Crusty Apples
Crusty Apples offers a delightful combination of tender baked apples topped with a sweet, crumbly cinnamon-spiced crust, perfect for comforting dessert lovers and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel apples and cut into eighths.
- Cover the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with the apple pieces.
- In a small bowl, toss the apples with 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and the egg until crumbly.
- Spread the crumbly mixture evenly over the apples.
- Pour melted butter over the topping.
- Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until nicely browned and apples are tender.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you're out of nutmeg, ground ginger can be a suitable substitute. To make it more indulgent, sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of the crumbly mixture before baking. This dish also pairs beautifully with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert warm, ideally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It also makes a great breakfast treat when paired with coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with caramel sauce or serving alongside Pumpkin Ice Cream Roll for a varied dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crispiness of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty Apples contains roughly 267 calories, with 5g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value), calcium (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1100mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples; however, be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery during baking. Adjust baking time if necessary, as frozen apples may take slightly longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for egg in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes). These alternatives will help bind the ingredients while keeping the dessert moist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple layer and crumb topping separately and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply combine them and proceed with the recipe. This makes it convenient for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).