The countdown to Christmas has begun. There are dinner plans, menus, parties, baking, cooking, shopping, wrapping, in-laws visiting and family fighting all to look forward to. Okay perhaps that all sounds a little horrible. If you are American the holiday season begins with Thanksgiving and doesn’t end until New Years day. For the rest of us we have about 2 weeks less of that. Regardless it surely is enough to make one crazy and the stress levels to rise.
One of the best things you can do for yourself during this season is find easy and most important fast meals to prepare. Lest not forget that everyones sweet tooth kicks into high gear during this season. So the family is going to expect dessert . This almond butter stuffed baked apples is perfect for this hectic time of year. It is fast, easy, delicious, nutritious and most important it satisfies the sweet tooth. How much more perfect could this be? Not much.
Almond butter much like peanut butter or Nutella minus the chocolate. It is a thick paste made by grinding almonds. There are a few varieties like smooth or crunchy and those made with or without toasted almonds. The choice is up to you and personal preference. I used smooth organic almond butter and to give it a little crunch and extra nutritional value I’ve added whole flax seeds. 
The apples variety used, much like the almond butter, is really up to you. I’ve used Jonathan or Jonagold apples. They are tasty and hold their shape quite well. If you need a few pointers on the best apples for baking read this article, Baking with Apples.
Do yourself a favor and save some time by baking this easy peasy dessert. Enjoy!
PrintAlmond Butter Baked Apples
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These almond butter stuffed baked apples are a quick and nutritious dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during the hectic holiday season.
Ingredients
- 4 Jonathan or Jonagold apples, properly rinsed
- 1/2 cup smooth organic almond butter
- 1/4 cup vegan & organic oats
- 1 tablespoon whole flax seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and prepare a baking sheet or dish.
- Hold each apple on its side and carefully cut off the top. Save these tops for later.
- Using a small paring knife, gently core the apples, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
- In a small bowl, mix the almond butter, oats, whole flax seeds (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Stuff each apple with the almond butter mixture, filling them generously.
- Place the tops back on the apples and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet or dish.
- Drizzle the apples with extra virgin olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use Jonathan or Jonagold apples for best results as they hold their shape well during baking. You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or Nutella if preferred. Whole flax seeds add extra nutritional value and crunch. Serve warm for the best flavor. These apples can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0
While wild almond species are toxic, domesticated almonds are not; Jared Diamond argues that a common genetic mutation causes an absence of glycoside amygdalin, and this mutant was grown by early farmers, “at first unintentionally in the garbage heaps, and later intentionally in their orchards”. ‘
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Wow – looks fantastic! And do you know, I can now tell which are your posts just by looking at the photos? Beautiful. :-)
Thank you Ruby. Well that is a really great thing then:) Thanks!