If you’re looking for a comforting, naturally sweet treat that feels both wholesome and indulgent, this Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. The tender baked apples infused with warm spices paired with the rich, nutty almond butter and crunchy walnuts create a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s a simple recipe that shows off how a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together to craft something truly special — a dessert that feels cozy yet fresh, perfect for sharing anytime you want a little homemade magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s to boost flavor, add texture, or lend a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen as the apples bake.
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Choose apples that hold their shape well and have a balance of sweetness and tartness for the best baked result.
- 1/4 cup almond butter: This creamy, nutty base adds richness and pairs beautifully with the spices and apples.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: For crunch and a slightly bitter contrast that elevates the filling’s texture.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: A natural sweetener that deepens the flavors and brings moisture to the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Classic warming spice that melds perfectly with baked fruit.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle spicy undertone for depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup water: Keeps the apples moist during baking to prevent drying out.
- Optional toppings – plain Greek or coconut yogurt, extra maple syrup: For added creaminess and a hint of tang or sweetness when serving.
How to Make Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Apples
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you finish prepping. Carefully core your apples, making sure to leave the bottom intact to create a little well for the filling — this ensures the delicious almond butter mixture stays nestled inside as the apples soften.
Step 2: Whip Up the Filling
In a small bowl, combine almond butter, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well until all the ingredients join into a cohesive, fragrant mixture. This filling is where the magic happens — nutty, sweet, and warmly spiced, it perfectly complements each tender apple.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake Your Apples
Gently spoon the almond butter mixture into your cored apples, pressing it in lightly to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Place the apples snugly into a baking dish and pour the water into the bottom—it keeps everything moist while baking. Cover the dish with foil to trap steam which helps soften the apples evenly during the first 25 minutes.
Step 4: Caramelize and Finish Baking
After baking covered, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the apple surfaces caramelize slightly, creating a beautiful color and a tender bite that’s irresistibly inviting. The aroma at this point is nothing short of heavenly!
How to Serve Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dollop of plain Greek or coconut yogurt on top brings a cooling creaminess that balances the warm spices and nuttiness beautifully. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup adds a final glow of sweet decadence that can’t be missed.
Side Dishes
This dish holds its own as a comforting dessert, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of black tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. For brunch, serve with a side of crunchy granola or oatmeal to make the meal heartier.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Serve the baked apples on a bed of lightly steamed greens like kale or spinach for a surprising sweet-savory combo. Or, slice the apples open after baking and sprinkle fresh pomegranate seeds or shredded coconut on top to add texture and visual interest that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras, store leftover almond butter baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples may soften further but the flavors deepen, making them perfect for quick snacks or a reheated breakfast treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked apples after they’ve fully cooled by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to a month. When you want a fast dessert, just thaw and reheat gently.
Reheating
To bring your baked apples back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. They’re best enjoyed warm, so adding fresh yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup after reheating really revives their original charm.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of almond butter?
Absolutely! While almond butter has a wonderful natural sweetness and creaminess, peanut butter or cashew butter can be great alternatives. Just choose unsweetened varieties to control the recipe’s sweetness.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. Softer apples may turn mushy too quickly and affect the texture.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, the core Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe is vegan, especially when using coconut yogurt or skipping the yogurt topping. Just ensure any toppings or sweeteners like maple syrup are vegan-certified if you want to be strict.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the apple cored and filled with the almond butter mixture, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. However, baking fresh ensures the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this dessert sweeter if I prefer it?
Adding a little extra maple syrup into the almond butter filling or drizzling more syrup on top just before serving will give you a sweeter result without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and brings cozy autumn vibes all year round. Whether you’re after a quick dessert, a nourishing snack, or something special to share, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a beloved classic in your home too.
Print
Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Butter Baked Apples are a warm, comforting dessert perfect for cozy evenings. Soft baked apples are filled with a delicious mixture of almond butter, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, and warming spices, then baked until tender and caramelized. Served with an optional dollop of Greek or coconut yogurt and an extra drizzle of maple syrup, this recipe is a nutritious and naturally sweet treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
Optional Toppings
- Plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- Extra drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the apples.
- Core Apples: Carefully core each apple, ensuring you leave the bottom intact to create a well for the filling without puncturing through.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the almond butter, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill Apples: Spoon the almond butter mixture into the cored center of each apple, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- Arrange and Add Water: Place the filled apples upright in a baking dish. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the dish to help steam and soften the apples during baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to begin softening the apples.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the apples are tender and the filling looks caramelized.
- Serve: Serve the baked apples warm. Optionally, add a spoonful of plain Greek or coconut yogurt and drizzle with extra maple syrup for added creaminess and sweetness.
Notes
- You can use any firm apple variety suitable for baking, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
- Ensure not to core the apple all the way through to prevent filling from leaking out.
- Adjust baking time depending on apple size and desired softness.
- For a vegan version, opt for coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds if preferred.
