Hasselback Apples: An Impressive & Easy Baked Apple Dessert for Fall
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to change, there’s an undeniable call for comforting, warm desserts. And what fruit screams “fall” more than apples? While classic apple crumble and pie hold a special place in our hearts, these Hasselback Apples offer a delightful and visually stunning twist that is sure to impress everyone at your table. Forget traditional baked apples; this method elevates them to a new level of culinary artistry, all while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare.
The anticipation of apple season always fills me with joy. Although the days can still be quite warm, the cooler evenings signal that autumn’s bounty is just around the corner. I adore almost every apple creation – from caramel apple pie bars to classic apple crisp and apple bars. There’s something truly magical about the aroma of baked apples filling the home.
My first encounter with Hasselback apples was a revelation. I stumbled upon the recipe in a Cooking Light magazine, and instantly knew I had to try them. Shortly after, videos of these captivating baked apples started popping up on Facebook, accelerating my desire to create them. I simply couldn’t resist! These aren’t just any baked apples; they’re a dessert that looks incredibly fancy but is remarkably straightforward to execute. Think of the savory joy of Hasselback potatoes, transformed into a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple delight, crowned with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s truly as good as it sounds, offering a unique texture and flavor profile that stands out from traditional apple desserts.
What Are Hasselback Apples? The Art of Slicing
The “Hasselback” technique originated with potatoes, where thin, accordion-like slices are cut into the vegetable, but not all the way through, allowing seasonings to seep deep within and creating a wonderfully crispy exterior and tender interior. Applied to apples, this method yields a similar stunning effect. Each thin slice becomes infused with warm butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, creating pockets of caramelized sweetness. The fanned-out slices also provide an ideal surface for a golden, crunchy streusel topping.
How to Achieve Perfect Hasselback Slices
Achieving those signature, elegant slices might seem daunting, but it’s incredibly simple with a clever trick. After halving and coring your apples, place the cut side down on a cutting board. Position two wooden dowels, chopsticks, or even the handles of two butter knives on either side of the apple, parallel to its length. These act as guides, preventing your knife from cutting all the way through. Then, using a sharp knife, make thin, even slices across the apple, stopping when your knife hits the guides. This method ensures uniform slices that remain attached at the base, ready to fan open and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Choosing the Best Apples for Baking
The success of any baked apple dish starts with selecting the right apples. For Hasselback apples, you want varieties that hold their shape well during baking and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Some excellent choices include:
- **Honeycrisp:** Known for its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, it bakes beautifully.
- **Granny Smith:** A classic baking apple, its tartness provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet streusel.
- **Fuji:** Sweet and firm, Fuji apples maintain their texture and impart a lovely flavor.
- **Gala:** Mildly sweet and crisp, these are a popular all-purpose apple that performs well in the oven.
- **Braeburn:** Offers a good balance of sweet and tart with a firm texture.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite baking apple or even a combination of two for a more complex flavor profile.
The Irresistible Cinnamon Streusel Topping
What sets these Hasselback Apples apart is the crunchy, spiced streusel topping. Unlike traditional baked apples that might only feature a simple glaze, our streusel adds an extra layer of texture and flavor. It’s a simple mixture of old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a generous hint of ground cinnamon. The oats provide a satisfying chew, while the flour and butter create a crumbly, golden texture when baked. This combination, when sprinkled over the fanned apples, becomes a glorious, caramelized crust that perfectly complements the tender, spiced fruit underneath.
Tips for Enhancing Your Streusel
To take your streusel to the next level, consider these simple additions:
- **Nuts:** A tablespoon or two of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds adds extra crunch and a nutty depth.
- **Spices:** A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom can elevate the warm, autumnal flavors.
- **Zest:** A tiny bit of orange or lemon zest in the streusel can add a bright, fresh note.
Serving Suggestions for a Perfect Dessert Experience
While vanilla ice cream is the quintessential pairing for warm baked apples, don’t limit yourself! Here are a few other delectable serving suggestions:
- **Caramel Drizzle:** A warm drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce is a decadent addition.
- **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a lighter, airy contrast.
- **Different Ice Cream Flavors:** Cinnamon, butter pecan, or even a salted caramel ice cream would be fantastic.
- **Greek Yogurt:** For a slightly healthier option, a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt with a swirl of honey.
- **Custard or Crème Anglaise:** A warm, silky vanilla custard or crème anglaise offers a touch of elegance.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Hasselback Apples promise a memorable dessert experience that’s both comforting and impressive. They are perfect for a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or simply a treat to celebrate the beautiful fall season.
Hasselback Apples
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Ingredients
- 2 large apples, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith, cut in half vertically, and cored
- Cooking spray
- 4 Tablespoons light brown sugar, divided
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons butter, melted and divided
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
- 2 Tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly spray an 8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
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To create the hasselback effect, place each cored apple half cut-side down on a cutting board. Place two wooden dowels or chopsticks parallel to the apple on either side. Starting at the outside edge, make thin, even slices across the apple, cutting most of the way through but stopping when your knife meets the dowels. The slices should remain attached at the base.
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Carefully transfer the sliced apples, cut side down, into the prepared baking dish.
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In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk until well combined. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the apples. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
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Remove the apples from the oven and let them stand for 10 minutes. This allows them to cool slightly and makes fanning them easier.
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While the apples are cooling, prepare the streusel topping. In another small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Carefully fan open the baked apples slightly to expose the slices, then evenly distribute the oat mixture over each apple.
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Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the streusel to toast and become golden. For an extra crispy topping, turn the broiler to high and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
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Remove from the oven and serve warm, ideally topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite accompaniment. Enjoy this delightful fall dessert!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.
Additional Info
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Want even more delightful apple recipes to celebrate the season? Explore these other fantastic ways to enjoy apples, perfect for any occasion:
These Apple Bars are a fantastic option when you need a portable apple dessert. Featuring a soft, cake-like base loaded with fresh apple pieces and topped with a sweet glaze, they are reminiscent of apple pie but much easier to serve for a crowd or pack for a picnic. A truly comforting treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite!
For the ultimate indulgence, these Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, perfectly baked spiced apples, a crumbly streusel topping, and a luscious caramel drizzle. They offer all the beloved flavors of a classic apple pie in an easy-to-eat bar form, making them a sensational dessert for any gathering or a special treat for yourself.
Looking for a breakfast or snack option that feels like dessert? Our Apple Pie Bread with Chocolate Chip Streusel is your answer. This moist, flavorful bread is packed with diced apples and spices, then crowned with a sweet chocolate chip streusel. It’s an unexpectedly delightful combination that will quickly become a family favorite, perfect with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up.