Save to Pinterest 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 love making these baked apples on crisp fall evenings as a feel-good treat that doesn't weigh you down. The oat-nut crumble takes me back to childhood kitchen scents and simple joys.
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
- Mix In Fruit (Optional):
- Stir in raisins or dried cranberries if using
- Fill Apples:
- Place apples upright in a baking dish. Fill each apple generously with the oat-nut crumble
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- 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
- Bake Uncovered:
- 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
Save to Pinterest My kids always help stuff the apples, and the warm dessert is now a favorite end to Sunday dinner together.
Recipe Variations
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter. You can swap apples for pears or switch nuts for seeds to suit preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Top the baked apples with a drizzle of maple syrup or serve with vanilla yogurt for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
Each serving offers a balanced treat: 220 calories, 9 g fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save to Pinterest These baked apples are a cozy finish to any meal. Enjoy them warm for ultimate comfort and flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of apples work best for baking?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold their shape well when baked and offer a balanced sweetness ideal for this dish.
- → Can I substitute nuts in the crumble topping?
Yes, walnuts or pecans provide a nice crunch and flavor, but feel free to omit or replace with seeds for nut-free options.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Use plant-based butter instead of dairy butter and ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly to maintain flavor and texture.
- → What is the purpose of the applesauce in the crumble?
Unsweetened applesauce helps moisten the crumble topping, binding ingredients while keeping it tender and less greasy.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the apples with the crumble topping and refrigerate for a few hours before baking for convenience.
- → What serving suggestions complement this dish?
Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of vanilla yogurt to enhance the natural sweetness and add creaminess.