How to Make Paleo-Friendly Baked Apples with Cinnamon

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a sweet treat that’s not only delicious but also healthy can be a challenge. But what if I told you that you could indulge in a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while sticking to a Paleo diet? Yes, it’s possible! Meet your new favorite dessert: Paleo-Friendly Baked Apples with Cinnamon.

The Paleo diet, inspired by our ancestors’ eating habits, focuses on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and lean meats. It avoids processed foods, dairy, and grains. This might sound restrictive, but it opens up a world of creativity in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into delicious meals and desserts.

Baked apples with cinnamon are a perfect example. This simple, comforting dessert uses whole, natural ingredients that align with Paleo principles. Plus, it’s easy to make and filled with flavors that remind you of home. Ready to get baking? Here’s how to make this delightful dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

4 large apples (choose a variety that’s good for baking like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith)
2 tablespoons of coconut oil or ghee, melted
2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey (for natural sweetness)
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
A pinch of nutmeg (optional for extra flavor)
1/4 cup of crushed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans work well) or shredded coconut for topping
Fresh lemon juice (optional, to prevent the apples from browning too quickly)

Equipment You’ll Need:

A corer or a knife
A spoon
A baking dish
Aluminum foil (optional, to cover the apples while baking)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Apples:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, wash the apples and pat them dry. Using a corer or a knife, carefully remove the cores of the apples, making sure to leave the bottom half intact (this creates a nice “bowl” for your filling). If any apples have a tough side, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to help them sit upright in the dish. To enhance taste and prevent browning, you can rub a little lemon juice on the cut surfaces of the apples.

2. Mix the Filling:

In a small bowl, combine the melted coconut oil or ghee with maple syrup or honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. Stir until everything is nicely mixed. If you’re adding nuts or shredded coconut, mix them into this filling as well.

3. Stuff the Apples:

Place your apples in the baking dish. Spoon the filling into each apple, making sure it’s evenly distributed. If you have extra filling, drizzle it over the apples.

4. Bake the Apples:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the tops of the apples from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size and variety of the apples. You’ll know they’re done when they’re soft and the filling is nicely browned.

5. Serving:

Let the baked apples cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re delicious on their own, but for an extra treat, you can top them with a dollop of coconut cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Tips:

Experiment with the filling by adding different spices or ingredients like raisins, dried cranberries, or a splash of vanilla extract.
To keep this dessert entirely Paleo, ensure that all your ingredients are compliant, especially the nuts (if opting for packaged ones, they shouldn’t be roasted in non-Paleo oils).

Conclusion:

Baked apples with cinnamon are a testament to how delicious and satisfying Paleo-friendly desserts can be. They’re a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall or to bring a bit of warmth into your home during the colder months. Plus, they’re easy to make, customizable, and full of natural ingredients that you can feel good about. Whether you’re strictly following the Paleo diet or just looking for healthier dessert options, these baked apples are sure to hit the spot. Give them a try and indulge in a sweet treat that doesn’t derail your nutritional goals. Happy baking!