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 still remember making baked apples for the first time when fall arrived. The aroma in the kitchen was amazing and this oat-nut crumble quickly became a family favorite for cozy evenings.
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 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 Optional Add-Ins:
- (Optional) Stir in raisins or dried cranberries.
- Fill Apples:
- Place apples upright in a baking dish. Fill each apple generously with the oat-nut crumble.
- Bake:
- Add 2, 3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. 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 When we serve this, everyone gathers around the table for a taste. My kids especially love personalizing their apples with extra raisins or a spoonful of yogurt.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (walnuts, pecans) and dairy (butter). Can be made nut-free and dairy-free with substitutions. Always check labels for allergens.
Required Tools
Apple corer or paring knife, mixing bowl, baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, aluminum foil
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Serve these baked apples warm for maximum comfort. They're just as delicious with a scoop of yogurt or enjoyed plain.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What apples work best for this dish?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold structure well during baking and provide a balanced sweetness.
- → Can I substitute nuts in the crumble topping?
Yes, walnuts or pecans are recommended for their texture and flavor, but you can omit or replace with seeds if needed.
- → How do I prevent the baked apples from drying out?
Adding water to the baking dish and covering it loosely with foil helps retain moisture and softens the apples evenly.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for the crumble?
Simply swap unsalted butter for plant-based butter to keep the crumble moist and flavorful without dairy.
- → Can I add dried fruits to the filling?
Yes, stirring in raisins or dried cranberries adds a pleasant sweetness and texture contrast within the crumble.
- → What spices enhance the oat-nut crumble?
A pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth, complementing the natural apple sweetness.