Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly baked apple, its tender flesh filled with a crispy, buttery streusel that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with the most intoxicating cinnamon aroma. These Cinnamon Streusel Baked Apples are not just a dessert; they're a warm hug on a plate that transforms ordinary fruit into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a cozy autumn indulgence, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the apples thoroughly and pat them dry. Using an apple corer or a sharp paring knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the streusel filling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients until well blended.
- Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir until the ingredients form a crumbly streusel texture. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Place the cored apples in the prepared baking dish, standing upright. Generously fill each apple's center with the streusel mixture, allowing it to mound slightly on top.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to help prevent the apples from drying out during baking.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the streusel topping to become golden brown and crisp.
- Carefully remove the baked apples from the oven. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Select firm, baking-friendly varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn that hold their shape during cooking.
- Coring Technique: When removing apple cores, leave the bottom intact to create a perfect "bowl" for the streusel filling. Use a melon baller or apple corer for clean, even results.
- Streusel Consistency: Mix your dry ingredients first, then add melted butter gradually. You want a crumbly texture that holds together when lightly pressed.
- Prevent Drying: The water in the baking dish is crucial - it creates steam and helps the apples cook evenly without becoming tough.
- Customize Your Topping: Experiment with adding chopped pecans, almonds, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg to the streusel for extra depth of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: For an elegant touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 367kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 16mg
