Crispy Smashed Apples with Cinnamon Sugar

Crispy Smashed Apples with Cinnamon Sugar

from eatingwell.com

Toasted pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon combine in a crunchy, nutty topping for these apples. Smashing the fruit helps create a crispy edge. Serve these apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

  • 6 firm small apples (1 1/4 pounds), peeled, cored and halved crosswise
  • 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. 1

    Position rack in upper third of oven. Preheat to 350°F.

  2. 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. 3

    Meanwhile, stir brown sugar, butter, pecans and cinnamon together in a small bowl.

  4. 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.