You're going to love these 5-Ingredient Healthy Bake Apples! They are an affordable homemade treat that's perfect for a healthy breakfast or dessert. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a traditional Ukrainian treat.
In Ukraine, baked apples are a very popular recipe. In fact, back in the day when candies and cookies were in deficit, baking apples was the only way to satisfy the sweet tooth.
You can either bake the whole apple or bake apple slices and it will always come out healthy and delicious.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
We love this recipe because it’s the perfect healthy dessert or even a fun breakfast. It’s packed with all the flavors of fall and winter, and it’s super easy to make. Here’s why we think you’ll love it too:
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile: This recipe is very versatile. You can stuff the apples with any mix of nuts or dried fruits you like. You can also use candied fruits, bananas or even cottage cheese.
- Healthy: Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C. The walnuts and raisins in this recipe add an extra dose of healthy nutrients.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, and you can have it ready in just an hour.
Key Ingredients
- Apples - They are the star of this recipe. We prefer to use Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples for their firm texture and sweet-tart flavor.
- Honey - We use honey to sweeten the apples naturally. It also helps to caramelize the apples while baking, adding a depth of flavor.
- Walnuts - They add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the filling. Make sure to chop them finely so that they're evenly distributed.
- Raisins - They add a natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the filling. You can use regular or golden raisins, depending on your preference.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Different Filling: Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots would also work well in place of the raisins. You can also soak the raising in juice, rum, or cognac for an additional burst of flavor. You can also use candied fruits, bananas or even cottage cheese.
- Spices: The cinnamon in this recipe is a classic, but you can also get creative with your spice choices. Try a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of allspice for a different flavor profile.
- Sweeteners: If you’re not a fan of honey, try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
How to Make Healthy Baked Apples
Step 1: Place the raisins in a small bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix chopped walnuts, soaked raisins, cinnamon, and honey. Wash and dry the apples.
Step 3: Using a knife or apple corer, cut out the cores of the apples, leaving the bottom intact. Stuff the apples with the walnut-raisin mixture.
Step 4: Place the stuffed apples on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 375 F.
Step 5: Drizzle the baked apples with caramel sauce and serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use any variety of apples for this recipe, but we recommend Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. These apple varieties hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
No, you don't need to peel the apples. In fact, leaving the skin on will help the apples hold their shape during baking and add a nice texture to the finished dish.
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of nut if you're not a fan of walnuts. Pecans, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts would work well in this recipe.
Healthy baked apples can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Recipe
Healthy Baked Apples
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Place the raisins in small bowl and pour over about half a cup of boiling water. Leave them for 5-10 minutes.* (See the notes)
- In a small bowl mix together chopped walnuts, raisins, cinnamon and honey and set aside.
- Wash and dry the apples. Using a knife or apple corer, cut out the holes in the apples making sure to leave the bottom ½ inch of the apple intact.**
- Place the apples on a parchment lined baking tray and stuff them with walnut-raisin mixture.
- Bake the apples for 45-50 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy.
- Drizzle with caramel Sauce, serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. Or enjoy as it is.
Notes
Nutrition
More Apple Recipes You'll Enjoy
- Healthy Oven Baked Apple Slices - Even without the sugar, these Oven Baked Apple Slices still pack the same sweet, cinnamon-y punch you'd expect from a baked apple!
- Crispy Apple Pie Egg Rolls - These Apple Pie Egg Rolls are crispy on the outside with a tangy and moderately sweet green apple filling. They make a great choice for breakfast or brunch.
- Apple Sponge Cake - This Apple Sponge Cake, also known as Russian Sharlotka, is a super delicious and moist dessert that will quickly become your new favorite apple dessert.
- Russian Pancakes with Apples - People can't get enough of fluffy interior and crispy edges of these "Oladi" pancakes. Cozy, sweet and so delicious, these homemade Ukrainian/Russian pancakes are a staple on a weekend breakfast menu.
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
shelby says
We love baked apples! I like to drizzle a little pure maple syrup over our also. These look delish!
Iryna says
Thank you Shelby!
Kelly Anthony says
How can something that looks so delicious and decadent be healthy?! Looks like a miracle to me 😉
Iryna says
thank you Kelly!
Danielle says
This has just made me even more excited about Autumn, as this is my favourite dessert to make.
Iryna says
Thanks Danielle! Apple desserts in fall are the best.
Mike from Chili Pepper Madness says
This is totally my kind of dessert. I've never been much for sweets, but a nice baked apple does it right and always hits the spot. I like to do with with pears, to. Making again soon!
Iryna says
Oh, I've never made baked pears. And I love them so much! This is such a great idea for a dessert!
Traci says
Wow, I have never made baked apples before. How have I missed that?! I love that there are so few ingredients in this recipe and the sweetener is honey. Just send this beauty…thanks for the great recipe!
Iryna says
Thanks for your comment Traci!
Timothy Miller says
Very beautiful dish! My mouth is watering.
Iryna says
Thanks Timothy!