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    Home » Dessert

    Healthy Apple Pie Baked Apples

    Aug 29, 2022 · 21 Comments

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    These healthy baked apples are stuffed with a cinnamon apple filling and topped with a vegan (optionally gluten-free) lattice pie crust for easy apple pie baked apples worthy of any dinner table or special event! Sweet, tender, light, warming, cozy, and diet-friendly, too!

    completed Vegan Apple Pie Baked Apples on a white surface

    Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon Apple Filling and Lattice Topping

    It doesn’t have to be fall time for us to appreciate the warm and comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon. During summer, I love to nibble on apple cinnamon chips, and I’ve even recently shared a recipe for quick and easy Air Fryer apples (slices or whole). Now, it’s the turn of these healthy baked apples, which bake (or air fry/microwave) apple pie right into the apple itself.

    There are several reasons you’ll love these baked cinnamon apples:

    • These apple pie baked apples are excellent for 1-2 person households that don’t want to bake up a whole pie.
    • The minimal lattice pie topping provides classic apple pie elements in a lighter, healthier way.
    • These vegan baked apples are adorable - perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties, events, and the holidays (like Thanksgiving or Christmas).
    • All they require is 8 ingredients, likely already in your kitchen/pantry.
    • The process is low-fuss and requires minimal effort.
    • They’re quicker to make than regular apple pie, with around 10 minutes of prep, AND don’t require a long cooling period.
    • These easy baked apples are free from most common allergens.
    • If you don’t want to bake them, I’ve included versions for microwave or air fryer baked apples.

    They’re not only already dairy-free, egg-free, and healthier than traditional apple pie, but you can also make these healthy baked apples gluten-free, refined sugar-free, or even no sugar baked apples (aka paleo and keto friendly!). You could also swap the pie crust topping for a simple vegan cinnamon streusel topping like in this peach crisp. It’s up to you!

    Once baked, enjoy these stuffed baked apples alone, with a big scoop of vanilla nice cream, vegan custard, whipped coconut cream, maple syrup, or (always) a healthy drizzle of vegan caramel sauce. In no time at all, there will be empty plates all around!

    The Ingredients

    Just 8 simple, inexpensive, and pantry-friendly ingredients make up these delicious healthy baked whole apples.

    ingredients for Vegan Apple Pie Baked Apples measured out on a white surface
    • Apples: I recommend using Honeycrisp (sweeter) or Granny smith apples (more tart).

    What Are The Best Apples for Baking?

    Use firm, crisp apples that will hold their shape when baked. Choose the exact variety based on how sweet you desire these simple baked apples to be. It’s also best to choose rounder varieties, which make for easier coring.

    Sweet baked apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, Gala, etc.

    Tart apples: McIntosh, Jonagold’s, Granny Smith apples, etc.

    • Cinnamon: Adjust the amount to taste and add a pinch of nutmeg if preferred.
    • Brown sugar: For a refined sugar-free option, use coconut sugar. Use a sugar-free brown sugar alternative for no sugar baked apples.
    • Vanilla extract: Use natural vanilla for the best flavor.
    • Cornstarch: To help the apple pie filling reach the desired consistency, so it’s not too runny in the apple pie baked apples.
    • Lemon juice: Will help to keep the apples from browning and add brightness.
    • Vegan butter: Alternatively, coconut oil would work.
    • Pie crust: To save time and effort, I love to use vegan store-bought roll-out pie crust. Use gluten-free if necessary.

    What Could I Add to The Vegan Baked Apples?

    • Other spices: Instead of cinnamon, use a pre-made apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, or chai spice for different flavor variations.
    • Orange zest: For brightness and extra flavor in the apple pie stuffed apples.
    • Dried fruit: A handful of raisins, sultanas, or dried cranberries will add little bites of sweetness to the baked cinnamon apples.
    • Berries: Add a handful of blueberries, blackberries, etc., to the filling.
    • Nuts: Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) can be sprinkled over or into the baked apple pie filling for added texture and crunch.
    • Alternative Topping: Instead of the pie crust, this easy-baked apple recipe will also taste delicious with a simple cinnamon crumble topping combined with nuts and raisins. You can even mix it into the apple filling.

