If you’re like me and have resolved to eat healthier this year, you’re probably focusing on choosing healthier snacks as part of an improved diet, and this baked apples recipe makes healthy snacking easy. It has the essence of apple pie without all of the calories. Delicious and guilt-free!
How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions? Sadly, many of us have given up on them already. They’re so easy to make, but so cotton-pickin’ hard to keep. The problem is that we tend to choose lofty goals that are impossible to reach quickly, so we lose our motivation just as quickly. Instead of thinking about losing weight, think about eating healthier – it’s not as intimidating!
One way to improve the quality of your diet is to add the Feel Good Fruit to your favorite snack recipes. It’s an easy fix to help you stick with your healthy eating resolutions this year.
I love Sunsweet® plums and prunes! They’re deliciously tasty and uniquely nutritious, making them the perfect addition to my baked apples recipe.
I mixed up a plum crumble topping for the baked apples recipe with Sunsweet Plum Amaz!ns, oatmeal, brown sugar, butter and spices to make a small amount of filling which I spooned into the centers of two cored and halved apples.
I covered them and baked them in a bath of apple juice until they were tender, spooning juice over the tops a few times throughout.
Guys, this is good stuff!
So, about those plums and prunes… studies suggest the following positive effects from certain nutrients in them:
Bone Health: Prunes may promote healthy bones. Dr. Bahram H. Arjmandi of Florida State University says, “Dried plums (prunes) are the most bone-friendly fruit that I have seen in decades. They are nature’s solution to maintaining good bone health.” Dr. Arjmandi hypothesizes that the many compounds and nutrients contained in prunes, such as vitamin K, potassium, copper and boron, likely work synergistically to have this positive effect. Additional research is currently being conducted to learn more about prunes and bone health.
Potassium: Potassium may help prevent hypertension and stroke and play a role in helping support cell energy by regulating fluid balance, nerve impulses and muscle contraction to increase energy.
Fiber: A diet containing foods with fiber can replace fats and sweets, and contributes to heart health.
Regularity: A fiber rich diet may contribute to maintaining a consistent digestive tract which helps lead to improved digestive health.
Healthy Snacking Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 2 apples cut around the middle and cored
- Lemon juice
- 1/2 cup apple juice + 1 tablespoon divided
- 1 Tbsp butter melted
- 1 Tbsp pure Vermont maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Sunsweet Amaz!n Diced Plums
- 2 Tbsp oatmeal
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Put apple halves into square baking dish; sprinkle tops with lemon juice to prevent too much browning.
- In small bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Spoon into centers of apple halves.
- Pour 1/2 cup apple juice into bottom of baking dish. Cover dish with foil. Bake for 40 minutes or until tender, spooning juice over apples occasionally.
Nutrition
If you haven’t tried #TheFeelGoodFruit yet, you should!
PlumSmart® Light: This juice is made from a special variety of fresh, juicy plums and has only 60 calories and 15g of carbs, and helps you stay fit on the inside by providing a good source of fiber. PlumSmart Light is a great addition to a smoothie.Amaz!n™ Prunes: These little gems are a good source of fiber for only 100 calories per serving. Amaz!n Prunes are nature’s perfect way to feel good with nutrition and delicious taste. Prunes also have a low glycemic index, which means they keep you feeling fuller longer. They add a powerful boost of nutrition and fiber to snack time or your favorite recipe.
Amaz!n™ Diced Prunes: Grab a handful of these delicious diced prunes for nutritious snacking. Toss them in cereal, oatmeal, salad or your favorite recipes for added flavor and fiber. One serving of Amaz!n Diced Prunes is a good source of fiber for only 100 calories. Add to your favorite snacking recipe for extra fiber and a fruit flavor boost.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Emily @ The Benson Street says
What a fun addition with the plums. I need to try this out! Thanks for stopping by and linking up at the Monday Funday Party!
Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden says
This is great nutritional information to know. I didn’t know you could buy dried plums I’ll have to look for them. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty
Matea says
Yummi! I love baked apples, especially with cinnamon.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
I’ve never thought about using prunes to top my baked apples. Seriously great idea, though!
Ty says
I’ve never had baked apples before but these look absolutely amazing!
Michelle says
Haven’t had baked apples in…well…years. These look good and I bet they smell terrific while baking!
Miz Helen says
We really enjoy baked apples and this is a great recipe. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
De Tout Coeur Limousin says
This looks delicious – I used to do this alot. Thanks for the reminder. Saying bonjour from #createwithjoy http://detoutcoeurlimousin.blogspot.fr/2015/02/smoked-salmon-leek-puff-pastry-pizza.html
Kait says
How did I miss this recipe! These would be perfect for breakfast on a cold rainy day – like today!
Tammy Litke says
It took me a long time to appreciate the taste of prunes, but I had a handful of them a couple of years ago and I was surprised at how good they were. Perhaps it’s that “stigma” that only old people eat them? But anyone that has decently good sense would be eating them, LOL!
