Looking for a delightful and healthy treat? These Peanut Butter Banana Baked Apples are a fantastic choice, offering a warm, comforting dessert or a hearty snack that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to create this sweet sensation.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apples: Firm, baking apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best.
- Peanut Butter: Use natural creamy or crunchy peanut butter. Almond butter or cashew butter are great alternatives.
- Banana: A ripe banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Oats: Rolled oats provide texture. Gluten-free oats are fine if preferred.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, cozy flavor. Nutmeg is another option.
- Maple Syrup: For a touch of extra sweetness. Honey can be used instead.
Ingredients
- 4 medium baking apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Optional: A pinch of sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies with ingredients)
- Tools needed: Baking dish, paring knife, mixing bowl, spoon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully core each apple, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. You want to create a nice cavity for your filling.
2. Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the mashed banana, peanut butter, rolled oats, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. If you’re using them, stir in the chopped nuts and a pinch of sea salt. Mix everything until well combined.
3. Stuff the Apples
Spoon the peanut butter banana mixture generously into each apple cavity. Don’t be afraid to overfill them a little; the filling will settle as it bakes. Place the stuffed apples into a baking dish.
4. Bake to Perfection
Pour a small amount of water (about 1/4 inch) into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps keep the apples moist. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is bubbly and lightly browned.
5. Serve Warm
Carefully remove your delicious Peanut Butter Banana Baked Apples from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this healthy baked apples idea warm as a delightful dessert or snack.
Variation Ideas
- Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the filling before baking.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup after baking.
- Experiment with different fruit purees in the filling, like mashed berries.
- For an extra crunch, add granola to the filling or sprinkle on top.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Banana Baked Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you eat the apple skin? Yes, the apple skin is edible and nutritious.
- What kind of apples are best for baking? Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape well.
- Can you make these ahead of time? You can prepare the filling a day in advance, but it’s best to bake the apples fresh.
- Are these suitable for breakfast? Absolutely! These healthy baked apples make a nutritious and filling breakfast.
- How do you prevent the apples from getting mushy? Don’t overbake them; check for tenderness regularly. Using firm baking apples also helps.
- Can you freeze baked apples? While technically possible, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated.