These Baked Hasselback Apples with Cinnamon Crumble are a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something sweet! Fresh apples are sliced Hasselback-style, coated in a buttery cinnamon mixture, and baked until tender and golden. They’re finished with a delicious crunchy brown sugar crumble and a rich caramel sauce.
This easy baked apple dessert tastes just like apple pie but requires much less effort!
⭐ Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
🛒 Ingredients
For the Apples:
- 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Cinnamon Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
For the Baking Sauce:
- ½ cup apple juice
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry the apples. Remove the cores if desired, then carefully slice each apple crosswise, making thin cuts without cutting all the way through. Place the apples in a baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Brush the mixture generously over the apples, making sure it gets between the slices.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumble
In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Pour the apple juice, melted butter, and brown sugar into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the apples loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Bake the Apples
Bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil and carefully spoon some of the baking sauce over the apples.
Step 6: Add the Crumble
Sprinkle the cinnamon crumble generously over each apple. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the apples to cool slightly. Drizzle with the delicious caramelized baking sauce and serve warm.
💡 Tips for the Best Baked Apples
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking.
- Place wooden spoons or chopsticks on either side of each apple while slicing to avoid cutting all the way through.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon crumble! It adds a wonderful crunchy texture.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra-special dessert.
🍨 Serving Suggestions
These baked apples are delicious served warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Salted caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of chopped pecans
- A dusting of powdered sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked apples ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apples and cinnamon mixture ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
What are the best apples for baking?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady apples are excellent choices because they hold their shape and have a delicious natural sweetness.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work beautifully in the crumble topping.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warm.
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Baked Hasselback Apples with Cinnamon Crumble are the perfect combination of soft baked fruit, warm cinnamon, crunchy nuts, and sweet caramelized sauce. They’re easy to prepare, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress your family and guests!
Enjoy.
If you love apple desserts, this recipe is definitely one to save and make again!