Baked Apple Halves

If you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to commit to a full-blown baking project, baked apple halves are the answer. They’re cozy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. It’s like the best part of apple crisp—without the peeling, slicing, and mixing up a filling.

You simply cut apples in half, scoop out the cores, and stuff them with a quick cinnamon-oat crumble. Then, bake until golden and bubbling. The apples turn soft and juicy, the topping crisps up beautifully, and the whole kitchen smells like a warm hug.

I first made these as a last-minute dessert when we had apples that needed using up and not much else in the pantry. One bake later, they became a go-to. These little baked beauties are naturally sweetened, gluten-free friendly, and can even be made dairy-free with a couple of swaps.

Top them with yogurt for breakfast, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or drizzle with honey or maple syrup for something in between.

They’re simple. They’re seasonal. And they’re just so, so good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – only 10 minutes of prep, then let the oven do the rest
• No fancy ingredients – everything you need is probably in your kitchen already
• Healthier dessert option – fruit-forward and naturally sweet
• Perfectly portioned – everyone gets their own cozy little apple
• Customizable – go nutty, fruity, dairy-free, or gluten-free
• Comforting and warm – all the best flavors of fall in one bite

Ingredients

Apples:

• 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)

Crumble Topping:

• 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Drizzle of maple syrup or honey

Choose apples that hold their shape while baking—avoid super soft varieties like Red Delicious.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or line with parchment.

Wash the apples and cut them in half vertically (through the stem). Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds, creating a shallow well in each half.

Brush cut sides with lemon juice to prevent browning.

2. Make the Crumble

In a small bowl, mix together oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until crumbly and well combined.

If the mixture feels too dry, add a tiny splash of maple syrup or more softened butter.

3. Fill and Bake

Place apples cut-side up in the baking dish.

Spoon the oat crumble into the center of each apple half, pressing down gently to pack it in.

Pour a few tablespoons of water into the bottom of the baking dish (this helps steam the apples and keep them tender).

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until apples are soft and the topping is golden and crisp.

4. Serve

Let cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite toppings: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of yogurt, or just a drizzle of maple syrup.

How to Serve

These baked apple halves are perfect as:

• A light dessert after dinner
• A cozy breakfast with Greek yogurt
• A sweet snack paired with warm tea or cider
• A make-ahead treat for brunch or holidays

Serve them warm right out of the oven, or reheat leftovers in the microwave or toaster oven.

Tips for Success

• Choose the right apples – Honeycrisp and Fuji are sweet and hold their shape well; Granny Smith adds tart contrast
• Don’t skip the water – just a couple of tablespoons in the baking dish helps soften the apples
• Pack the topping tightly – it crisps better and stays put while baking
• Double the crumble – if you’re a topping-over-filling person, go ahead and make extra
• Make ahead – prep the apples and topping, then bake when you’re ready

Variations

Nut-Free:
Skip the nuts and add extra oats or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Gluten-Free:
Use certified gluten-free oats and make sure your baking ingredients are GF.

Dairy-Free:
Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.

Apple Crisp Vibes:
Add a touch of vanilla extract and nutmeg to the crumble for extra cozy flavor.

Maple Walnut:
Use maple syrup instead of sugar and add chopped toasted walnuts.

Bourbon Brown Sugar:
Add a splash of bourbon to the crumble and sprinkle with dark brown sugar before baking.

Storage and Reheating

Store:
Keep baked apple halves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
Warm in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes.

Freeze:
They’re best fresh, but you can freeze them baked and cooled. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until warm through.

FAQ

Do I need to peel the apples?
Nope! The skins help the apples hold their shape and add texture. But if you prefer them peeled, go for it.

Can I use a different fruit?
Pears work beautifully with this recipe—just adjust the baking time down slightly, since they soften quicker.

Can I use instant oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.

Can I prep these in advance?
Yes! Assemble them up to a day ahead, store covered in the fridge, and bake when ready.

Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes—bake at 350°F for about 15–18 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Conclusion

Baked Apple Halves are proof that simple can be spectacular. With just a few wholesome ingredients and a little oven magic, you get a warm, cozy, perfectly portioned dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

Whether you’re dressing them up with ice cream or keeping it light with a drizzle of honey, they’re a no-fuss, no-regret treat that brings all the apple crisp comfort—without the work.

Make a batch, grab a spoon, and enjoy every tender, cinnamon-scented bite.

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