Recipe for Apple-A-Day Baked Apples

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, does it still count if you smother your apple with butter and sugar like in a typical baked apple recipe? There’s no need to add saturated fat and sugar when apples are naturally sweet and delicious. Try this healthier version instead, and see how good you feel.

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Here are some ways to vary your baked apples.

• Any crisp apple like Rome, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp is a good choice.
• Try brown sugar, agave, or maple syrup to see which you like best
• Coconut lovers may enjoy coconut flakes instead of dried fruit
• For a softer apple, try distributing 1 tablespoon of olive or canola oil over the apples before baking them
• Slice or halve your apples instead of baking them cored and whole

Recipe for Apple-A-Day Baked Apples

Makes 4-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 large, crisp apples, such as Granny Smith, Fuji or Honeycrisp
• ¼ cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans
• 2 tablespoons of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and core the apples. You can leave a bit of the bottom intact to create a well for the filling. 
3. In a bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, dried fruit, honey or maple syrup (if using), ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
4. Stuff each apple with the filling mixture, pressing it down gently.
5. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish. If you like, you can sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender.
6. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them as is or with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

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Nutrition information for each of 8 servings: calories: 75 kcal; total fat: 7 g; total carbohydrates: 2 g; sugar: 1 g; fiber: 3 g; protein: 1 g; sodium: 160 mg; cholesterol: 0 mg

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Reviewed by Natalie Stein, MS, MPH, CDCES