    How to Make Baked Apples with Lattice Pie Crust?

    Follow just 6 simple, low-fuss steps to prepare these easy stuffed apples.

    • 1) First, preheat the oven to 375F/190C and bring the pie crust dough to room temperature.
    • 2) Then, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and dice two apples and transfer them to a small bowl with sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
    process of cutting apples
    ingredients for Vegan Apple Pie Baked Apples measured out on a white surface
    • 3) Then, preheat a small pan over medium heat with the vegan butter. Once melted, pour in the diced apple mixture and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the apples soften.
    process of butter melting in pan
    • 4) Slice the top off the remaining apples and use a melon baller or paring knife to scoop out the core and some apple flesh to make a ‘bowl’ for the filling. Then, divide the apple pie mixture between the 4 apples.
    process showing the coring of apples
    process of pouring sliced apples into hollow part of another apple
    four apple filled apples

    For even smaller portions, instead of the above, slice every apple in half, remove the core, and scoop out some surrounding flesh, laying lattice over each apple half.

    • 5) Roll out the pie crust and cut it into strips about ¼-inch wide and long enough to fit the width of the apples (going halfway down the side of the apples). Then use them to create a lattice topping over each apple. Optionally top with a dash more cinnamon.
    process shot of slicing strips of pie crust
    post slicing of pie crust showing even thin strips
    post putting strips of pie crust on unbaked apple
    post putting strips of pie crust on unbaked apple

    You can create a traditional lattice by weaving the pieces over and under the others. However, I made it even simpler by placing two vertical pieces, first at either side of the filling, three horizontal over the top of that (evenly spaced), and then one more vertical for a mock lattice look (refer to images).

    • 6) Transfer the prepared apples to a baking dish and bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling, and the crust is golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then enjoy the apple pie baked apples!

    To make air fryer baked apples: They should cook for between 12-15 minutes at 350F/180C in the air fryer. Make sure there’s space between each apple for airflow.

    Microwave Baked Apples: While losing out on texture, this method is quick, especially if you’re only making one or two. Pop an apple on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until fork tender.

    Top Recipe Tips and Notes

    • If any apples don’t stand upright: Slice a very thin layer off the bottom of the apple or use some scrunched-up foil to steady them.
    • Don’t over-core the apples: They still need sturdy walls surrounding the ‘bowl,’ so the baked whole apples don’t collapse while baking.
    • Adjust the sweetness: Based on the type of apple you use and your sweet tooth.
    • Adjust the cooking time: Based on the size of the apples and your desired texture (tender-crisp or more tender). If you want them very tender, it can take up to 45 minutes.
    • For more tender apples: Add some water to the pan when placing it in the oven and optionally loosely cover with foil to help steam the apples. Remove the foil after 20 minutes to give the crust time to brown.
    • To make the recipe oil-free: Just add a splash of water or apple juice when sautéing the stuffed apples filling.
    completed Vegan Apple Pie Baked Apples on a white surface

    Storage Instructions

    Make ahead: You can assemble the vegan baked apples up to 12 hours before baking them, making sure to rub the interior of each apple with lemon juice and wrap them well. When ready to bake, remove them from the fridge for 15 minutes, add the topping, and bake.

    Store: Allow the healthy baked apples to cool, then store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

    Freeze: Freeze until solid, then wrap, pop into Ziplock/Stasher bags, and freeze for 3-4 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours.

    Reheat: You can either pop the whole baked cinnamon apples back in the oven until warm, in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes, or even pop them in the microwave in 15-second increments until ready.

