Crispy Smashed Apples with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients
- 6 firm small apples
peeled, cored and halved crosswise, 1 1/4 pounds
- 1 tablespoon canola or other neutral-tasting oil
- ¼ cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
melted
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- 1
Position rack in upper third of oven. Preheat to 350°F.
- 2
Brush all sides of apple halves with oil; place cut-side down on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until soft but not mushy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and turn broiler to high.
- 3
Meanwhile, stir brown sugar, butter, pecans and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- 4
Using the bottom of a mason jar or other sturdy glass, flatten each apple half. Divide the cinnamon-sugar mixture among the apples. Broil until the pecans are browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve warm.
Crispy Smashed Apples with Cinnamon Sugar
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About this Recipe
Craving a warm, comforting dessert with a delightful crunch? These Crispy Smashed Apples with Cinnamon Sugar are your answer. They offer a unique textural experience that elevates simple baked apples into something truly special.
What makes this recipe stand out is the ingenious technique of smashing the apples after they've softened, which creates more surface area for those irresistible crispy edges. Paired with a crunchy, nutty topping featuring toasted pecans, rich brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon, every bite delivers a symphony of sweet and crunchy.
Prepare for a truly satisfying dessert. You'll find the apples tender on the inside, beautifully caramelized, and wonderfully crispy on the outside, all enveloped in the sweet warmth of cinnamon sugar and the delightful crunch of pecans. The richness of brown sugar and melted butter creates a topping that adheres perfectly, making each piece an absolute delight. This simple yet sophisticated dish is designed to be served warm, ideally with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apples.
Feel free to customize this apple treat to your liking. If pecans aren't your preference, walnuts or almonds would make a delightful substitute, or you could omit nuts entirely for a softer texture. While firm small apples are recommended, you can adapt with other firm apple varieties you have on hand. For an extra hint of warmth, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon.
These crispy smashed apples are perfect for a cozy evening dessert, a weekend brunch side, or a comforting treat any time you're craving something sweet and warm. Serving them fresh from the oven ensures the best crispy texture.