Easy Baked Apples with Crumble Topping (Cozy Dessert!)

These Easy Baked Apples with Crumble Topping are the epitome of cozy, comforting dessert! Tender, sweet apples are baked until soft and juicy, then filled with a delicious, buttery, oat crumble topping infused with warm spices like allspice and cinnamon. I absolutely love making Baked Apples when the weather starts to cool down, but honestly, they're a wonderful treat any time of year - especially when served warm with a scoop of ice cream! This recipe is incredibly simple, smells amazing while baking, and delivers pure comfort in every bite.

Why You'll Love These Baked Apples with Crumble

• Warm and Comforting: The combination of warm baked apples and spiced crumble topping is pure comfort food.
• Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward baking steps.
• Delicious Textures: Tender baked apples paired with a crunchy, buttery oat crumble.
• Perfect Use for Apples: A fantastic way to use up apples, especially crisp varieties like Honeycrisp.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: A simple yet satisfying dessert that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients for Baked Apples with Crumble

Here's what you'll need to make this cozy dessert. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Crumble Filling

• Unsalted butter (Fat)
• Vanilla extract (Flavoring)
• Light brown sugar (Sweetener)
• All-purpose flour (Dry Ingredient)
• Old fashioned rolled oats (Grain)
• Allspice (Spice)

Apples

• Large Honeycrisp apples (or other firm baking apples) (Fruit)
• Ground cinnamon (Spice)
• Brown sugar (Sweetener)
• Hot water* (Liquid) (See note in original recipe - likely for the bottom of the pan)

Optional Toppings

• Caramel sauce (Sauce)
• Ice cream (Dairy)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the classic flavor of these Baked Apples with Crumble, but here are some delicious variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Different Spices: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the crumble or sprinkle over the apples.
• Add Dried Fruit: Mix some raisins or dried cranberries into the crumble topping.
• Different Oats: Use quick-cooking oats if that's what you have, though old-fashioned provide a chewier texture.
• Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest to the apple preparation for brightness.

How to Make Baked Apples with Crumble

Let me show you how easy it is to make these comforting Baked Apples with Crumble:

Prep Oven and Pan

1. First, I preheat my oven to 375ºF (190°C).
2. I spray a 12" cast iron pan or a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Make the Crumble Filling

1. In a small saucepan, I melt the butter over medium-low heat. I continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until it becomes bubbly and turns a dark brown color with a nutty aroma (this is browned butter, which adds amazing flavor!).
2. I pour the browned butter into a medium-sized bowl and mix it with the vanilla extract, ½ cup of brown sugar, flour, oats, and allspice until a crumbly mixture forms. I set this aside.

Prepare the Apples

1. I slice each apple in half lengthwise and remove the stems.
2. Using a spoon or a melon baller, I carefully scoop out the core and seeds from each apple half, creating a small well for the filling.
3. I pour the hot water into the bottom of my prepared baking dish.
4. I place the apple halves inside the dish, cut side up.
5. I sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and the ground cinnamon all across the apples.

Stuff and Bake

1. Then, I generously stuff each apple half with the prepared crumble filling mixture, packing it in gently.
2. I cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, I remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are soft when pierced with a fork and the crumble topping is golden brown.

Cool and Serve

1. Let cool
2. Serve

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Baked Apples

Here are my secrets for making these Baked Apples with Crumble truly exceptional:

• Use Firm Baking Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking, like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Gala, or Granny Smith.
• Brown the Butter (Optional but Recommended): Browning the butter for the crumble adds incredible depth of flavor. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn!
• Don't Overfill: Pack the crumble topping in, but avoid mounding it excessively high, as it might spill over during baking.
• Cover Initially: Baking covered with foil for the first part helps the apples steam and become tender without the topping burning.
• Test for Doneness: Ensure the apples are fork-tender before removing them from the oven.

How to Serve

These Baked Apples with Crumble are best served warm! Enjoy them:

• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream is the perfect pairing.
• With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle generously with warm caramel sauce.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is always delicious.
• For Breakfast: A comforting and special breakfast treat.
• As a Fall Dessert: The quintessential cozy fall dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the crumble topping a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.
• Storage: Store leftover baked apples, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a low oven until warmed through.

FAQs about Baked Apples with Crumble

• What are the best apples for baking?
  • Firm apples that hold their shape are best. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonagold, and Gala are all good choices. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious.
• Can I make this gluten-free?
  • Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free rolled oats for the crumble topping.
• Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
  • Yes, quick oats can be used, but old-fashioned rolled oats provide a chewier, more substantial texture in the crumble.

Enjoy this warm, comforting, and utterly delicious Easy Baked Apples with Crumble Topping! It's a perfect dessert for any occasion.

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