Southwest Baked Apples with Almond Cream

Indulge in the warm, spiced allure of Southwest Baked Apples with Almond Cream—a dessert that beautifully blends comforting sweetness with a subtle kick of heat. Perfectly baked Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are stuffed with a fragrant mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional chili powder for a tantalizing Southwest twist, then topped with buttery richness and roasted to golden perfection. Served alongside a luscious homemade almond cream crafted from raw almonds, maple syrup, and chilled coconut cream, this dish offers a creamy, nutty contrast to the tender, caramelized apples. Finished with a touch of fresh mint, this gluten-free and dairy-free recipe is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Ideal for holiday entertaining or a cozy autumn treat, these baked apples are sure to become a favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 whole Apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 4 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Chili powder (optional, for a Southwest kick)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Water
• 0.5 cup Almonds (raw, unsalted)
• 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup Coconut cream (chilled)
• 1 pinch Salt
• 4 leaves Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash and core the apples, removing the seeds and creating a hollow center for the filling. Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the apple.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chili powder (if using).

Step 4

Stuff each cored apple with the brown sugar mixture, packing it tightly.

Step 5

Place the apples in a baking dish and top each with a small pat of butter (about 1/2 tablespoon per apple).

Step 6

Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam during baking.

Step 7

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and golden.

Step 8

While the apples are baking, make the almond cream. In a food processor or high-speed blender, blend the almonds until they form a smooth paste. This may take 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 9

Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, chilled coconut cream, and a pinch of salt to the almond paste. Blend until creamy and smooth.

Step 10

Once the apples are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 11

Serve the baked apples warm, topped with a generous dollop of almond cream. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1331.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1668.0

Total Fat 101.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 190.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 199.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.6g	0%
Total Sugars 156.1g
Protein 21.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 335.1mg	0%
Iron 8.0mg	0%
Potassium 1828.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.0%

Protein: 4.7%

Carbs: 44.3%