Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, perfectly baked apple filled with a golden, crunchy granola mixture that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This simple yet elegant dessert transforms ordinary apples into a spectacular treat that looks like it came straight from a gourmet bakery. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a comforting autumn-inspired dessert, these Baked Apples with Granola Crunch are about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- 1 cup granola
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the apples thoroughly. Using an apple corer or a sharp paring knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a hollow center. Be sure to leave about 1/2 inch of apple at the bottom.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granola, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the granola mixture and stir until the ingredients are evenly coated and slightly clumpy.
- Place the cored apples in the prepared baking dish, standing them upright. Generously fill each apple's center with the granola mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- If any granola mixture remains, sprinkle it around the base of the apples in the baking dish.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to help prevent the apples from drying out during baking.
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the granola topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the apples cool for 5-10 minutes. The filling will be very hot, so allow them to rest before serving.
- Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Select firm, baking-friendly varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn that hold their shape well during cooking.
- Coring Technique: When removing the apple cores, use a sharp apple corer or paring knife, and be careful to leave the bottom intact to create a perfect "bowl" for the granola filling.
- Prevent Burning: The water in the baking dish helps steam the apples and prevents the granola from burning. Don't skip this step!
- Customization is Key: Feel free to experiment with different types of granola or add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the apples earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake, making it perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 331kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
