Description

This delicious, healthy baked apples recipe makes a perfect fall dessert! It’s super easy to make and naturally vegan and gluten-free (see recipe notes). This recipe scales easily; plan on 1 small baked apple per serving. I like to pop it in the oven about 15 minutes before we sit down to dinner to serve after dinner. If you make this recipe and love it, please give it a star rating in the comments below to help other readers (thank you!).

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 small organic apples
1/4 cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (or nuts of your choice)
2 tablespoons raisins (chop them if they’re big)
3 tablespoons real maple syrup (or honey), more or less to taste
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
a pinch of sea salt (or kosher salt)
1 tablespoon butter, cut into 4 pieces (use non-dairy butter if vegan is desired)
3/4 cup filtered water (or natural, unfiltered apple cider for more flavor if you have it on hand)
Topping ideas: coconut (non-dairy) whipped cream, a scoop of vegan or regular vanilla ice cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or an extra sprinkle of chopped nuts or healthy homemade granola

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Wash your apples, then prep by cutting off the top of the apple and then carefully removing the core and seeds using a melon baller or small pairing knife. We prefer to leave the skin on for flavor and texture (and fiber!) but feel free to peel them if you prefer. Place the apples into a small baking dish and set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, raisins, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. (Alternatively, you can use 1/2 cup of already made granola and skip this step.)
Spoon the mixture into the apples.
Top each apple with a small piece of the cut butter. Then add the liquid to the pan.
Bake until the apples are soft when pierced with a knife, about 45 minutes. Halfway through baking, remove the apples from the oven and baste with the pan juices.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before adding your toppings and serving. Place each apple on a small plate, top with a small scoop of coconut whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (and a sprinkle of nuts or granola, if desired.) Serve warm. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator—they are delicious cold the next day.

Notes

Dietary Substitutions:

Use vegan butter and coconut (or non-dairy) whipped cream or ice cream to keep make this dish vegan
Substitute the oats with 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, chopped, and 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds (mixed with the walnuts) to make your baked apples completely grain-free.