Baked Apples with Crunchy Oat and Walnut Topping Recipe

I absolutely love how cozy and comforting baked apples with a crunchy oat and walnut topping are—especially when the weather starts to cool down. This Baked Apples with Crunchy Oat and Walnut Topping Recipe is one of those delightful desserts that feels indulgent but still wholesome, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a special weekend gathering.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients like oats, walnuts, and apple pie spice transformed the humble baked apple into a crunchy, sweet, and warmly spiced dish. You’ll find that this recipe balances tender fruit with a perfect crisp topping every time, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work hand in hand to create a deliciously balanced topping and perfectly tender apples. I always recommend choosing fresh, crisp apples and good quality nuts to elevate the taste.

• Whole rolled oats: Give the topping a hearty, chewy texture that I absolutely adore.
• Almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and helps bind the topping without making it heavy.
• Brown sugar: For that warm sweetness that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
• Crushed walnuts: Provide lovely crunch and earthy flavor that pairs well with apples.
• Apple pie spice (or cinnamon): Warm up the flavors with classic autumn spices.
• Sea salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance depth.
• Firm coconut oil: This binds the topping with healthy fats and adds a subtle tropical note.
• Apples: Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results.
• Melted coconut oil (for drizzling): Helps the apples bake up tender and golden.
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving): Totally optional but trust me, you’ll want it!

Variations

I love tweaking this Baked Apples with Crunchy Oat and Walnut Topping Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative—this recipe is a fantastic base for experimenting.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a slightly different crunch and flavor profile, and it always works beautifully.
• Variation: Adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the topping gives it a sweet-tart surprise that my family adores.
• Variation: For a dairy-free, vegan twist, I serve the baked apples with coconut whipped cream instead of vanilla ice cream.
• Variation: If you like a little extra warmth, a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg kicked the spice up for me once—delicious!

How to Make Baked Apples with Crunchy Oat and Walnut Topping Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this ensures your apples bake evenly. For the topping, mix together rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, crushed walnuts, apple pie spice, and salt in a mixing bowl. Then, use your hands to work in the firm coconut oil. This is the part where the magic happens: the coconut oil helps the topping hold together yet stay crumbly. If it feels too dry, a few drops of water will bring it together just right.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Core and halve your apples, then use a spoon to gently scoop out a little bit from the center of each half—this creates a cozy little pocket for the topping. Place the apples cut side up in an ungreased baking dish. Drizzle them generously with melted coconut oil and then rub the oil all over to help them bake up tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Bake and Add the Crunchy Topping

Cover the apples with foil and bake them for 10 minutes—this gives them a head start to soften without drying out. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and spoon generous heaps of your oat and walnut topping onto each apple half. Drizzle a little more coconut oil over the topping to help it crisp up perfectly, then continue baking uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the apples are soft and the topping is golden and crunchy.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the apples cool for a few minutes—they’ll be very hot out of the oven. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite creamy topping. The contrast of warm fruit, crunchy topping, and cold ice cream is absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Baked Apples with Crunchy Oat and Walnut Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always serve these baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it melts into all those warm nooks and adds a creamy richness. A drizzle of maple syrup on top is another favorite of mine for some extra sweetness, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts can give an appealing finishing crunch.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a spiced latte. For a heartier treat, try serving alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or a simple pot of whipped cream to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve presented these apples in mini ramekins or on sleek dessert plates with an artistic drizzle of caramel sauce. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a tiny dusting of powdered cinnamon sugar makes the presentation feel extra festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I find covering them loosely with foil prevents the topping from drying out while warming the fruit through.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to prep ahead. I freeze the baked apples (without ice cream, of course) in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for about 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the frozen apples in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again—usually about 15-20 minutes. It’s a perfect way to enjoy this treat fresh without losing any of the signature crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apples with Crunchy Oat and Walnut Topping Recipe has become a beloved classic in my home because it’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor—and I think you’ll feel the same way. It’s perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try; you just might find a new favorite dessert that’s both wholesome and delicious.

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