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 remember making these baked apples for my family one chilly autumn afternoon. The aroma from the oven brought everyone into the kitchen, eager for a taste.
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
- Prep and 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.
- Mix 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.
- (Optional) Add Fruit:
- Stir in raisins or dried cranberries.
- Fill Apples:
- Place apples upright in a baking dish. Fill each apple generously with the oat-nut crumble.
- Prepare 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.
- 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.
Save Serving these baked apples after dinner has become a cherished family ritual, especially when everyone gets to choose their favorite toppings.
Required Tools
Apple corer or paring knife, mixing bowl, baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, aluminum foil
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (walnuts/pecans) and dairy (butter). To make nut-free, omit nuts. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 3 g per serving
Save Enjoy these baked apples warm from the oven. Their natural sweetness and comforting spices will make them a regular treat at home.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Medium firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold their shape well during baking, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the crumble topping?
Yes, walnuts or pecans are ideal, but you can adjust or omit nuts based on dietary preferences or allergies.
- → How does applesauce affect the crumble topping?
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture to the crumble, helping it bind and remain tender without excess sugar.
- → What is the purpose of baking the apples covered, then uncovered?
Baking covered initially allows apples to soften gently, while uncovering enables the crumble topping to brown and crisp up beautifully.
- → How can this dish be made vegan-friendly?
Use plant-based butter instead of dairy butter to keep the crumble topping rich and vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.