Save Tender baked apples filled with a wholesome oat and nut crumble, offering 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 fall weekend, when we wanted something warm but lighter than pie. Everyone loved the balance of fruity sweetness and crumbly topping.
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 apples, creating a cavity while leaving the bottom intact
- Mix crumble:
- In a bowl, combine oats, nuts, almond flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Add melted butter and applesauce to mixture. Stir until evenly moistened.
- Include dried fruit (optional):
- Stir in raisins or dried cranberries if using.
- Stuff apples:
- Place apples upright in a baking dish. Fill each generously with oat-nut crumble.
- Add water:
- Add 2-3 tablespoons water to bottom of dish.
- Bake covered:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish baking:
- Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, plain or with dollop of Greek yogurt.
Save My kids always get excited to help stuff the apples. It reminds us of simple evenings spent together, filling the kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and baked fruit.
Required Tools
Apple corer or paring knife, mixing bowl, baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, aluminum foil are helpful for this easy dessert.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (walnuts/pecans) and dairy (butter). Can be made nut-free by omitting the nuts and dairy-free by using plant-based butter. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains 220 calories, 9 g fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save For a perfectly comforting finish, enjoy these baked apples fresh from the oven with your favorite topping. A simple, wholesome way to satisfy a sweet craving.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of apples work best?
Firm and crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold shape well during baking and provide a balanced sweetness.
- → Can I substitute nuts in the topping?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans are ideal, but you can omit nuts for a nut-free version or use seeds instead.
- → How do I keep the apples from drying out?
Adding a few tablespoons of water to the baking dish and covering with foil initially helps retain moisture during baking.
- → Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Absolutely, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure the sugar and applesauce meet vegan standards.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve warm on its own or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream to complement the natural sweetness.