Baked Apples with Walnut Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

I absolutely love this Baked Apples with Walnut Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe because it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The apples get tender and juicy, while the crunchy walnut oat topping adds a delightful texture, making every bite irresistible. It’s one of those desserts that’s simple to make but impresses every time you serve it.

You’ll find that this recipe works perfectly for cozy family dinners or when you want to treat guests to something thoughtful yet fuss-free. Pairing the spiced apples with creamy vanilla ice cream creates a balance of temperatures and flavors that’s just pure magic—and honestly, I always end up making seconds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients work beautifully together to create a warm, spiced dessert with a crunchy topping that’s both wholesome and delicious. When shopping, look for firm apples that hold their shape well during baking.

• Whole rolled oats: They give the topping a wonderful texture that crisps up nicely in the oven.
• Almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and helps bind the topping together.
• Brown sugar: Brings warmth and caramel notes to the topping’s flavor.
• Crushed walnuts: Provides crunch and a rich, earthy taste.
• Apple Pie Spice (or cinnamon): The perfect seasoning blend that makes the apples taste like a cozy dessert.
• Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Firm coconut oil: Used in the topping and for drizzling, it adds moisture and helps crispiness.
• Apples: Choose baking varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best results.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold contrast that takes this dessert over the top.

Variations

I love to customize this Baked Apples with Walnut Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand—feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Nut-Free Version: I once swapped walnuts for sunflower seeds to accommodate a friend’s allergy, and it was just as delightful.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the topping gives it a lovely warmth that I enjoy during the fall.
• Fruit Mix: Mixing in pears with the apples adds a subtle sweetness that’s wonderful if you want to make it more complex.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut cream to keep things plant-based without losing any creaminess.

How to Make Baked Apples with Walnut Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, brown sugar, crushed walnuts, apple pie spice, and sea salt. Then, use your hands to work in the firm coconut oil until you get a crumbly mix. If it feels too dry, a few drizzles of water will help it come together. My trick is to pinch a bit — if it sticks, it’s ready!

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Core and halve your apples, then carefully scoop out a little bit of the center to make room for the topping. Place the apple halves cut-side up in an ungreased baking dish. Drizzle melted coconut oil over them, rubbing it in to coat each apple well — this helps them bake up tender and flavorful. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes to soften slightly.

Step 3: Add the Topping and Bake

Remove the foil and spoon generous amounts of the walnut oat topping onto each apple half. Drizzle a bit more coconut oil over the topping to help it crisp while baking. Pop the dish back in the oven uncovered, and bake for about 20 minutes more, or until the apples are tender and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. You’ll want to watch closely towards the end to avoid burning the topping.

Step 4: Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream

Once baked, let the apples cool just slightly (they’ll be warm and juicy!) and serve each half topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot, spiced apples and the cold ice cream is honestly what makes this dessert unforgettable.

How to Serve Baked Apples with Walnut Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little extra crushed walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for that extra flair. Sometimes, a drizzle of maple syrup makes the whole dessert even more indulgent—and it looks gorgeous too!

Side Dishes

This baked apple dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For brunch, I sometimes serve it alongside warm pancakes or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to present each apple half in a pretty individual ramekin lined with a small piece of parchment paper. Adding a sprig of fresh mint elevates the appearance and adds a subtle fresh aroma that guests always notice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I find that eating them within 2 days keeps the texture tasty—the topping softens but the flavors are still incredible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked apples before by wrapping them individually and placing them in freezer-safe bags. When thawed, the apples stay flavorful though the topping’s crunch does soften. It’s still a lovely treat when reheated gently.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the topping lightly crisps again. Avoid using a microwave if you want to preserve that lovely crumbly texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Baked Apples with Walnut Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe holds a special place in my dessert rotation because of how effortlessly it brings people together around the table. It’s cozy, comfy, and a little bit indulgent without being complicated, which is exactly what I want when I’m craving something sweet. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every luscious bite as much as my family and I do!

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