Jacqueline Casey 
I know baked apples are usually associated with the Fall, however, they are such a favorite in my house that we eat them year round (well maybe not on a 90 degree day). While we enjoy baked apples on their own (heated up in the microwave and ready in 5 minutes), they are even better when topped with this vanilla and cinnamon crunchy granola. This is super easy to make with most of the work being cutting up the apples. The rest of the ingredients come together fast and then it’s just a matter of waiting for them to bake in the oven.
Options, Substitutions and Tips!
- I recommended a few of my favorite baking apples for this recipe; Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Braeburn and Pink Lady. I like these apples best because they will hold their shape when baked, becoming soft but not mushy. They are also naturally on the sweet side, so I do not need to add much sugar. With that being said, you can use your favorite baking apple. If you do choose an apple that is not as sweet-for example a granny smith, you could either add a little extra granulated sugar to your cut apples, or just have the dish not be as sweet.
- I buy apples from the bag which I think tend to be on the smaller size. So when I use 6 apples they are small->medium. If you have apples that are on the large side you will probably only need 4 or 5.
- When cutting up the apples, I use an apple corer and then just chop the apple slices into pieces. This makes what I feel is a tedious job of cutting up the apples go a bit faster. I also keep the skin on the apples. I do this for two reasons, I don’t mind the crunch from leaving the skin on, and I really don’t like removing the skin. If you do remove the apple skins, your apples will have a softer consistency.
- If you love cinnamon, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon (for example, 1/2 a tsp), when adding the lemon juice and sugar to your cut apples, prior to adding the topping.
- Since there are not many ingredients, I recommend using Pure Vanilla Extract vs. an Imitation Vanilla Extract.
- This is delicious for a snack and if having for dessert, you could add a scoop of ice cream on top. Lately, our favorite way to enjoy, has been to add with some greek yogurt for a parfait that we’ve had for a snack and even for Breakfast.
- We don’t typically have leftovers, but when we do, we have reheated them for the next day. It’s not as good as the first day (but still not bad). The apples are fine, but the granola topping starts to lose it crunch and becomes a bit mushy.
Baked Apples with Crunchy Granola Topping
A variety of choice of apples are topped and baked with a quickly made vanilla and cinnamon oat granola for a crunchy, healthy and satisfying snack or dessert. Add to a favorite yogurt to make a parfait perfect for breakfast.
- Casserole or Glass Baking Dish, Apple Corer (optional)
- 6 Apples (Recommended: Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady. )
- 1 Lemon (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
Granola Topping
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- 1½ cups Old Fashion Oats (also called Rolled Oats )
- ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
Pre-heat oven to 375°F/190°C
Cut pre-rinsed apples into even bite size pieces. Optional: Use an Apple Corer to make this go a bit faster. I leave the outside skin on the Apples, but if you prefer you could peel off the skin.
Place cut apples into casserole or glass baking dish. Squeeze a bit of lemon (about ½ a tsp) on top of apples. Sprinkle 1 tsp white granulated sugar on top of apples and give a little bit of a mix. Set apples aside.
Melt 4 Tbsp of butter in medium microwave safe bowl. Heat in microwave in 20 second increments until butter is completely melted.
Add and mix brown sugar to melted butter until sugar is completely incorporated.
Add vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and mix.
Add oats and flour and mix until oats are fully coated.
Spoon oat mixture on top of apples in an even layer.
Place in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until oats resemble a toasted and crunchy granola. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm plain or with a scoop of ice cream on top!
