10 Mar Baked Apples

One of my favourite things about autumn is the return of fresh, crisp apples!

A popular treat at our house is apple crisp. We love how fragrant apple crisp makes the house smell – warm and welcoming.

I wanted to experiment with baking apples, but wasn’t interested in the typical, overly soft dessert. I wanted more of a “mini crisp” without all the work of peeling and cutting dozens of apples. I was also keen to take Erika’s suggestion of adding peanut butter to the topping. I threw together some ingredients, cut the apples in half (without peeling), gently scooped out the core and topped with the yummy crisp mixture. I tossed them in the oven, and less than an hour later we had a delicious treat. We enjoyed them warm with ice cream, and again cold the next day.

Baked Apples

3 Honey Crisp or other firm, tart apples
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons shredded coconut
1/2 cup large flake oatmeal
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut apples in half. Scoop out core. Place apples flesh side up in parchment-lined baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Gently press 2 generous spoonfuls in carved-out trough of each apple. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 – 25 minutes. Topping should be golden brown and apples tender but firm. Enjoy!