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 tried these baked apples on a chilly autumn evening. The warm spices and crumbly oat-nut topping made them an instant family favorite, loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- Apples: 4 medium apples (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, leaving the bottoms intact for filling.
- Mix Crumble:
- In a bowl, combine oats, nuts, almond flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in melted butter and applesauce until moistened.
- Optional Add-ins:
- Mix in raisins or dried cranberries if desired.
- Fill Apples:
- Place apples upright in baking dish and fill with crumble.
- Bake Covered:
- Add 2-3 tablespoons water to dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more until apples are tender and topping is golden.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, plain or with Greek yogurt.
Save This recipe brings back fond memories of my grandmother baking apples after Sunday dinner. Everyone looked forward to that irresistible smell wafting through the house.
Serving Suggestions
Top baked apples with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a more decadent treat.
Make It Nut-Free or Vegan
Omit the nuts and use plant-based butter for an allergy-friendly and vegan version without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains about 220 calories, 9 g fat, 35 g carbohydrates and 3 g protein, making this dessert a lighter option.
Save Baked apples with oat-nut crumble are a comforting fall dessert. Enjoy them warm and savor every wholesome bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best for baking?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold their shape well during baking and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the crumble topping?
Yes, you can use walnuts, pecans, or omit nuts for a nut-free version, adjusting texture and flavor accordingly.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for butter in this dish?
Plant-based butter works well as a substitute, maintaining moisture and rich crumble texture.
- → How do the spices influence the dish?
Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, aromatic notes that complement the natural sweetness of the baked apples.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the stuffed apples in advance and refrigerate before baking to save time.
- → What serving suggestions enhance this dish?
Serving warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup adds creaminess and extra flavor layers.