Southwest Baked Apples with Almond Cream
Indulge in the warm, spiced allure of Southwest Baked Apples with Almond Cream—a dessert that beautifully blends comforting sweetness with a subtle kick of heat. Perfectly baked Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are stuffed with a fragrant mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional chili powder for a tantalizing Southwest twist, then topped with buttery richness and roasted to golden perfection. Served alongside a luscious homemade almond cream crafted from raw almonds, maple syrup, and chilled coconut cream, this dish offers a creamy, nutty contrast to the tender, caramelized apples. Finished with a touch of fresh mint, this gluten-free and dairy-free recipe is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Ideal for holiday entertaining or a cozy autumn treat, these baked apples are sure to become a favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole Apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 4 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon Chili powder (optional, for a Southwest kick)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Water
- 0.5 cup Almonds (raw, unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup Coconut cream (chilled)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 4 leaves Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash and core the apples, removing the seeds and creating a hollow center for the filling. Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the apple.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chili powder (if using).
Stuff each cored apple with the brown sugar mixture, packing it tightly.
Place the apples in a baking dish and top each with a small pat of butter (about 1/2 tablespoon per apple).
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam during baking.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and golden.
While the apples are baking, make the almond cream. In a food processor or high-speed blender, blend the almonds until they form a smooth paste. This may take 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, chilled coconut cream, and a pinch of salt to the almond paste. Blend until creamy and smooth.
Once the apples are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve the baked apples warm, topped with a generous dollop of almond cream. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
421 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.2 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 16 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 50 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.1 g | ||
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 89 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 460 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
