Healthy Baked Apples Recipe

Introduction

Baked apples are a comforting and wholesome dessert perfect for using fresh orchard apples. This recipe is free from gluten, dairy, and animal products, making it a healthy treat for many diets. Enjoy the warm, cinnamon-spiced filling topped with a crunchy oat crumble.

Ingredients

• 4 large tart apples (such as Pink Lady or Honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or 2 tablespoons for a sweeter filling)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Core the apples by making a circular cut around the stem with a spoon or paring knife, then scoop out the core and seeds carefully to create a hollow space for the filling.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, oats, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir together, then add the maple syrup and coconut oil. Mix until a crumbly topping forms.
3. Step 3: Place the cored apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the edges with coconut oil to prevent drying. Stuff each apple with an equal amount of the oat mixture, pressing gently to fill the cavity.
4. Step 4: Bake the apples for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and the topping is golden. If you prefer softer apples, bake a few minutes longer.

Tips & Variations

• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp for the best texture. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious or Gala that become mushy.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar to make the recipe refined-sugar-free.
• Add raisins or dried cranberries into the filling for a chewy, fruity twist.
• Use gluten-free oats if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
• Butter can replace coconut oil if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best served warm and do not freeze well, as thawing can make them mushy. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Whole oats can be used but may result in a chewier topping. Quick-cooking oats tend to blend better and create a crumblier texture.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a sugar-free brown sugar substitute depending on your preference.

Healthy Baked Apples Recipe

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4.5 from 122 reviews

Delicious and healthy baked apples featuring a wholesome oat and nut crumb topping. Made with tart apples, almond flour, oats, pecans, and natural sweeteners, this gluten-free and dairy-free dessert is perfect for a nutritious treat that tastes like apple crisp. Easy to make and customizable for refined sugar-free and nut-free diets.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Filling

• 4 large tart apples (Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith recommended)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for brushing)

Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar for refined sugar-free)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature helps the almond flour crumb topping brown perfectly without burning.
2. Core the apples: Use a large spoon or sharp paring knife to remove the apple cores and seeds, creating enough space to fill the apples. Be careful not to pierce through the bottom of the apples.
3. Prepare the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, quick oats, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to mix evenly. Add maple syrup and coconut oil, then mix until the ingredients form a crumbly mixture.
4. Stuff the apples: Place the cored apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the edges of each apple with coconut oil to prevent drying out during baking. Fill each apple cavity with an equal amount of the oat-nut crumb mixture.
5. Bake the apples: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the apples become fork-tender and the topping is golden and crumbly. If desired softness isn’t reached, bake a few minutes longer.
6. Serve: Enjoy warm, optionally topped with whipped cream, vanilla Greek yogurt, or ice cream for a delicious healthy dessert.

Notes

• Use firm, tart apples like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith to avoid mushy texture.
• For a nut-free version, omit pecans or replace them with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar to make the recipe refined-sugar-free.
• Ensure oats are gluten-free if needed for celiac or gluten sensitivities.
• Store baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; not suitable for freezing due to texture changes.
• Longer baking times yield softer apples; check tenderness with a fork.
• Add dried fruits like raisins or dried cranberries for additional sweetness and texture.

Keywords: baked apples, healthy dessert, gluten free dessert, dairy free dessert, vegan dessert, apple crisp, oat topping, almond flour, refined sugar free