Save Tender baked apples filled with a wholesome oat and nut crumble offer natural sweetness with less sugar. A comforting, healthier dessert perfect for cooler days.
I first tried making baked apples on a chilly autumn evening and was amazed how the oat-nut crumble made them taste so decadent without using much sugar. Now, it's a family favorite whenever we crave a warm treat.
Ingredients
- Apples: 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn), cored
- Rolled oats: 1/2 cup
- Walnuts or pecans: 1/3 cup chopped
- Almond flour (or whole wheat flour): 2 tbsp
- Light brown sugar or coconut sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- Unsalted butter, melted: 2 tbsp
- Unsweetened applesauce: 2 tbsp
- Optional (raisins or dried cranberries): 1/4 cup
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 Topping:
- Add melted butter and applesauce to the mixture Stir until the crumble is evenly moistened
- Add Fruit (Optional):
- Stir in raisins or dried cranberries if desired
- Fill Apples:
- Place apples upright in a baking dish Fill each apple generously with the oat-nut crumble
- Prepare for Baking:
- 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 Our family loves gathering round for this easy, cozy dessert, and the aroma of cinnamon apples always makes our kitchen feel extra inviting.
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) Can be made nut-free by omitting nuts and dairy-free by using plant-based butter Always check ingredient labels for allergens
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein
Save Baked apples with oat-nut crumble are delicious plain or with yogurt Try a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet finishing touch
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Medium-sized apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn are ideal due to their firm texture and balanced sweetness, which hold up well during baking.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the crumble topping?
Yes, walnuts or pecans are recommended, but you can omit nuts for a nut-free version or use seeds as an alternative.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Replace the unsalted butter with plant-based alternatives and ensure any optional toppings are free from animal products.
- → What is the purpose of adding applesauce to the crumble mixture?
Applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness, helping to bind the crumble ingredients evenly without extra sugar.
- → Is it possible to use pears instead of apples?
Pears can be used as a substitute, providing a similar texture and sweet flavor, though baking times may vary slightly.