Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Almond Crumble
Hello, all you dessert connoisseurs and fellow culinary adventurers! Today, we’re going to don our chef’s hats and embark on a sweet culinary journey. In this dessert, we’ll expertly coax out the inherent sweetness of apples, infuse them with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, and crown it all with a delectable almond crumble. So, strap on your apron, and let’s put our chef skills to work as we whip up a treat that’s both a gastronomic delight and a nutritious masterpiece!
Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Almond Crumble
Indulge in guilt-free sweetness with our Baked Apples featuring warm cinnamon and a satisfying almond crumble. A culinary masterpiece that's as nutritious as it is scrumptious.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ cup water
For the Almond Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup almonds, chopped
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
For the Baked Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Wash the apples and remove the cores, leaving the bottoms intact to create a cavity for the filling.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Fill each apple cavity with this mixture.
- Place the filled apples in the greased baking dish, and pour the water into the bottom of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the apples for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape.
For the Almond Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, almond butter, honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated and forms a crumbly texture.
Assembling the Dessert:
- Once the apples are baked and tender, remove them from the oven. Carefully spoon the almond crumble mixture on top of each apple.
- Return the apples to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the almond crumble is lightly toasted.
- Voilà! Your Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Almond Crumble are ready to be savored. This dessert is a celebration of natural flavors and textures, combining the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the satisfying crunch of almond crumble. It's a delightful way to indulge without the guilt. Bon appétit, my fellow dessert enthusiasts!
Notes
- Apple Selection: You can use a variety of apples, but slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet options like Honeycrisp work well. The choice of apple can influence the overall sweetness of the dessert.
- Vegan-Friendly: To make this dessert vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup and ensure your almond butter is vegan-friendly. The flavor will remain delightful.
- Customize the Crumble: Feel free to get creative with the crumble topping. You can add a touch of vanilla extract, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of your favorite chopped nuts for a personal twist.
- Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the apples are warm and the almond crumble is crispy. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling and almond crumble ahead of time. When ready to serve, assemble the dessert and bake for a few minutes to reheat. It’s a convenient option for entertaining.