Maple Baked Apples with Toasted Oats and Almonds is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the rich flavors of maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, topped with a crunchy oat and almond mixture. Perfect for those looking for a healthy yet indulgent treat, this recipe is low in cholesterol and protein, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. With a total preparation and cooking time of just one hour, including a brief 10-minute prep, you can have this delicious dessert ready to serve in no time.
| Total Time | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| PT1H | PT10M | PT50M |
To begin, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s nice and hot for baking those scrumptious apples to perfection. While the oven heats up, take 4 Granny Smith apples and prepare them by coring and slicing them into even slices, ready to soak up the wonderful flavors of the maple syrup and spices.
In a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat, combine the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Allow them to sauté until they are tender, which should take approximately 10 minutes. This step allows the apples to soften and absorb the sweetness of the maple syrup, creating a luscious base for the baked dessert.
Once the apples are tender, transfer them to a 9-inch pie plate, spreading them out evenly to create a uniform layer. Set the pie plate aside while you prepare the topping that will take this dessert to the next level of deliciousness.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 4 tablespoons of maple syrup along with the aromatic spices, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This mixture will infuse the oats, almonds, and whole wheat flour with a heavenly blend of flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Add the rolled oats, chopped almonds, and whole wheat flour to the bowl containing the maple syrup and spice mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. The oats and almonds will provide a satisfying crunch, while the whole wheat flour adds a wholesome element to the topping.
Carefully spread the oat and almond mixture over the layer of apple slices in the pie plate, ensuring an even distribution across the surface. This topping will bake to a golden brown hue, adding both visual appeal and irresistible texture to the finished dish.
Slide the pie plate into the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and crisp. As the apples soften further and the flavors meld together, your kitchen will be filled with the enticing aroma of baked apples and spices, heightening anticipation for the delicious dessert to come.
Once baked to perfection, remove the pie plate from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This brief cooling period will allow the flavors to settle and the dessert to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Whether served warm or at room temperature, Maple Baked Apples with Toasted Oats and Almonds is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Each bite bursts with the natural sweetness of the apples, complemented by the warm notes of maple syrup and spices, while the crunchy oat and almond topping adds a satisfying contrast in texture. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. So why wait? Treat yourself to a slice of pure indulgence today! 🍎🍁
