Baked apples are a cozy treat filled with sweet goodness! Simply core apples, stuff them with a mix of sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, then bake until they’re soft and bubbly.
These warm, sweet apples make your home smell amazing! I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s a perfect match! 🍏🍨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a balance of sweetness and tartness. If you want to try something different, Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness that contrasts well with the sweet filling.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans work great here, but if you have allergies, you could use sunflower seeds or simply skip them altogether for a nut-free version. Toasting the nuts before mixing them in can add extra flavor!
Brown sugar: While brown sugar gives a wonderful depth of flavor, you can use white sugar if that’s what you have. You could also try coconut sugar for a different twist.
Butter: Using unsalted butter is ideal, but you can replace it with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option. Just adjust the quantity, as some fats are stronger in flavor.
How Do I Make the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch to your baked apples! To achieve that ideal texture, it’s essential to combine the dry ingredients first before adding butter. Here’s how to do it:
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, oats, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add softened butter gradually, using your fingertips to mix until you see pea-sized lumps. This ensures an even distribution of butter for a crispy topping.
- When you sprinkle the crumble over the apples, make sure to cover them nicely, but don’t press down too hard—this keeps it light and crunchy!
By keeping an eye on the crumble while it bakes, you’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and fragrant, adding a lovely texture to your baked apples!
Baked Apples with Caramel Sauce and Crumble Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Baked Apples:
- 4 medium-sized apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Crumble Topping:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 30-40 minutes of baking. You’ll have a total of about an hour to create and enjoy this warm and comforting dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, wash your apples and carefully core them, leaving the bottom intact so they can hold all the delicious filling.
2. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts or pecans. This mixture will add a sweet and nutty flavor to your apples!
3. Stuff the Apples:
Now, fill each apple cavity with the brown sugar and nut mixture you prepared. Make sure to pack it in a bit to get that really yummy filling!
4. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a fork to mix everything together until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is going to give your apples a great crispy topping!
5. Add the Topping:
Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over and around the stuffed apples in a baking dish. This will create a lovely crunchy layer as it bakes!
6. Bake the Apples:
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The kitchen will smell divine!
7. Make the Caramel Sauce:
While the apples are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar until it’s dissolved and bubbling. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
8. Final Touches:
Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This will really enhance the flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your baked apples are ready, carefully plate them and drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top and around the plate. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you like—yum!
Enjoy this comforting baked apple dessert with a sweet, gooey caramel drizzle and crunchy crumble topping. It’s the perfect treat to warm your heart and fill your belly!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are great choices due to their sweetness and firmness, you can also use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast or Braeburn apples for a mellow flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture of the apples may vary, so bake until they reach your desired tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Nuts?
If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer not to use them, you can omit the nuts entirely or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. You could also use granola as a topping for added texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, simply reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a drizzle of fresh caramel sauce to revive the flavors!
Can I Make the Caramel Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the caramel sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave before drizzling it over your baked apples.