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If you’re craving a dessert that feels cozy, wholesome, and bursting with natural sweetness, the Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe is your perfect go-to. This delightful treat combines tender baked apples with a luscious almond butter and walnut filling, gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare but full of gourmet flavor, making it a wonderful way to add a special touch to any meal or snack time.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each one playing a key role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this dish so memorable. From the crisp apples to the rich almond butter, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a real showstopper.
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Choose firm apples that hold their shape well during baking and offer a natural balance of sweetness and tartness.
- 1/4 cup almond butter: Provides creamy richness and a nutty depth that perfectly complements the fruitiness.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a pleasant crunch and additional warmth to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Brings a gentle sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor to elevate the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers that classic warmth and spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Introduces a subtle earthiness that enhances the depth of the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup water: Keeps the apples moist while they bake, preventing them from drying out.
- Optional toppings (plain Greek or coconut yogurt, extra maple syrup): These add creaminess or a touch more sweetness when serving.
How to Make Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right to soften the apples gently without turning them into mush, allowing a tender yet structured bite. Meanwhile, core your apples carefully, making sure to leave the bottom intact—this creates the perfect little pocket for the delicious filling that’s about to go in.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the almond butter, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until everything is beautifully blended into a rich, aromatic mixture. This combination is where the magic happens, infusing the apples with a nutty, warmly spiced center that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Spoon the almond butter mixture into each cored apple, pressing it in gently to fill the cavity well. You want the filling to sit snugly inside so it bakes right along with the apples and melds all those inviting flavors together. This step is so simple yet instantly satisfying as you build your little edible treasure chest.
Step 4: Bake with Care
Place your filled apples into a baking dish and pour the quarter cup of water into the bottom of the dish. The water helps maintain moisture so the apples stay juicy. Cover the dish with foil to trap steam and bake for 25 minutes — this softens the apples without overcooking. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the apples are soft and their edges start to caramelize beautifully.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Take the baked apples out when they are warm and aromatic. This is the perfect moment to add your finishing touches and create a comforting experience with every bite.
How to Serve Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe

Garnishes
Sprinkle on a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt to add a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, spiced apples. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness and ties together the whole flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These baked apples pair wonderfully with breakfast dishes like oatmeal or pancakes, or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple and stunning dessert. They also complement a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these apples over a bed of spinach and arugula for a sweet-savory salad twist, or crumble some granola on top for extra crunch and texture. For a rustic presentation, place each baked apple in a small ramekin and drizzle with honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to resist eating them all fresh), store your Almond Butter Baked Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps preserve their softness and flavor, making them a quick grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked apples. Wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the baked apples in an oven-safe dish and warm them at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture less appealing; gentle oven heat maintains that lovely tender but not mushy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully in this Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe. Just chop them finely so they blend nicely with the almond butter filling and keep that satisfying crunch.
Are there alternatives to almond butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter or cashew butter if you prefer. Keep in mind that each nut butter will bring its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment while maintaining the creamy texture that holds the filling together.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
The recipe is naturally vegan if you choose plant-based yogurt options like coconut or almond yogurt for serving. Maple syrup is a great natural sweetener to keep this treat free from refined sugars.
How do I prevent the apples from browning before baking?
To keep any peeled or cut apples from browning as you prep, toss them quickly in a little lemon juice mixed with water. This simple step helps maintain their fresh appearance until you’re ready to bake.
Can I prepare the apples ahead of time before baking?
You can core and fill the apples in advance and cover them tightly in the refrigerator for up to a day. Let them come back to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe is one of those lovely dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make yet thoughtfully layered with flavors and textures that feel special every time you enjoy it. Whether for a cozy family dessert or an elegant treat for guests, do give this recipe a try—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one apple!
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Almond Butter Baked Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and comforting Almond Butter Baked Apples are a warm, healthy dessert perfect for fall. Soft baked apples are filled with a luscious blend of almond butter, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, and warming spices, then baked to tender perfection. Served warm, optionally topped with creamy yogurt and extra maple syrup, this recipe offers a naturally sweet treat full of wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Filling and Apples
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Baking
- 1/4 cup water
Optional Toppings
- Plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- Extra drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the apples.
- Core Apples: Carefully core each apple from the top down, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the filling without cutting through.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine almond butter, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill Apples: Spoon the almond butter mixture into the cored center of each apple, pressing gently to fill the cavity fully.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the filled apples upright in a baking dish. Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the dish to help keep the apples moist during baking.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking the apples for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized on top.
- Serve: Serve the baked apples warm. Optionally, top with plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added creaminess and sweetness.
Notes
- You can use either Honeycrisp or Fuji apples as they hold their shape well when baked.
- Leave the bottom of the apple intact to avoid filling spilling out during baking.
- Covering the dish with foil traps moisture, ensuring the apples bake evenly and stay tender.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on apple size and preferred softness.
- Optional toppings like yogurt and more maple syrup add extra flavor and creaminess but can be omitted to keep it lighter.

