Baked Apples Recipe Maple Pecan Crumble With Crimson Skins

I often find myself reaching for this baked apples recipe Maple Pecan Crumble With Crimson Skins when I want a dessert that feels special but comes together so easily. The aroma of cinnamon and warm maple filling my kitchen is an instant comfort, and those vibrant crimson skins truly make it a feast for the eyes. This simple, hearty dessert is perfect for busy weeknights, quiet family evenings, or impressing guests with minimal effort, bringing smiles to every face. Years of baking for my own family have taught me that simple ingredients often make the most unforgettable treats, especially when you need a family-friendly meal component.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Their Roles)

For this comforting baked apples recipe Maple Pecan Crumble With Crimson Skins, you’ll need simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. This homemade baked apples recipe thrives on high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Essential ingredients with short purpose notes:

• Crimson-skinned apples (4-6 medium): Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are best; they hold shape and offer vibrant color.
• Rolled oats (1 cup / 90g): Provide hearty texture and fiber for the crumble topping.
• Chopped pecans (1/2 cup / 50g): Add a delightful nutty crunch and healthy fats (or walnuts if that’s what’s in the pantry).
• Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup / 60ml): Offers natural sweetness and a rich, deep flavor (use honey if preferred).
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup / 50g): Contributes a molasses-rich depth and caramel notes to the crumble.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup / 56g, cold, cubed): Essential for a flaky, golden crumble texture.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): A classic warming spice that complements apples perfectly.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle, aromatic warmth to the spice blend.
• Pinch of salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Flexible substitutions and budget-friendly swaps:

Adapt this delicious baked apple dessert to your pantry and preferences for easy, healthy meals.

• Apples: Granny Smith offers tartness; any firm baking apple works well.
• Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can easily replace pecans for similar crunch.
• Sweetener: Honey or agave are good alternatives for maple syrup; white sugar can substitute brown sugar.
• Crumble: Use certified gluten-free oats or almond flour for a dietary twist.

Highlight healthier choices:

Making smart ingredient choices can elevate this family-friendly dessert of baked apples.

• Organic apples ensure fewer pesticides and often better flavor.
• Dairy-free butter provides a vegan option without sacrificing crumble texture.
• Reduced sugar variations are simple with natural sweeteners or sugar substitutes for lower calorie baked apples.
• Add chia seeds or ground flax meal to the crumble for extra fiber and omega-3s, boosting its nutrition.

Mention seasonal availability and storage quality:

Apples are best in the fall when freshly harvested, but you can find great options year-round. Choose firm, unblemished fruits for the best baking results.

For optimal texture, store any leftover apples and crumble topping separately if preparing ahead. The perfect ‘meal prep recipe’ for fall! This ensures the crumble stays crisp.

Cooking Method, Simplified

Step-by-step numbered process with time cues:

1. Prep Apples (10 mins): Wash 4-6 crimson-skinned apples thoroughly. Using an apple corer, remove the core, leaving a small cavity. Score a shallow line around the apple’s equator to prevent splitting as they bake. You want them firm but ready to soften.
2. Make Crumble (5 mins): In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (90g) rolled oats, 1/2 cup (50g) chopped pecans, 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, 1/4 cup (56g) cold cubed unsalted butter, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp salt. Use your fingertips to blend until coarse crumbs form, ensuring the butter is well distributed but still visible in small pieces.
3. Assemble (5 mins): Carefully stuff each cored apple with the Maple Pecan Crumble mixture, mounding it slightly on top. Place the filled baked apples into a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually add a splash of water to the bottom of the pan to keep them from drying out during baking.
4. Bake (30-40 mins): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffed apples for 30-40 minutes, or until the apple flesh is tender when pierced with a fork and the crumble topping is golden brown and bubbling. If the crumble looks too dark too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the remaining baking time. You’ll hear a gentle sizzle from the pan.
5. Rest (5 mins): Remove from oven and let the baked apples rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the fillings to set slightly and prevents burns from the hot filling. The aroma will be incredible.

