Baked apples can be deceptively unhealthy. The addition of copious amounts of brown or powdered sugar, not to mention the sweetened cream, ice cream, or custard often dolloped on top, generally makes them the type of healthy-seeming fruit desert that secretly punishes. These recipes are stripped back to include all of the spice, crunch, and fragrance, but with more nutritious sources of flavor. Each recipe can be served alone, or with natural yogurt, coconut cream, or ricotta. Alternatively, before cooking add a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil to the top of each apple for some additional satiating fats.
Baked Apples with Chopped Nuts and Dates
Simply scoop out the center and fill with a mixture of dried fruits and chopped nuts. A simple recipe, with no additional sweetener and just water added to the pan to provide moisture.
Apple Pie Baked Apples
Another filled apple, this time with vanilla and honey for extra flavor. To retain the apple’s juices these are first baked in foil and then without. Although presented as a desert recipe, these would make an equally delicious breakfast.
Pumpkin Spice Baked Apple
The previous recipe calls for 40 minutes of cooking time, while this recipe calls for 20; obviously given a little extra time in the oven the apples will be mushier, and sweeter.
Photos: originaleating.com, paleoleap.com, and thegraciouspantry.com
