Description
This Mini Apple Crisp Baked Apple Halves recipe offers a delightful twist on classic apple crisp, with tender baked apple halves stuffed with a buttery oat and brown sugar filling. Baked to perfection, this dessert is cozy, comforting, and perfect for serving warm with ice cream or caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- ⅔ cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 dash nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
Apples
- 4 large baking apples
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the butter: In a large ovenproof skillet, melt the butter over low heat until fully melted and beginning to foam slightly, ensuring the skillet is greased for the baking process.
- Make the filling: Transfer the melted butter into a medium mixing bowl. Add the light brown sugar, all purpose flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined and form a crumbly, sticky mixture.
- Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly and cut each in half through the stem. Using a spoon, small knife, or melon baller, carefully remove the core from each apple half to create a cavity for the filling.
- Arrange apples in skillet: Place the apple halves skin side down in the butter-greased skillet. Position them evenly to allow for even baking.
- Fill the apples: Spoon the prepared oat filling into the cavity of each apple half, pressing lightly so the filling stays in place.
- Add water for moisture: Pour the ½ cup of water around the apples in the skillet. This helps to create steam and keep the apples moist during baking.
- Bake covered: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. This initial covered baking steams the apples and softens them gently.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, until the apples are fork-tender but hold their shape and the filling is golden and crisp on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Optionally, top with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
- Adjust baking time based on the size and ripeness of the apples; you want them tender but not mushy.
- Leftover filling can be sprinkled on yogurt or oatmeal for added flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine.
- Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling can add extra crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple crisp, baked apples, mini apple crisp, fall dessert, warm apple dessert, oatmeal topping