Add inline shortcuts for busy cooks:

• Use an apple corer to speed up prep time significantly.
• Mix the Maple Pecan Crumble ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Bake multiple batches of this baked apples recipe at once for easy meal prep throughout the week or for a larger gathering.

Call out common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Overbaking: Results in mushy apples; check for tenderness with a fork, but avoid piercing too much.
• Undercooking: Apples will be too firm; cover the dish with foil and bake longer if needed, checking every 5-7 minutes.
• Soggy Crumble: Ensure your butter is cold and the crumble is spread evenly for crispiness.
• Using soft apples: Always choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for structure and a pleasant texture.

Perfect Moments to Serve Baked Apples with Maple Pecan Crumble

This baked apples recipe Maple Pecan Crumble With Crimson Skins is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a quick weeknight treat. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dessert everyone loves.

• Serve cooled, deconstructed for kids’ lunchboxes.
• Garnish with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for festive tables.
• Pairs well with whipped cream or a warm cup of herbal tea.

Nutrition and Wellness Benefits

Our baked apples recipe Maple Pecan Crumble With Crimson Skins offers wholesome goodness. Apples and oats provide fiber, pecans offer healthy fats, and crimson skins are rich in antioxidants. Maple syrup provides natural sweetness and minerals.

• Diet-Friendly: Use certified gluten-free oats for GF diets.
• Vegan: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar: Adjust sweeteners for a low-carb meal.

Everyday Practical Benefits

This baked apples recipe Maple Pecan Crumble With Crimson Skins saves time and fits busy lifestyles. It’s quick to cook, uses affordable ingredients, and makes delicious leftovers.

• Make-Ahead: Prepare crumble ahead, store in fridge.
• Portable: Individual apples are great for packed lunches.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze and reheat for convenience.

Expert Tips and Flavor Upgrades

Elevate your baked apples recipe Maple Pecan Crumble With Crimson Skins with these tips for taste and texture.

• Pre-bake apples: Microwave cored apples 2-3 minutes for extra tenderness.
• Toast nuts: Briefly toast pecans for deeper flavor.
• Crispier Crumble: Broil briefly at the end for crunch (watch closely!).
• Add ginger, cardamom, or orange zest for new flavor profiles.
• For dietary needs, use sunflower seeds (nut-free), GF oats, or plant-based butter.

Common Questions Answered

What are the best apples for this baked apples recipe?

Firm, slightly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work wonderfully. They hold their shape and flavor beautifully during baking. I often grab Honeycrisp for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make the Maple Pecan Crumble ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the crumble mix and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month. This is a great meal prep trick.

How do I store leftover baked apples with maple pecan crumble?

Store cooled baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly until heated through.

Is this baked apples recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

With a few simple tweaks, yes! Swap the maple syrup and brown sugar for approximately ½ cup (100g) of erythritol or monk fruit and use almond flour in the crumble to lower the carb count significantly.

Can I add other fruits to these baked apples?

You can certainly add a few berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, or chopped pears to the apple cavity before stuffing with the Maple Pecan Crumble for extra flavor and visual appeal.

What makes crimson-skinned apples special for baking?

Their vibrant crimson skins add beautiful color to the finished dish and often contain more beneficial antioxidants. The flesh of these varieties typically bakes down nicely without becoming too mushy, perfect for this baked apples recipe.

Where can I find high-quality maple syrup for this recipe?

Look for pure Grade A maple syrup in your local grocery store, often near other sweeteners or in specialty food aisles. Organic ingredients for the best flavor and quality are always a good choice.

Conclusion

So there you have it — a simple, hearty, and utterly delicious way to enjoy baked apples recipe Maple Pecan Crumble With Crimson Skins that will quickly become a cherished family favorite. Save this delightful recipe to your Pinterest board for quick family dinners and healthy eating inspiration!

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