Craving Something Healthy...

Inspiring healthier eating one dish at a time

  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer and Disclosure
  • Healthy Aging
    • Cancer Prevention
    • Diabetes and Prediabetes
    • Heart Disease
    • Women’s Health and Menopause
    • Weight Management
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers and Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Soups
    • Vegetables and Salads
  • Cooking and Wellness Resources
    • Nutrition Consult with Supplement Recommendations
    • Customized Meal Plans
    • Cooking Tools
  • Work With Me
You are here: Home / Recipes / Desserts / Easy as Pie Baked Apples

Desserts Recipes

Easy as Pie Baked Apples

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

When you’re craving a pie, but short on time, these super-quick and easy baked apples will satisfy your sweet tooth, and they’re good for you too.

 

Easy as Pie Baked Apples|Craving Something Healthy

 

Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone jumped from peaches and tomatoes right over to the pumpkin patch?  I love pumpkin everything as much as the next person, but what happened to apples? I’m guessing pumpkins are all over Pinterest because those orange baked goods are prettier to photograph. AND it’s a lot easier to open a can of pumpkin than it is to peel, core and slice all of those apples.

Apples are my go-to fruit all fall and winter long, and not just because they’re $0.98 a pound right now.  I love the subtle differences in flavor and texture between the different varieties, as well as their long shelf life, their portable, pack-ability (no cutting, peeling or containers needed), and of course, their health benefits.

Although they’re often overshadowed by more colorful berries, and yes, beta-carotene rich pumpkins, apples are pretty darn nutritious in their own right, and there actually is truth to the “Apple a Day…” saying. Apples are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which can reduce cholesterol, help stabilize blood sugar, and even promote weight loss because it helps keep you fuller for longer.

 

Easy as Pie Baked Apples|Craving Something Healthy

 

Of course apples are great on their own as a snack, but they can also make a pretty tasty dessert.  I’ve always been in love with apple pie (crumb crust only please!) but here’s the thing about apple pie.  1) you have to peel all of those apples!  2) it takes a good 45 minutes to prep and another 45 minutes to bake, and 3) since there are only 2 of us in the house, that means I might accidentally will eat pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner until it’s gone.

 

Easy as Pie Baked Apples|Craving Something Healthy

 

 

So, that’s why I tend to go the baked apple, AKA apple crisp route. It has mostly the same ingredients, and tastes just as good, but it’s WAAAY faster to make, and it’s healthier without that dough.  This recipe can be pulled together in about 6 minutes flat – much easier than pie.  No long bake time, or crust to make (or thaw 🙂 ).  No need to peel or slice those apples into uniform slices (don’t throw away the peel! It’s where the super powers live). And the oats, nuts and seeds in the crumb crust are delicious, and good for you too!

 

Easy as Pie Baked Apples|Craving Something Healthy

Easy as Pie Baked Apples

Craving Something Healthy
0 from 0 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large baking apples quartered and cut into slices
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix
  • 1/2 tsp corn starch
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries optional
  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 Tbs butter
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds pepitos

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Place apple pieces in a pie plate or shallow baking dish.
  • Mix pumpkin pie spice and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice-cornstarch mixture over apples, and toss lightly.
  • Microwave apples for approximately 3 minutes on high, or until apples are slightly softened. Sprinkle cranberries over cooked apples.
  • While apples are cooking, place oats, walnuts, brown sugar, and butter in the bowl of a food processor and pulse about 15 times until mixture is well combined and resembles damp sand.
  • Mix in pumpkin seeds by hand.
  • Sprinkle oat, nut, seed mixture over apples and cranberries.
  • Bake 12-15 minutes or until apples are bubbly and tender, and topping is golden.
  • Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or vanilla yogurt if desired.

Notes

Crumb topping adapted from Bon Appetit
Did you try this recipe?Tag @CravingSomethingHealthy and show me!!

Do you buy apples every week in the fall and winter?  Which variety is your favorite?

 

Eat well!


10 Comments

About Craving Something Healthy

Anne Danahy MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and a freelance content writer who specializes in women's health and healthy aging. She lives in the Scottsdale area and eats wherever good food is found.

Don’t Miss a Bite!

Get more recipes, healthy eating tips AND my free 3-day healthy eating meal plan

Previous Post: « Why You Shouldn’t Take More Calcium Supplements For Stronger Bones
Next Post: Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Cranberries and Walnuts »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brittany Poulson says

    October 13, 2017 at 11:22 am

    Apple season is the best! This looks like the perfect way to use up some apples!

    Reply
    • Craving Something Healthy says

      October 13, 2017 at 4:41 pm

      I know apples are available year-round, but aren’t they just SO much better in the fall?! Thanks for visiting Brittany 🙂

      Reply
  2. EA The Spicy RD says

    October 12, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    Count me in!!! This looks so yummy 🙂 Both of my kids really like apples, so we have been eating them a lot lately. The Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions I made recently were SO good-I could just eat the apples and onions all by themselves. Can’t wait to make this~love the addition of pumpkin spice and pumpkin seeds

    Reply
    • Craving Something Healthy says

      October 13, 2017 at 9:25 am

      Thanks EA! I love all types of apples but I agree cooked, with spices, and even savory with onions – it’s SO good!

      Reply
  3. Kristen Smith says

    October 11, 2017 at 8:23 pm

    I love apple season! I can’t wait to try this apple recipe!

    Reply
    • Craving Something Healthy says

      October 12, 2017 at 9:05 am

      Me too! Good thing apple season lasts almost all year 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lauren Harris-Pincus says

    October 8, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    Would love some on yogurt or cottage cheese for breakfast!!

    Reply
    • Craving Something Healthy says

      October 9, 2017 at 9:07 am

      That’s exactly what I did the other day Lauren! Great minds…

      Reply
  5. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says

    October 5, 2013 at 7:39 am

    I love apple season too. I don’t want to skip it either;) How smart to get a jump-start on the apple coking by softening them in the microwave first. This topping sounds great too. I love pepitas..

    Reply
    • Anne says

      October 5, 2013 at 10:48 am

      The topping definitely makes it :). Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

hi there!

I'm Anne Danahy, a Scottsdale, AZ-based registered dietitian and integrative nutritionist who specializes in women's health and healthy aging. I'm hooked on cold brewed coffee, and I'm equally happy with dessert or a creative salad. Come visit my kitchen and let's make something delicious today!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

craving more?

subscribe to get the latest healthy eating tips, recipes AND my free 3-day meal plan delivered straight to your inbox!

Get My Book!

The Mediterranean Diet for Two Cookbook

Footer

You Might Also Like

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies|Craving Something Healthy

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies

Sweet 'n Spicy Zucchini Relish|Craving Something Healthy

Sweet and Spicy Zucchini Relish

20 Clean Eating Recipes That Aren't Salad|Craving Something Healthy

20 Clean Eating Recipes That Aren’t Salad

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally|Craving Something Healthy

How to Reduce Your Blood Pressure without Medication

How to Sleep Better When Your Hormones Won't Let You|Craving Something Healthy

How to Sleep Better When Your Hormones Won’t Let You

Copyright © 2021 · Divine theme by Restored 316

© 2021 Craving Something Healthy
Privacy Policy