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!

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.
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.
2. Make stuffing mixture: Combine the pecans with the melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Stir thoroughly.
3. Prepare apples: Core the apples and cut them in half.
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.
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.
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!
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Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples
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
*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.
Nell
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 !
Monika
Thanks!
Winnie
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!
Monika
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:)
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie
Oh my - these look AMAZING!! Love your idea to chop them in half so they cook quicker - genius!! Eb x
Monika
Thanks Eb!
Monika
Thank you. It's my favourite autumn dessert!
Monika
Thanks Jhuls, these are tasty even without the ice cream:)
Lathiya
This makes an amazing dessert with a scoop of ice cream..brilliant
Monika
Thank you Lathiya!
Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder
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! 🙂
Monika
Thanks Jo! Baked apples are very easy to make and you can use so many toppings.
Balvinder
Beautiful! I can almost smell and eat with my eyes.
Monika
Thanks Balvinder!
DeeDee
I love baked apples! Yum ?
Corina Blum
I love the topping on these apples. Maple syrup and pecans are delicious together and it's a great way of eating more fruit.
Monika
Thank you Corina, I can never get enough of apples in the autumn. And this dessert is so easy to make, too!
Nickki
This honestly looks SO good! I really want to make this. It looks like such a cosy Autumnal dessert. Pinned!
Monika
Thank you! it's also super easy to make.