Gentle Baked Cinnamon Apples with Oat Crumble

This is what I make when I want something warm and sweet that feels like pudding but is basically just fruit. The apples go soft and jammy. The oat topping adds crunch. A dollop of Greek yoghurt melts into the cracks. It's proper comfort food that happens to be good for you.

Why it's gut-friendly: Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fibre that feeds good gut bacteria and helps regulate digestion. Baking them makes them even easier to digest. Oats provide prebiotic fibre. Cinnamon helps stabilise blood sugar.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 2 large eating apples (Braeburn or Gala work well)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 30g rolled oats
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter, softened
• 1 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt to serve

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Core the apples and cut into thick slices or chunks. No need to peel.
3. Place the apple pieces in a small baking dish. Drizzle with half the maple syrup and sprinkle with half the cinnamon. Toss to coat.
4. In a small bowl, mix the oats, remaining maple syrup, remaining cinnamon, softened coconut oil or butter, and nuts if using. Rub together with your fingertips until it forms a crumbly mixture.
5. Scatter the oat mixture over the apples.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the apples are soft and the topping is golden.
7. Serve warm with a generous dollop of yoghurt.