Autumn's nostalgic treat: Baked apples with cinnamon crumble

This dessert is perfect if you believe apples are the best part of an apple pie. While you can embellish baked apples with various toppings, the apples remain the star attraction. This treat is simple and quick to prepare, ready much sooner than a traditional apple pie.

Many toppings complement baked apples splendidly. At the top of the list, of course, are jams, nuts, honey, dried fruits, and raisins. You can create a variety of combinations with these. For a more nutritious option to serve at a second breakfast or afternoon tea, consider filling them with peanut butter or oats. I've tried baked apples in numerous ways, but lately, my favourite has been topping them with a cinnamon crumble. In this pie-like form, my family thoroughly enjoys them. There's likely no spice that pairs better with apples than cinnamon.

Most apples suit this dessert, but I always choose the slightly tart ones. In my opinion, these have the best flavour. After baking, their natural sugars caramelize, leaving the apples pleasantly sweet and not sour at all. Ideal choices include heirloom varieties with thick skins that endure baking without cracking. Consider grey and golden renettes, boikens, and Antonovkas. Among newer varieties, mutsu works well. For baking, apples should have firm flesh, which allows them to achieve a creamy, non-watery consistency even with longer baking.

Ingredients:

• 4 apples,
• 3 tablespoons raisins or cranberries,
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts,
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup.

Crumble:

• 60 grams butter,
• 40 grams of icing sugar,
• 75 grams plain flour,
• half a teaspoon of cinnamon,
• brown sugar to taste, optionally.

Method of Preparation:

1. Wash the apples and cut off the top. Core the apples.
2. Fill the cavity of each apple with nuts, raisins, and maple syrup.
3. Combine all the crumble ingredients and mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
4. Generously sprinkle the apples with the crumble and, optionally, some brown sugar.
5. Place the prepared apples in an oven preheated to 180°C and bake for about 30 minutes.