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 on a chilly evening and was amazed how the aroma filled the house. They're wonderfully simple, yet everyone finds them special served straight from the oven.
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.
- Moisten Crumble:
- Add melted butter and applesauce to the mixture. Stir until the crumble is evenly moistened.
- Optional Fruit:
- (Optional) Stir in raisins or dried cranberries.
- Stuff Apples:
- 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.
- 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 These baked apples always remind me of my grandmother, who used to serve them after family dinners. Everyone loved gathering around the kitchen table, enjoying dessert while sharing stories.
Notes & Variations
Try pears for variety or adjust the spices to suit your taste. A drizzle of maple syrup or dollop of yogurt makes for a delicious finish.
Required Tools
Apple corer or paring knife, mixing bowl, baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, aluminum foil.
Nutrition Info
Each serving contains 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Serve these baked apples fresh from the oven for maximum flavor. Enjoy with yogurt or ice cream for a cozy dessert moment.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I use pears instead of apples?
Yes, pears work well as a substitute, offering a slightly softer texture and gentle sweetness that pairs nicely with the oat-nut crumble.
- → What nuts are best for the crumble topping?
Walnuts or pecans provide a rich, crunchy texture and complement the spices beautifully, but feel free to use your preferred nuts.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Replace butter with a plant-based alternative to keep the crumble moist without dairy ingredients.
- → Is it possible to make the topping gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free oats and almond flour ensures the crumble topping remains gluten-free while maintaining texture.
- → Can I add dried fruit to the filling?
Absolutely, stirring in raisins or dried cranberries adds bursts of sweetness and chewy texture within the crumble.