Apple Crisp Baked Apples Recipe

I recently crafted baked apples using tart Granny Smiths and zesty lemon juice, combined with old fashioned oats, whole wheat flour, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Butter and brown sugar bring a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances each bite of this delightful fall treat.

I’ve always been a fan of mixing textures with flavors in my recipes. That’s why I had to share my latest creation: Apple Crisp Baked Apples.

I took 4 large apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well – cored them and tossed them with a bit of 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten up the tartness. Then I piled on a topping made with 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, a dash of 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg, along with a pinch of salt.

I even sometimes add a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts. I find this recipe falls into the category of baked apple recipes that are both healthy sweets and fruit desserts.

Enjoy it as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the experience.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for several reasons. First, I love how the crunchy oat topping mixes with the soft baked apples in every bite. It’s like getting two textures at once and it always makes me smile.

Second, the combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg really makes the flavors pop and gives a warm, cozy feel that is perfect for fall. I know it sounds simple, but those spices take the whole dish to a new level.

Third, I appreciate that it’s super flexible. I can toss in some raisins or walnuts if I’m in the mood for extra flavor and crunch, or even serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a real treat. This recipe gives me a chance to experiment a bit in the kitchen and feel creative, even if I’m just whipping up a quick dessert.

Ingredients

• Apples: They add natural sweetness, a good dose of fiber and vitamins, plus a bit of tartness.
• Lemon Juice: Gives a tangy lift and stops the apples from browning too fast.
• Rolled Oats: Packed with fiber and hearty goodness, they help make the crisp topping deliciously crunchy.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Offers extra fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier choice than white flour.
• Brown Sugar: Provides that rich, molasses-like sweetness which perfectly balances the spices.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives a smooth, rich texture to the crisp topping for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, familiar spice that makes the apple flavor pop.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings a nutty spice that enhances all the other flavors.
• Raisins or Walnuts (optional): Add extra texture and a bit more nutritional punch to the dish.
• Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce (optional): They bring a cool, creamy finish to every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), cored
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: A handful of raisins or chopped walnuts
• For serving: Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Core the apples and place them in the dish. Drizzle them with 1 tbsp lemon juice to keep them from browning.

3. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, and 1/4 cup brown sugar.

4. Add in 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is crumbly.

5. If you want, toss in a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts into the crumb topping.

6. Carefully spoon the oat mixture over the apples, making sure each apple gets a generous layer.

7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping looks crisp and golden.

8. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy your fun fall treat!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven that can be preheated to 375°F
2. A baking dish that you can lightly grease
3. A sharp knife and cutting board for coring the apples
4. A mixing bowl to combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and spices
5. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate portions
6. A spoon or spatula to stir the crumb mixture and layer it over the apples
7. Oven mitts to safely remove the dish from the oven
8. An ice cream scoop if you’re serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

FAQ

Apple Crisp Baked Apples Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have lemon juice, you can try using lime juice or even a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• You can replace old fashioned rolled oats with quick oats or even try quinoa flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.
• If you’re out of whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour works just fine in its place.
• Instead of brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar or even maple syrup (just reduce a little liquid if you use it).
• You can swap unsalted butter for an equal amount of coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Try lightly toasting the oats in a dry pan for a couple of minutes before mixing them with the butter and spices. It gives the topping a deep, nuttier flavor and a crunchier texture, just don’t let it burn.
2. Always use a good amount of lemon juice on the apples. Even if they already look all fresh, the lemon really helps keep them from turning brown and adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness.
3. Make sure your butter is super soft before you mix it in. If it’s too cold, the topping won’t come together properly and you might end up with clumps instead of a nice, crumbly spread.
4. If you’re tossing in extras like walnuts or raisins, remember that a little goes a long way. Overloading the topping can overpower the natural flavor of the apples, so keep it simple and let the main ingredients shine.