    More Easy Vegan Fruity Desserts

    • Easy peach crisp
    • Zucchini mock apple pie
    • Easy yogurt mango popsicles
    • Pineapple strawberry nice cream
    • Blueberry zucchini muffins
    • Blackberry orange cupcakes
    • Easy vegan lemon cake
    • Healthy watermelon popsicles

    If you try this recipe for easy healthy baked apples with apple pie filling and lattice topping, I’d love to know what you think in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed Vegan Apple Pie Baked Apples on a white surface

    Healthy Apple Pie Baked Apples

    These healthy baked apples are stuffed with a cinnamon apple filling and topped with a vegan (optionally gluten-free) lattice pie crust for easy apple pie baked apples worthy of any dinner table or special event! Sweet, tender, light, warming, cozy, and diet-friendly, too!
    5 from 41 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 442 kcal

    Equipment

    • knife set
    • measuring spoons
    • baking dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 large Honeycrisp or Grannysmith apples
    • 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon of flour or cornstarch
    • ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
    • 1 ½ tablespoons of vegan butter
    • 1 store-bought rollout pie crust

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring crust to room temperature.
    • Peel, core (¾ of the way), and dice 2 of the apples. Place them in a small bowl and mix in the sugars, flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
    • In a small pan, melt the vegan butter. Add the diced apple mixture and saute for 5 minutes, until the apples soften.
    • Slice the tops off of the remaining 4 apples and use a melon baller or spoon to hollow out the middle of each apple. Fill the 4 hollowed-out apples with the diced apple mixture.
    • Follow the instructions on the piecrust to roll it out. Cut it into strips that will fit the width of the apple and that are about ¼-inch wide. Create a lattice pie crust (like in the photo) over each apple.
    • Place the apples in a baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden.

    Notes

    • If any apples don’t stand upright: Slice a very thin layer off the bottom of the apple or use some scrunched-up foil to steady them.
    • Don’t over-core the apples: They still need sturdy walls surrounding the ‘bowl,’ so the baked whole apples don’t collapse while baking.
    • Adjust the sweetness: Based on the type of apple you use and your sweet tooth.
    • Adjust the cooking time: Based on the size of the apples and your desired texture (tender-crisp or more tender). If you want them very tender, it can take up to 45 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 442kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 217mgPotassium: 418mgFiber: 9gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 382IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword apple pie, christmas, easy dessert, easy snack, holiday recipes, kid friendly, mini, mini apple pies, sweet tooth, sweet treat, thanksgiving, vegan, vegetarian
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea says

      August 29, 2022 at 9:48 pm

      5 stars
      love these mini apple mies! so fun to make and so good!

      Reply
    2. Teodora says

      September 04, 2022 at 10:42 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:02 am

        Hope you enjoy it! They're so good!

        Reply
    3. Rachel says

      September 06, 2022 at 3:32 pm

      5 stars
      I'm obsessed with these baked apples! They're so cute and delicious!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:05 am

        I'm with you! So so good!

        Reply
    4. Gina H. says

      September 06, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      These mini baked apples are super cute! Plus, they're such a great size and taste amazing and autumn-y!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:07 am

        Fall flavored with deliciousness in each bite!

        Reply
    5. Bea Buono-Core says

      September 07, 2022 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      So simple but so delicious!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:08 am

        Yesss! So easy to make and oh so tasty!

        Reply
    6. Janaye says

      September 09, 2022 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      Omg these look amazing! I could have one right now!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:15 am

        You would loveee them! 🙂

        Reply
    7. LaRena Fry says

      September 13, 2022 at 4:09 am

      5 stars
      What a lovely fast, quick, and healthy dessert.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:20 am

        Agreed! So sweet and delicious!

        Reply
    8. Natalie says

      September 13, 2022 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      Wow, love these baked apples! They taste delicious and look amazing when served, thanks!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:21 am

        Right! So cute to make and delicious!

        Reply
    9. nancy says

      September 13, 2022 at 8:41 pm

      5 stars
      i was looking for an easy healthy baked apples recipe and i found this recipe. Love it!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:21 am

        Perfect! Hope you enjoy them 🙂

        Reply
    10. Jacqui says

      September 13, 2022 at 10:52 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a fun recipe and easy to make! Thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:23 am

        Very fun to make and oh so delicious!

        Reply
    11. Katie says

      September 15, 2022 at 10:40 am

      5 stars
      These baked apples are such a dream! Easy to make and the perfect easy and cozy dessert for fall!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:24 am

        Couldn't have said it better myself! These apple pie baked apples are too good!

        Reply

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