Enjoy this scrumptious autumn treat that makes the most of your apple-picking haul! Transforming easily into a vegan, gluten-free, or refined sugar-free delight, it’s like a cozy apple crisp, but with a twist—stuffed right into a whole apple.
Picture a buttery oat streusel, bursting with flavor from two secret ingredients: crystallized ginger and a splash of bourbon. While optional, these additions truly elevate the taste!
Now, let’s whip up this delightful dessert:
Baked Apples with Maple Oat Filling
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon + a pinch of nutmeg and cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp finely chopped crystallized ginger optional
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 5 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: a splash of bourbon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully remove the apple core by twisting the knife. Create enough space for the filling by scooping out additional apple with a spoon.
- Combine oats, flour, spices, salt, ginger, and pecans. Stir in the butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and bourbon until well mixed.
- Fill each of the 4 apples with the mixture.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes (opt for a longer bake if you prefer softer apples; I like a bit of bite).
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for the perfect finishing touch!