Description

This delightful Almond Butter Baked Apples recipe combines tender baked apples with a rich, nutty filling made from almond butter, walnuts, and warm spices. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and gently baked to caramelized perfection, these baked apples make a wholesome dessert or cozy snack. Served warm and optionally topped with Greek or coconut yogurt and an extra drizzle of maple syrup, this dish offers a comforting treat that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Baked Apples

4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water

Optional Toppings

Plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
Extra drizzle of maple syrup

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the apples evenly.
Core the apples: Carefully remove the cores from the apples, making sure to leave the bottom intact. This creates a hollow center to hold the almond butter filling while preventing the filling from leaking out during baking.
Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the almond butter, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth, spreadable mixture.
Stuff the apples: Spoon the almond butter mixture into the cored centers of each apple. Press gently to pack the filling firmly but without breaking the apples.
Arrange apples in baking dish: Place the filled apples upright in a baking dish. Pour the water into the bottom of the dish to help keep the apples moist while baking.
Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the apples to cook through and the filling to warm up gently.
Uncover and caramelize: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step softens the apples further and helps them to develop a slightly caramelized, golden surface.
Serve: Carefully transfer the baked apples to plates and serve warm. Optionally, top with a scoop of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt and drizzle extra maple syrup for added creaminess and sweetness.

Notes

You can use different apple varieties based on your preference, but firmer, sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work best for baking.
For a nut-free version, substitute almond butter and walnuts with sunflower seed butter and seeds, respectively.
If you prefer a sweeter filling, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar to the mixture.
To make the dish vegan, select coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt for topping.
Be careful when coring apples to keep the bottom intact; otherwise, the filling may leak out during baking.
The water in the baking dish prevents the apples from drying out and helps create a gentle steam environment during cooking.