Streusel Baked Apples Sweeten Autumn Dinners

October marks National Apple Month, the perfect time to enjoy some of the 2,500 varieties of apples grown across the United States. Apple harvest season is in full swing, and the fruit is at its juiciest and most flavorful.

If you’re looking for a healthy treat, apples are a great choice—each medium apple has about 80 calories and is packed with nutrients. And what better way to enjoy this versatile fruit than baking it into a sweet, low-fat dessert like streusel baked apples?

When it comes to baking, not all apples are created equal. Some apples, like the Granny Smith, are popular for their tartness but can become mushy when baked. Instead, try Honeycrisp apples, which retain their shape and full flavor in the oven. Other great options include Rome Beauty, Jonagold, Pink Lady, and Spartan apples, all of which deliver a wonderful balance of texture and flavor.

Streusel Baked Apples Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped medium fine
• 1/3 cup pecans, chopped medium fine
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pumpkin pie spice (or cardamom)
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 6 medium Pink Lady apples
• 1-1/2 cups apple cider

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the walnuts, pecans, raisins, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and rolled oats. Add the butter cubes and toss until they’re thoroughly coated with the mixture.
2. Peel the top third of each apple. Use a melon baller to scoop out the stem, seeds, and enough of the core to create a bowl with 1/2-inch thick walls. Stuff each apple with the filling, mounding it on top.
3. Place the apples in a 2-quart baking dish, then pour the apple cider into the pan. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, removing the foil every 15 minutes to baste the apples with the cider. After 45 minutes, remove the foil entirely and bake for an additional 30 minutes, continuing to baste until the apples are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife.
4. Once the apples are done, drizzle them with the warm cider sauce from the pan and serve.

This cozy dessert captures the essence of fall, with the warm spices and sweet apple filling making it perfect for crisp autumn evenings. Whether you’re celebrating National Apple Month or just looking for a comforting finish to a family meal, streusel baked apples are a delicious way to embrace the season.