Baked Apples with Crumble Topping

Baked apples with crumble topping is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This simple yet delightful dessert highlights the sweetness of baked apples, paired with a crunchy and flavorful topping. It is a wonderful treat for family gatherings, autumn celebrations, or a cozy evening at home. The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

This dessert will fill your home with a delicious aroma as it bakes, making it hard to resist. The combination of flavors in this dish, along with the warm, gooey texture of the apples, makes it a must-try for everyone.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe for several reasons. First, baked apples with crumble topping is easy to make. Even if you are not an expert in the kitchen, you can follow the steps with confidence. Each step is straightforward, and the ingredients list is short, so you won’t have to hunt for hard-to-find items.

Second, this recipe is very adaptable. You can modify it based on your taste or what you have on hand. If you prefer different nuts or fruits, feel free to experiment. The topping can be changed too. You can add more spices or even some chocolate chips if you want a little extra sweetness.

Third, baked apples with crumble topping is a healthy choice. Apples are good for you, and when combined with wholesome oats and nuts, this dessert becomes a nutritious option. You can enjoy it without feeling guilty, as it is not overly sweet and offers nutrients that are good for your body.

Finally, this dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends. It looks beautiful when served and brings everyone together around the table. You can enjoy it as a dessert, or it could even work for breakfast. Drizzle some extra maple syrup on top and enjoy the sweet taste of this wonderful dish.

How to Make Baked Apples with Crumble Topping

Ingredients

• 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Empire work best)
• 1 1/8 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (sea salt preferred)
• 2 1/4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (cooled)
• 2 1/4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup apple cider (or apple juice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples
2. Slice the tops of the apples off and remove the stem using a sharp knife. Cut about halfway down the middle of each apple to remove the core. Be careful while doing this to keep the apple intact.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
4. Spray an oven-safe dish with nonstick spray. This helps prevent the apples from sticking.
5. Make the Crumble Topping
6. In a bowl, combine the oats, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Pour in the cooled melted butter and maple syrup, stirring until everything is mixed well. The mixture should hold together a bit.
7. Stuff the Apples
8. Place the apples in the prepared baking dish. Divide the oat-pecan mixture evenly between the apples, pressing the mixture down into the center a bit so it fits well.
9. Add Liquid and Bake
10. Pour the apple cider into the bottom of the dish. This keeps the apples moist while they bake. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Baste the apples every 5 to 10 minutes with the juice in the bottom of the dish. If the bottom gets dry, add a little more apple cider.
11. Finish Baking
12. In the last 5 minutes, remove the foil. This will help the topping get nice and crispy. The apples should be fork-tender and golden brown when done.
13. Serve and Enjoy
14. Once ready, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Enjoy warm, perhaps with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.

How to Serve Baked Apples with Crumble Topping

Baked apples with crumble topping can be served in various ways. Here are some great ideas:

• A La Mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy ice cream melts into the warmth of the apples, creating a delicious combination.
• With Whipped Cream: Top with fresh whipped cream for a delightful, soft texture that complements the apples.
• Breakfast Treat: Serve as a warm breakfast option. You can add some yogurt on the side or even enjoy it with your morning coffee.
• Garnish Options: You can add some caramel sauce, extra chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Storage & Freezing: Baked Apples with Crumble Topping

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Baked apples can be stored easily. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to eat them again, simply warm them in the microwave or the oven until heated through.

If you want to freeze baked apples with crumble topping, make sure they are completely cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

 

 

Serving Suggestions

Here are some fun serving suggestions:

• Pair with Drinks: This dessert goes well with hot drinks like apple cider, tea, or coffee. The warmth of the drink matches perfectly with the baked apples.
• Add Fruits: Serve alongside fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas for a colorful plate.
• Cheese Pairing: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese can make a great pairing with the sweet apples, offering a nice contrast.
• Make it Cozy: Create a cozy dessert setting with warm blankets and soft lighting, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Variations

You can easily change this recipe to suit your tastes or the season. Here are some ideas:

• Different Nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor.
• More Fruit: Add raisins, cranberries, or other dried fruits into the topping mixture for a fruity burst.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices. Nutmeg or allspice can be a lovely addition to the topping.
• Sweetener Swap: If you want to use a different sweetener, you can substitute honey or agave syrup for the maple syrup.
• Vegan Option: To make it vegan, swap the butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey.

FAQs

1. Can I use different kinds of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of apple you like. However, some apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Empire hold their shape better while baking and provide a great flavor.

2. What can I use instead of pecans?

You can use walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you prefer. Each will add a different flavor and texture to the dish.

3. How long do the baked apples last in the fridge?

Baked apples can last for up to 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make-Ahead Tips for Baked Apples with Crumble Topping

You can prepare baked apples with crumble topping ahead of time to save time later. Here are some tips:

• Prep in Advance: You can core and fill the apples with the crumble topping up to a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Make the Topping: Prepare the oat-pecan mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just fill the apples and add the apple cider.
• Leftover Options: If you have leftovers, they make a great breakfast option the next day! Enjoy them cold or warm them up.

With these simple steps, you are all set to enjoy a delicious and comforting dessert of baked apples with crumble topping. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just for yourself, this dessert can bring joy to your day.

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