Baked apple with nut filling
When the days get shorter, the smell of wet leaves fills the air, and the evenings grow cooler, the coziest time of the year begins. A recipe that tastes of childhood, warmth, and comfort is just what you need: baked apple. But instead of sugar, marzipan, or butter, today we're making a healthy version with nuts, dates, and cinnamon. Vegan, sugar-free, and quick to prepare—perfect as a snack, dessert, or little reward after a long day.
Why Baked Apples Are the Perfect Autumn Recipe
The baked apple is a classic of autumn and winter cuisine. Even our grandparents baked them, often filling them with marzipan or sugar. But the apple itself is already sweet and juicy enough. Combined with nuts, dates, and spices, it creates a dessert that's packed with nutrients yet incredibly delicious.
A baked apple has several advantages:
Seasonal: In autumn, there are many regional apple varieties – inexpensive, fresh, and aromatic.
Quick to prepare: Prepare in 10 minutes, bake in the oven for 20 minutes – and you're done!
Vegan & sugar-free: Sweetened only with dried fruit, everything is 100% plant-based.
A visual highlight: Served whole, the baked apple looks impressive, even though it's super easy to make.
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
2 medium apples (e.g., Boskop, Elstar, or Braeburn)
4 dates (pitted, soft)
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (or hazelnuts or almonds)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon coconut oil or plant-based margarine
Optional: 1 tablespoon raisins or cranberries
Topping: Plant-based vanilla yogurt, almond butter, or a pinch of cacao nibs
👉 Tip: If you prefer a creamier filling, add another teaspoon of almond butter.
Preparation
1. Prepare the apples: Preheat oven to 180°C (top/bottom heat). Wash the apples thoroughly, cut off the top third to form the "lid," and carefully remove the cores with a teaspoon or apple corer.
2. Prepare the filling: Finely chop the dates and mix with the walnuts, cinnamon, coconut oil, and optionally raisins. The mixture should be sticky and aromatic.
3. Filling: Pour the mixture into the hollowed-out apples and press down gently. Replace the apple lid.
4. Baking: Place the filled apples in a small casserole dish, add a little water (approx. 50 ml) to the bottom, and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, until the skins begin to crack slightly.
5. Serving: Enjoy while still warm – on their own or with a topping: a dollop of vanilla yogurt, a spoonful of almond butter, or a sprinkle of cinnamon powder complete the recipe.
Tips & Variations
For kids: Sweeten the filling with a little mashed banana – it makes it extra mild.
Christmassy: A touch of clove or cardamom adds a festive flavor.
Crunchy: Oat flakes in the filling give the baked apple a more nutty texture.
Meal Prep: Prepare apples, keep them cool, and bake them fresh before eating.
Creative: Pears can also be used instead of apples – it tastes particularly elegant.
Why this baked apple is healthy
Apple: Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Good for digestion and the immune system.
Dates: Natural sweetness with no added sugar, full of minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Walnuts: An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats.
Cinnamon: Has a warming effect, stimulates the metabolism, and pairs perfectly with apple.
This combination makes the baked apple a healthy dessert that keeps you full for a long time without feeling heavy on the stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which apple varieties are best?
Tart varieties like Boskop, Elstar, or Braeburn are perfect because they intensify their flavor when baked.
Can I prepare baked apples in advance?
Yes, the apples can be stuffed and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake them fresh before eating.
How long do baked apples keep?
It's best to enjoy them immediately, but they can also be warmed briefly in the oven the next day.
Does the recipe work without nuts?
Of course – the filling can be made with oats, desiccated coconut, or seeds.
Can I use other fruits instead of dates?
Yes, raisins, figs, or apricots are also delicious.
Conclusion
This baked apple with nut and date filling is:
sugar-free & vegan
seasonal & healthy
easy & quick to prepare
a true soul food classic
Whether as a snack for yourself, as a dessert for guests, or as a cozy treat on a cold winter evening – this recipe brings warmth, enjoyment, and healthy nutrients to your plate.
