This baked apple delight is perfect for the first whispers of fall. It's so simple and such an easy home run that you can save for a special occasion or have a delicious dessert on a Tuesday evening.
Caramel Almost Apple Pie
Ingredients:
Crumble Topping
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
“Almost” Pie - 1 Granny Smith apple, halved and cored
- A pinch each of: nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice
Caramel Drizzle - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons nonfat milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, prepare your crumble mixture. Combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, and butter; mix until all the ingredients are combined. (Helpful tip: use really cold butter and chop into small cubes so it incorporates quickly.)
Take your apple and cut it in half, carving out the core and seeds. Make sure to chop a small bit from the bottom side of the apple so it will stay stable on the cookie sheet. Mix the nutmeg, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice together, then coat the exposed area of the apple and cover with your crumble mixture.
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
While your apple is baking, prepare your caramel sauce. In a shallow saucepan, combine the brown sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla; bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally until the mixture turns a deep brown color. Remove from heat, placing in a heat-safe container. This mixture will keep in the fridge for at least a week.
After 30 minutes, take your apples out of the oven and cover with a healthy drizzle of caramel. Serve hot.
Makes two halves.
All photos courtesy of the author except lead photo by Andy Hayes.
