Save Tender baked apples filled with a wholesome oat and nut crumble offer natural sweetness with less sugar. A comforting, healthier dessert perfect for cooler days.
I first made these baked apples for my family on a chilly autumn weekend, and they quickly became an easy go-to treat. The aroma of cinnamon and oats is always a hit at our table.
Ingredients
- Apples: 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn), cored
- Crumble Topping: 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 2 tbsp almond flour (or whole wheat flour), 2 tbsp light brown sugar or coconut sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, pinch of salt, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Apples:
- Wash and core the apples, creating a cavity for the filling while leaving the bottom intact.
- Make Crumble:
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, nuts, almond flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add melted butter and applesauce to the mixture. Stir until the crumble is evenly moistened.
- Add Fruit (Optional):
- Stir in raisins or dried cranberries if using.
- Fill & Arrange:
- Place apples upright in a baking dish. Fill each apple generously with the oat-nut crumble.
- Add Water:
- Add 2, 3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking:
- Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, plain or with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Pin it When my kids help core the apples and mix the crumble, everyone feels involved. Warm out of the oven, this dessert brings smiles all around our dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Top with a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt for extra creaminess, or drizzle with pure maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Recipe Variations
Use pears instead of apples for a twist, or swap out walnuts for sunflower seeds for nut-free diets.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving has about 220 calories, 9 g fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Pin it Baked apples are best enjoyed warm and freshly made. Add your favorite toppings for a beautiful finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Firm and mildly sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold their shape well while baking and complement the crumble's flavors.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the crumble topping?
Yes, walnuts or pecans are ideal but you can omit nuts for a nut-free version or try seeds like sunflower for texture.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Replace the unsalted butter with plant-based alternatives and ensure the sugar used is vegan friendly.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Assemble the apples with the crumble topping and refrigerate up to a day before baking for convenience.
- → What are some suggested serving options?
Serve warm plain or with a dollop of Greek or plant-based yogurt; a drizzle of maple syrup also enhances the flavor.