There’s something about fall that makes warm, fragrant desserts feel extra special, and this baked apple ginger crunch captures the season perfectly. The cozy aroma of baked apples, oats, and zesty orange fills the kitchen, while a touch of fresh ginger. It’sa dish that feels both comforting and revitalizing, naturally sweet, deeply nourishing, and full of fiber, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory benefits.Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven as a wholesome dessert, or paired with tea by the fire, this recipe brings together the best flavors (and feelings) of fall in every bite.
The nutrients this recipe is rich in makes this cozy dessert as good for your brain as it is comforting for your soul. Apples provide quercetin, a powerful flavonoid that helps protect brain cells from oxidative stress. Oats are a great source of choline, a nutrient essential for producing acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that supports memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance. Walnuts are rich in vitamin E and magnesium,two nutrients known to reduce brain inflammation, support neuron communication, and promote sharper thinking. And a drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness along with myricetin and catechins, potent antioxidants that enhance blood flow to the brain and help defend against cognitive decline.
Optional: 1–2 teaspoons of melted coconut oil for extra crunch
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F
Wash & core the apples, but do not peel them. Slice them in half.
Place sliced apples onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the grated ginger, ginger, salt, dried cranberries, chopped nuts and oatmeal.
Squeeze the juice from the orange into the bowl and add the rind with the other ingredients, and stir everything together with the honey or maple syrup.
Add up to ¼ cup water to mix all the ingredients together.
Place apples onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
Evenly spoon the filling mixture onto each apple. (if there is extra, spoon into ramekin containers)
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Serve warm, with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of your choice of milk. Enjoy!
Tip
For extra crunch, sprinkle a few more nuts or oats on top before baking.
Recipe Note
Created by Diana Dibblee, R.D.
This recipe was provided by Diana Dibblee, a registered dietitian, yoga teacher, fitness fanatic, educator, and owner of Dibbsonaging, you can also find her at on Instagram for more delicious recipes. Diana's goal is to create sustainable and long-term nutritional health habits for lifelong wellness, helping individuals thrive with health in their 40s and beyond. She is passionate about combining good nutritional habits with mindful movement and lifestyle activities, a sure recipe for lasting brain health.
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