Name: Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 sweet apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp or Braeburn); 1 cup pecan nuts (4.59oz); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1½ tablespoons butter (melted); ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ⅕ teaspoon fine sea salt

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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 healthy baked apples come with a crunchy topping of maple glazed pecans and a hint of cinnamon. They require only 6 ingredients and take minutes to put together. Perfect for breakfast or snack and by far one of the best autumnal desserts (along with another timeless classic - apple crumble).

Baking apples is a fantastic way to enjoy more apples when they are in season!

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.

Are baked apples healthy

Yes, they are! In addition to vitamins and minerals cooked apples contain antioxidants as well as a substantial amount of soluble fibre so are easier to digest than raw apples.

Some baked apple recipes contain large amounts of sugar and fat, which can turn this naturally nutritious food into a calorie bomb. Apples are naturally sweet so there is no need need to add very much sugar.

Which is why my healthy baked apple recipe does not contain granulated sugar but instead, only a small amount of maple syrup to enhance the flavour of the apple. It is also low in saturated fat and made with pecans for added nutrition. There is no flour or oats so these baked apples are also gluten free!

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.

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!

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

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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