Baked Apple Halves with Nutty Cinnamon-Almond Filling
These tender baked apple halves are a diabetes-friendly, gluten-free, and heart-healthy dessert, featuring a spiced nutty filling that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of baked apples. Perfect for holidays or everyday enjoyment, they offer a warm, spiced flavour with a delightful streusel-like topping that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
- Suitable for diets:
- Gluten Free
- Heart-Healthy
- High-Fiber
- Plant-Based
- Vegetarian
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- Low Glycemic Index: Apples and nuts have a moderate to low glycemic index, which helps manage blood sugar levels.
- Rich in Fibre: Apples, almond flour, and nuts contribute to a high fibre content, promoting slower glucose absorption.
- Healthy Fats: Nuts and coconut oil provide healthy fats that help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Portion Control: Individual apple halves make it easy to enjoy a controlled serving size.
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Equipment
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp, cut in half) 4
- pecan (chopped) ¼ cup
- almond (chopped) ¼ cup
- almond flour 2 tbsp
- cinnamon (ground ) 1 tsp
- ginger (ground ) ¼ tsp
- nutmeg (ground ) ¼ tsp
- vanilla extract ½ tsp
- applesauce (unsweetened ) 1 tbsp
- butter (melted) 1 tbsp
- salt 1 pinch
- water ¼ cup
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Cooking Tips
- Apple Selection: Use firmer apples like Granny Smith for a tart flavour or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness.
- Texture Variation: Add some oats to the filling for a chewier texture or raisins for extra natural sweetness (adjust for added sugar in raisins).
- Substitutions: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as nut alternatives for a nut-free version.
- Moisture Tip: Don’t skip the water in the baking dish; it keeps the apples tender and prevents drying out.
- Crispier Topping: Broil the apples for 1-2 minutes after baking to give the filling a slightly crispier texture.
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Slice each apple in half and remove the core with a spoon or melon baller, creating a small "well" in each half.4 apple
- In a bowl, mix together chopped pecans, chopped almonds, almond flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla extract, applesauce (if using), melted butter (or coconut oil), and a pinch of salt.¼ cup pecan, ¼ cup almond, 2 tbsp almond flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp applesauce, 1 tbsp butter, 1 pinch salt
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the nut mixture into each apple half, pressing it down gently.
- Place the apple halves in the baking dish. Pour the water around the base of the dish to help steam the apples. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.¼ cup water
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Let the apples cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
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FAQ
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Yes, pears or quinces are great alternatives for similar baking methods.Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, substitute the butter with coconut oil and skip the yogurt topping for a vegan-friendly version.Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.How long can these baked apples be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.What other toppings can I use?
You can use unsweetened coconut flakes, sugar-free caramel sauce, or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the apples in advance and bake them just before serving for optimal freshness.
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Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 119.5kcal
Carbohydrates: 14.8g
Fiber: 3.4g
Sugar: 10.1g
Fat: 6.9g
Saturated Fat: 1.4g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Protein: 1.9g
Nutrition Facts
Baked Apple Halves with Nutty Cinnamon-Almond Filling
Serving Size
0.5 apple
Amount per Serving
Calories
119.5
% Daily Value*
Fat
6.9
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
1.4
g
9
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Cholesterol
3.8
mg
1
%
Sodium
17.5
mg
1
%
Potassium
146.5
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
14.8
g
5
%
Fiber
3.4
g
14
%
Sugar
10.1
g
11
%
Protein
1.9
g
4
%
Vitamin C
4.3
mg
5
%
Calcium
26.7
mg
3
%
Iron
0.4
mg
2
%
Magnesium
20.8
mg
5
%
Zinc
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Can I make it in an air fryer?
Yes – you could try making them in the air fryer at 350F for 12-15 minutes.