Easy Baked Apple Paleo Dessert

Fall is in the air!

Ok, so I guess 95-degree weather does not feel like fall, but that has not stopped us from consuming our favorite fall treats. October is the start of a busy holiday season. Halloween is right around the corner, Thanksgiving is just a month away, and Christmas will be here before you know it. This baked apple dessert will be sure to win over anyone who indulges, and will take little to no time to prepare. Your family and guests will be impressed with your top-notch culinary skills; just don’t tell them how easy it was. Your secret will be safe with me.

I was invited to my parent’s house for dinner last night, with the instructions of bringing something sweet. My mom was telling me about her childhood memories of the baked apple desserts her mom made when she was a kid. This inspired me to make a dessert that would fit into my paleo-eating plan, but would also bring back some nostalgic child-hood memories.

I must start this baked apple recipe with taking the time to educate you on the importance of organic apples. Apples are one food that we absolutely want to purchase organically. When it comes to pesticide residue, apples are the absolute worst. This is because the pesticide is sprayed on the skin of the fruit, which is usually digested. Apples are like sponges; they soak everything up. Even if you remove the skin, you will still be digesting higher amounts of pesticides than any other fruit or vegetable. Apples are in season now. The organic choices will be priced for any budget. Buy Organic!

What you will need:

• 4 Apples - Any type or size will do.  Have fun with it and try different verities.
• 2 tbsp. Ghee, Butter, or Coconut Oil 2-3 tbsp.
• 1-3 tbsp. Grade B Maple Syrup - Rembmer that apples have natural sugars in them too. 
• 4 tbsp. Organic Raisins
• 4 tbsp. Walnuts - Any nut will do.
• 1 tsp. Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 tsp. Organic Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• The tops from the apples.

Time:

• 15 minuets prep
• 40 minuets baking
• 15 minuets cooling

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees.
2. In a medium sized bowl; mix the ghee, maple syrup, raisins, walnuts, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Take your apples and cut the top off. Set Aside. Slice the usable pieces off the apple-tops and chop them into small pieces.  Place the apple pieces into the bowl with the maple syrup and mix together well.
4. Using a knife, spoon, and or vegetable corer; remove the center of the apple. Make sure not to puncture the bottom of the apple, and leave a good portion of apple on the sides.
5. Place the apples in your baking dish.
6. Scoop out equal portions of your filling into each apple.
7. Top each apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon, drizzle of maple syrup, and more ghee if you would like.
8. Bake 40 minuets uncovered
9. Let cool for 15-20 minuets.
10. Enjoy!

Here is how mine turned out!

P.S. If you would like to add a little whipped cream to the top, I am sure no one would object. Be sure to use low pasteurized, free range, grass fed whipping cream. Also, here is a great recipe for a non-dairy coconut whipped cream for all of those strict paleo people out there. I hope you enjoy this amazing dessert and much as my family and I did!

Please leave comments on how it turned out or any changes or additions that you make. This is how we keep things fresh in the kitchen.

Well Wishes,

Blaine

 Blaine Rucker, with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences, is the office manager and chiropractic tech for Focused On You Chiropractic. He is passionate about everything healthy. He enjoys cooking for his friends and family, while showing them healthy alternatives to their typical american diet. E-mail him here with any questions or concerns about nutrition or exercise. 

Start Healthy Today. Live Healthy Tomorrow!