Cinnamon-Spiced Harvest Baked Apples with Nut Crumble
Indulge in these delightful Cinnamon-Spiced Harvest Baked Apples, which are nestled in a warm buttery mixture that evokes the flavors of fall. Each apple is carefully hollowed out and stuffed with a comforting blend of quick oats, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, creating a personal apple crisp baked to perfection. The exquisite combination of pecans or walnuts adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures. Serve them warm, ideally topped off with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla or rich caramel ice cream, for a truly memorable dessert that will make your taste buds sing!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
large apples
4 (cored (McIntosh or Braeburn recommended))
quick oats
1/4 cup (uncooked)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted, melted)
chopped pecans
1/4 cup (optional)
chopped walnuts
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine quick oats, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. If using, add the chopped pecans or walnuts and stir until well mixed.
3
Place the cores of the apples on a glass baking dish. Stuff each apple generously with the oat mixture, allowing some to spill over the top.
4
Sprinkle any leftover oat mixture evenly over the tops of the apples.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized.
6
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with vanilla or caramel ice cream on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon-Spiced Harvest Baked Apples?
They are a delightful dessert featuring apples hollowed out and stuffed with a mixture of quick oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, creating a personal apple crisp.
What apple varieties are recommended for this recipe?
McIntosh or Braeburn apples are specifically recommended for their texture and flavor when baked.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings, using 4 large apples.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
What type of oats are used in the stuffing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of uncooked quick oats.
How long do the apples need to bake?
The apples should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the apples are done?
The apples are finished when they are tender and the filling has lightly caramelized.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is added to the mixture to balance the sweetness and prevent the apples from browning too quickly.
Do I need to pack the brown sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar for the best results.
Is the butter used in the recipe melted or cold?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter that has been melted.
What kind of nuts can be added to the crumble?
You can use 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or chopped walnuts, though they are optional.
How should the apples be prepared before stuffing?
The apples should be cored to create a cavity for the oat mixture.
What should I do with any leftover oat mixture?
Any leftover mixture should be sprinkled evenly over the tops of the apples before baking.
What is the best way to serve these baked apples?
They are best served warm, ideally topped with vanilla or caramel ice cream.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Yes, the pecans and walnuts are optional ingredients and can be omitted if desired.
What spices are used in this harvest recipe?
Ground cinnamon is the primary spice used to give the apples their aromatic harvest flavor.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A glass baking dish is recommended for placing the cored apples during the baking process.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The current raw data does not specify the exact calorie, fat, or carbohydrate counts.
Is the lemon juice fresh or bottled?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe suggests unsalted butter, but salted can be used if you prefer a slightly salty-sweet contrast.
What does the texture of the topping feel like?
The topping is a crunchy crumble that contrasts with the soft, tender baked apple.
Are the apples peeled?
No, the instructions indicate only coring the apples, keeping the skin intact to hold the shape.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
While brown sugar provides a caramel-like flavor, you could use coconut sugar as a substitute, though the flavor may change slightly.
What makes this a 'Harvest' recipe?
The combination of apples, cinnamon, oats, and nuts evokes classic autumn and harvest flavors.
Should I let the apples cool before serving?
The instructions recommend letting them cool slightly so they are warm but not too hot to eat.
Can I use a different type of ice cream?
While vanilla and caramel are suggested, cinnamon or ginger ice cream would also pair well.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its warm, sweet, and aromatic qualities.