Wholesome Maple Pecan Granola Stuffed Apples

In the fall, I love walking around the hills foraging for wild or abandoned apple trees. There are so many trees along the countryside that are dropping their fruit to the ground this time of the year. They're free and best of all, they're not sprayed with any chemicals. It's a win -win!

This recipe does well with a firm and crisp cooking apple. If the apple has a softer flesh, be careful not to over bake because it could lose it's shape. I used Cortlands in this particular recipe. But really I think most apples would be delicious. Buying local apples is always the best!

If you are a fan of apple pie but you find the task of rolling out a pie crust difficult, this dessert hits the apple pie spot without the fuss of a crust, peeling, chopping and rolling. This dessert is quick to prepare and so simple! Just apples, maple syrup, maple cinnamon sugar, maple pecan granola, and a bit of butter. If you prefer an vegan option, add coconut oil in place of butter.

Ingredients

4 locally harvested crisp apples
2 Tablespoons Unsalted grass-fed butter*
2 Tablespoons Justamere's Maple Syrup
2 Teaspoons Justamere's Maple Cinnamon Sugar
1/2 Cup Justamere's Maple Pecan Granola**
Optional - Whipping cream sweetened with Justamere’s Maple Cinnamon Sugar
Optional - Fresh Pressed Apple Cider

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1. Cut out center of each apple with a sharp pairing knife or melon baller (do not cut through bottom of apple
2. Place each apple cut-side-up in 10x 10 baking dish
3. Melt butter and maple syrup together in a pan on the stove over low heat until just melted and mixture comes together
4. Drizzle over each apple using a spoon or measuring cup to ensure each apple gets the same amount
5. Sprinkle each apple with Justamere's Cinnamon Maple Sugar
6. Pour 1/4 cup water or apple cider into bottom of the dish and cover with foil or the lid of your baking dish
7. Bake until apples just start to soften, about 35 minutes (baking time will vary depending on the type of apple you use so watch them at about 20 minutes and test for softness)
Uncover and bake for 10 minutes more
8. Transfer apples to a serving dish and pour liquid from baking dish over the top of the apples
9. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before filling

Fill cavities with Justamere's Wholesome Maple Pecan Granola**
Top with whipped cream sweetened with the Cinnamon Maple Sugar or Greek Yogurt whipped with our Maple Cream

Replace butter with coconut oil for a vegan version of this recipe