Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly baked apple, its tender flesh cradling a golden, crispy oatmeal crumble that's both nostalgic and irresistible. This isn't just a dessert; it's a warm hug on a plate that transforms ordinary apples into a spectacular treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a cozy autumn dessert or a healthier alternative to traditional pies, these Baked Apples with Oatmeal Crumble are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- 1 cup gluten-free oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease with butter.
- Wash the apples thoroughly. Using an apple corer or sharp knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a well. Be sure to leave about 1/2 inch of apple at the bottom.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Pour the melted butter or coconut oil over the dry oat mixture. Stir until the ingredients are completely combined and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- If using, add the chopped nuts to the oat mixture and stir to incorporate.
- Place the cored apples in the prepared baking dish. Generously fill each apple's center with the oatmeal crumble mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- If any crumble mixture remains, sprinkle it around the base of the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the crumble topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Select firm, baking-friendly varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn that hold their shape during baking.
- Core Carefully: When removing apple cores, use a sharp apple corer or paring knife, and leave the bottom intact to create a perfect "bowl" for the crumble.
- Don't Overfill: Pack the crumble mixture gently to prevent it from spilling over during baking.
- Check for Doneness: Apples are ready when they're tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.
- Customize Your Crumble: Feel free to experiment with adding nuts, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the flavor.
- Serve Warm: These baked apples are best enjoyed immediately after cooling, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg