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    Home » Recipes » Sweet Things/Desserts

    Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples

    September 17, 2018 By Monika Last Updated October 11, 2022 19 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    These Healthy Baked Apples are topped with maple glazed pecans for an easy, delicious seasonal dessert or breakfast that's perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving. Ready in just over 30 minutes!

    Top down view of apple halves with browned pecans on top of baking sheet and grey saucer, with coffee in white cup.

    These 6-ingredient Healthy Baked Apples come with a crunchy topping of maple glazed pecans and a hint of cinnamon. They are gluten free, low in fat and do not contain granulated sugar. They are by far one of the best autumnal desserts (along with another timeless classic - apple crumble).

    I made this healthy baked apple recipe quick and easy by cutting the apples in half and then stuffing with a generous amount of pecan nuts. This simple method shortens baking time and there is no need to baste the apples either. 

    Healthy baked apples ingredients and substitutions

    • Apples.
    • Maple syrup.
    • Pecans: use walnuts instead or a mixture of various nuts if preferred.
    • Cinnamon: use pumpkin spice instead if desired.
    • Butter: use coconut oil (melted) as a vegan alternative.
    • Salt: use either fine sea salt or Himalayan salt (both milder and 'sweeter' than ordinary table salt) to enhance the flavour of your baked apple halves.
    Healthy baked apples ingredients in individual dishes.
    Healthy baked apples ingredients

    What apples to use

    I chose naturally sweet apples in order to avoid using a lot of maple syrup in the recipe. I used Gala apples but Cox, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Pink Ladies, Honeycrisp or other sweet apple varieties work well too.

    If you prefer more tartness in your apples use Granny Smiths.

    Step-by-step recipe instructions

    Preheat the oven to 35 F/ 180 C/ gas mark 4. Line a medium-sized baking sheet with parchment paper.

    1.Prepare pecans: Chop the pecans roughly or pulse for a few seconds in a food processor, just to break them into small pieces.

    Chopped pecans with knife on top of cutting board.

    2. Make stuffing mixture: Combine the pecans with the melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Stir thoroughly.

    Chopped pecans with cinnamon and spoon in purple bowl.

    3. Prepare apples: Core the apples and cut them in half.

    Easy Baked Apples with Maple Pecans

    4. Stuff apples: Top each apple half with a generous amount of the pecan mixture and arrange on top of your baking sheet.

    5. Bake apples: Bake in the centre of the oven for 25 minutes.  Remove from the  oven, leave to cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!

    Top tip

    If you want softer apples bake them for 10 minutes without the topping then stuff and continue baking for 25 minutes.

    Baked apple halves with chopped pecans on top of paper.

    Serving suggestions

    These healthy baked apple halves are delicious served hot, perfect on their own but you can also enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard. Alternatively serve with a spoonful of cottage cheese or yogurt (try flavoured!) for a delicious breakfast (you might also like these easy gluten free apple muffins!)

    Optional ingredients

    Oats: use approx. 2 tablespoons and stir into the topping mixture for a healthy breakfast baked apple. Use a little less pecans.

    Raisins: soak 2 tablespoons of raisins in a tablespoon of water for 10 minutes then strain well and stir the raisins into the topping mixture. Use a little less pecans.

    Oat bran: stir a tablespoon of this nutrient-dense ingredient into the filling.

    Healthy crumble topping: such as the one I used in my blackberry crumble recipe. Use this instead of the pecan mixture.

    Top tips for making healthy baked apple

    • Use sweet rather than sour tasting apples. Good options include Gala, Braeburn, Cox, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp or Pink Ladies. If you prefer more tartness use Granny Smiths.
    • Apples are prone to discoloration so core and cut them just before making the recipe.
    • Chop the pecans roughly or briefly pulse in a food processor (be careful not to overprocess).
    • I used a bit of salt but you can omit that if you use salted butter.
    • Best served warm.
    • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
    • Not suitable for freezing.
    Apple halves with pecans pieces on top of baking paper.

    More delicious apple recipes to try next

    • Polish Apple Pancakes
    • Gluten Free Apple Muffins (Low Sugar)
    • Polish Rice with Apples
    • Traditional Polish Apple Cake

    Check out also these other healthier desserts and breakfast recipes!

    Keep in touch!

    How have these healthy baked apples turned out for you? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular recipe updates! Or you could subscribe to this blog and receive all my latest recipes right into your mailbox!

    Top down view of apple halves with browned pecans on top of baking sheet and grey saucer, with coffee in white cup and grey saucer.

    Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples

    These Healthy Baked Apples are topped with maple glazed pecans for an easy, delicious seasonal dessert or breakfast that's perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
    4.56 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 185kcal
    Author: Monika Dabrowski

    Equipment

    • Apple corer
    • Medium sized baking sheet

    Ingredients

    • 4 sweet apples such as Gala, Honeycrisp or Braeburn
    • 1 cup (130 g) pecan nuts 4.59oz
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1½ tablespoons butter melted
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ⅕ teaspoon fine sea salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 F/ 180 C/ gas mark 4.  Line a medium baking tray with non-stick baking paper and set aside.
    • Prepare filling mixture: Chop the pecans roughly or pulse for a few seconds in a food processor, just to break them into small pieces. Combine with the maple syrup, butter, cinnamon and salt and stir thoroughly.  Set aside.
    • Prepare apples: Core the apples and cut in half. Top each apple half with a generous amount of the pecan mixture and arrange on top of your baking sheet.
    • Bake apples: Bake in the centre of the oven for 25 minutes.
    • Serve: Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes before serving.  Enjoy warm!

    Notes

    • Use sweet rather than sour tasting apples. Good options include Gala, Braeburn, Cox, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp or Pink Ladies. If you prefer more tartness use Granny Smiths.
    • Apples are prone to discoloration so core and cut them just before making the recipe.
    • Chop the pecans roughly or briefly pulse in a food processor (be careful not to overprocess).
    • I used a bit of salt but you can omit that if you use salted butter.
    • If you want softer apples bake them for 10 minutes without the topping then stuff and continue baking for 25 minutes.
    • Best served warm.
    • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
    • Not suitable for freezing.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

    *Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

    **A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!
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    1. Nell

      November 22, 2018 at 2:49 am

      Making these baked apples and taking them to a Friendgiving dinner as a lighter, alternative to all the typical Thanksgiving pies, cakes and rich desserts .I will let you know if they are a hit !

      Reply
      • Monika

        November 23, 2018 at 11:50 am

        Thanks!

        Reply
    2. Winnie

      November 17, 2018 at 5:49 am

      5 stars
      I haven't made baked apples in years (not sure why). I tried these and they were delicious. Such a great idea to cut the apples in half. I do like recipes that make everything easier. We all loved them. This idea is a keeper. We may start eating baked apples weekly, after not having had them for years!

      Reply
      • Monika

        November 17, 2018 at 12:29 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe! It is a really simple one so yes, why not make it weekly! Thank you for coming back to let me know, really appreciate the feedback. And thank you for making my recipe:)

        Reply
    3. Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie

      September 24, 2018 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my - these look AMAZING!! Love your idea to chop them in half so they cook quicker - genius!! Eb x

      Reply
      • Monika

        September 24, 2018 at 7:51 pm

        Thanks Eb!

        Reply
    4. Monika

      September 23, 2018 at 8:29 pm

      Thank you. It's my favourite autumn dessert!

      Reply
    5. Monika

      September 23, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      Thanks Jhuls, these are tasty even without the ice cream:)

      Reply
    6. Lathiya

      September 21, 2018 at 6:55 pm

      5 stars
      This makes an amazing dessert with a scoop of ice cream..brilliant

      Reply
      • Monika

        September 21, 2018 at 9:07 pm

        Thank you Lathiya!

        Reply
    7. Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder

      September 21, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      These look and sound wonderful Monika! Baked apples are super delicious and your nut and maple topping sounds simply delightful. Such a lovely autumnal dessert! 🙂

      Reply
      • Monika

        September 21, 2018 at 9:07 pm

        Thanks Jo! Baked apples are very easy to make and you can use so many toppings.

        Reply
    8. Balvinder

      September 20, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      Beautiful! I can almost smell and eat with my eyes.

      Reply
      • Monika

        September 21, 2018 at 6:48 am

        Thanks Balvinder!

        Reply
    9. DeeDee

      September 19, 2018 at 6:52 pm

      I love baked apples! Yum ?

      Reply
    10. Corina Blum

      September 19, 2018 at 11:22 am

      5 stars
      I love the topping on these apples. Maple syrup and pecans are delicious together and it's a great way of eating more fruit.

      Reply
      • Monika

        September 19, 2018 at 11:23 am

        Thank you Corina, I can never get enough of apples in the autumn. And this dessert is so easy to make, too!

        Reply
    11. Nickki

      September 18, 2018 at 4:23 pm

      5 stars
      This honestly looks SO good! I really want to make this. It looks like such a cosy Autumnal dessert. Pinned!

      Reply
      • Monika

        September 19, 2018 at 6:56 am

        Thank you! it's also super easy to make.

        Reply

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    Hi, I am Monika, welcome to Everyday Healthy Recipes! This blog is all about simple recipes with a healthy twist, old classics with a modern take, and an occasional Polish dish thrown into the mix - all easy to make, healthy and delicious, perfect for everyday cooking.

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