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Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Stuffed Baked Apples
Looking for a warm, comforting dessert that fits perfectly into your gluten-free lifestyle? These Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples are a delightful treat, filled with crunchy pecans, shredded coconut, and a touch of honey for sweetness. They’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for paleo and Whole30 diets, making them a versatile choice for various dietary needs.
If you love warm and cozy desserts, you’ll definitely enjoy this recipe! It’s a simpler, healthier take on the classic apple crisp. Speaking of apple crisps, you might also enjoy our Warm Gluten-Free Apple Crisp. And for another delicious fall-themed treat, don’t miss our Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie.
These baked apples are incredibly easy to make – just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. They’re a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet cravings without refined sugars. Plus, the aroma of baking apples, cinnamon, and pecans filling your kitchen is simply divine!
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Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples – A Gluten-Free Delight
Enjoy these comforting Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples, a perfect gluten-free dessert featuring crunchy pecans, shredded coconut, and a touch of honey. This recipe is also paleo and Whole30 friendly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a large casserole dish with butter or coconut oil. Set aside.
Cut 4 baking apples in half and remove the core using a melon baller or a sharp paring knife. Ensure all apple seeds are removed.
Step 2: Make the Gluten-Free Topping
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Shredded coconut
- Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- Melted coconut oil (or melted butter)
- Cinnamon
- Sea salt
Toss all the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture will be quite thick.
Step 3: Stuff the Apple Halves
Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the pecan crumble mixture onto each apple half. Use your hands to gently press and shape the filling into a dome on top of each apple.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the stuffed apple halves in the prepared casserole dish, cut-side up.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Be careful not to over-bake; you want the apples to be soft but not mushy.
The topping should turn into a delicious, crispy crumble.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the baked apples from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for Gluten-Free Baked Apples
- Even Cooking: Use apples that are similar in size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Stabilize Apples: If your apple halves are wobbly, slice a small piece off the rounded side to help them sit flat.
- Keep Pecans Crunchy: Use coarsely chopped pecans to maintain their crunch during baking.
- Sweetener Options: Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup, coconut sugar, or brown sugar.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with a mix of sunflower and pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch.
Variations
Healthy Apple Crisp (Gluten-Free)
For a gluten-free apple crisp, slice the apples into thin wedges and spread them evenly in a baking dish. Cover with the pecan crumble topping and bake until golden and the apples are tender.
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful baked apples. The best part? All these ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
- 4 baking apples
- chopped nuts
- shredded coconut
- honey
- coconut oil
- cinnamon
- sea salt
Nutrition Information
These Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with goodness! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits, with a special focus on why they’re a fantastic gluten-free option:
- Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe relies on whole, unprocessed ingredients, making it naturally free of gluten. Perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
- Fiber-Rich: Apples and coconut provide a good dose of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and keeping you feeling full.
- Healthy Fats: Coconut oil and nuts contribute healthy fats that are essential for overall well-being.
- Antioxidants: Apples and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body against cell damage.
- Lower Sugar: Using honey as a natural sweetener allows you to control the sweetness while avoiding refined sugars.
Approximate Nutritional Values (per serving):
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 89mg
- Potassium: 181mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 21g
- Vitamin A: 59IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 24mg
- Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer: These values are estimates based on available data and may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Tips, Substitutions & Variations
Want to customize these baked apples to fit your dietary needs or preferences? Here are some ideas:
Gluten-Free Baking Tips
- Check Labels: While this recipe is inherently gluten-free, always double-check the labels of your ingredients (especially shredded coconut and spices) to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
- Cross-Contamination: Be mindful of cross-contamination if you’re preparing this recipe in a kitchen that also handles gluten-containing foods. Use clean equipment and surfaces.
Dietary Substitutions:
- Nut-Free: Replace the nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delicious crunch.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. Ensure your coconut oil is ethically sourced.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free when using coconut oil.
Variations:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the filling for a warmer flavor.
- Apple Crisp: Slice the apples and bake as a crisp for a different texture.
- Add Dried Fruit: Mix in raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates to the filling.
Tips for Success:
- Apple Selection: Use firm apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
- Even Cooking: Ensure apples are similar in size for uniform baking.
- Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, broil the apples for the last minute or two of baking, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these baked apples warm with a dollop of dairy-free ice cream or coconut whipped cream for an extra special treat.
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Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of good mixing bowls is essential for combining ingredients.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
Find Measuring Cups and Spoons on Amazon - Baking Sheets – Perfect for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and more.
Find Baking Sheets on Amazon - Whisks – Great for incorporating air into batters and sauces.
Find Whisks on Amazon - Spatulas – Ideal for mixing, folding, and scraping bowls.
Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – For quickly chopping or pureeing ingredients.
Find Food Processors on Amazon - Saucepans – For heating sauces, melting butter, or cooking smaller quantities of food.
Find Saucepans on Amazon - Chef’s Knives – A versatile knife for all sorts of cutting tasks.
Find Chef’s Knives on Amazon - Cutting Boards – Provides a safe surface for cutting and chopping.
Find Cutting Boards on Amazon
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