apple (don’t liquidise or blend the apple as it will make it far too runny) and add raisins if using them. I tend to leave lumps in mine as I think it makes a better base for the crumble topping but make it as lumpy or smooth as you like! Mix the flour, spices and butter (and sugar if you are using) with your fingers until you get a crumble like texture. Put the apple mixture into an oven proof dish then sprinkle the crumble mix on top and bake at 180 degrees C for 20 minutes until the crumble has browned on top. Alternatively place under a medium grill for 5-10 minutes again until the crumble is browned. Let it cool a bit and eat warm or cold. Its great with some yoghurt on top.

Sugar and Egg Free Cinnamon Apple Cake

Here’s one for my many egg-free friends. Its totally yummy and so easy to make. I personally enjoy it with a cup of tea but Little Lady and The Boy like it for breakfast or as a tasty snack. As its sugar free I’m more than happy for them to have as much as they like!

300g Apple puree (homemade or from a pot)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

250g plain flour

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and then pour into a well greased cake tin. Cook at 180 degrees C for 30-45 minutes or when a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire tray and then cut into slices. Can be eaten warm or cold and can be frozen. I freeze mine in slices wrapped in clingfilm and then just take out as and when needed and either defrost in microwave or leave on the side for a couple hours.

No fry Apple Crisps

These are so yummy and so easy to make. Admittedly they take a lot longer than my usual 30-45 minute recipes but you really don’t need to do much with them once they are in the oven. And they are as nice or even nicer than shop bought apple crisps. The Boy even chooses them over normal potato crisps which is a huge result for me!