Laryssa says
I love eating fruit for a snack (particularly apples), so this is a great idea for changing things up a bit. Thanks for the idea! Sounds yummy =)
Melanie LaDue says
Love this recipe! I’d don’t even care for cooked fruit and these look good! I would love it if you’d come visit Skip The Housework link party and link them up! http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/skip-housework-link-party-54/
Elaine says
I love baked apples!! Brings back memories from being a kid…but my mom didn’t make them like this!! Great Recipe!! I would love for you to stop by and share your stuff at my Link Party…it’s still open!! http://www.cookinandcraftin.com/my-2-favorite-things-on-thursday-link-party-4/
Stefani Tolson says
What a yummy and clever idea. I am definitely going to make this for my kids.
Melissa says
Yum! I love baked apples. I will have to try out this recipe because it looks delicious.
COASAHM (@COASAHM12) says
I love this! Baked apples have always been yummy!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
I love apples! I’ve never tried them with plums on top, what a great idea!
Margarita Ibbott (@DownshiftingPRO) says
I just love plums. I love cooking them in a pork roast with some French herbes de provence. I think this is a great use of plums.
Alissa Apel says
This looks great to me. I love apples, so do my kids. I’ve made them apple sandwiches with almond, or peanut butter between 2 slices and pumpkin seeds. I never thought about making this snack. Yummy-O
Gabriel Bregg says
Very efficient! Why waste time and energy on the crust when it’s just a delivery device for the filling anyway. Looks great and I do love me some apple pie.
Paula Schuck says
Yumm I love making baked apples! It’s a great snack or dessert.
eliz frank says
That’s a delicious yet healthy dessert. I love that the juices are spooned over each apple half, giving them a lovely glow. Yum!
Camesha says
Those look so good. Apple pies are a favorite of mine. This looks like a good substitute.
Chrissy Mazzocchi says
Oh wow I’ve never tried baked apples before. This looks so yummy and healthy for you too!
Penelope says
Wait, you just baked the apples just like that? That is so cool! I love it, no fattening crust, just apples and the delicious filling, brilliant!!!
Natalie says
This looks really tasty, it would make a great snack. Will have to try it with the kids sometime.
Mary O'Malley says
I’ve never thought to bake an apple this way before. This looks pretty darn tasty.
Shannon Gosney says
It’s been forever since I’ve made baked apples! I seriously need to try making these sometime. Sounds like a yummy recipe.
Marielle Altenor says
I actually did a baked apple a few weeks ago. It wasn’t has healthy as yours though lol we had caramel in ours!
Caitlin says
This looks delicious and that it is good for you. I think this is a great recipe and will share it with others.
Trisha says
These look incredibly tasty and a great snack for my family! Thanks for the recipe, I’ll definitely give these a try!
Real Talk Moms says
This sounds good. I have never eaten prunes and I did not realize they were so full of health benefits! I think it is time for me to buy some.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
Baked apples are one of my favorite recipes. I can’t wait to try your version!
Chrysa says
WOW what an amazing recipe. I’m always looking for healthy recipes to make. Thanks for the idea.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I agree! What a nice healthy snack – looks easy to make too!
Donna says
I bake apples from time to time but never have used plums… this sounds delicious! I think my husband will like this too!
Rebecca Swenor says
This sounds and looks so good and I will have to make these. I love Sunsweet Prunes to snack on but this would be great for a dessert indeed. Thanks for sharing.
Amanda says
I love this! They look so tasty and tlak about having a healthy option for snack or even dessert!
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
What a delicious recipe! I love dried fruit!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I love making baked apples. I will have to try this great healthier recipe. I am sure my family will go nuts for them.
Tough Cookie Mommy says
My grandmother used to make baked apples when we were little. They have such sweet flavors.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
What a healthy and delicious recipe for baked apples! They look absolutelyy delicious!
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
I just love this twist on baked apples.
Annie {Stowed Stuff} says
Looks so good! I want to try these! Pinning it!
Crystal says
Those apples look great! Love the idea of adding plums to the mix, definitely a great snack pick-me-up.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I love baked apples and have never thought to put plums in the mix. This looks so yummy.
Courtney says
Omg these apples looks beyond delicious!!! I will need to try these out 🙂
Jillian Fisher says
Wow this looks so delicious! I book marked it and I plan on making it soon! I know everyone in my family will eat it, so that is a plus!
Angela says
I have made something similar but in the slow cooker. Such a yummy and guilt free treat!
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
I love plums and prunes but have never tried them with baked apples. Sounds delightful. I love making baked apples with some cinnamon and stevia. I’ll have to give this a try.
Lynndee says
When I first looked at the photos, I thought those black thingies in the middle were olives. I don’t think I’ve tasted plums actually. Now I want to try your recipe so bad.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
Oh I love baked apples. I bet the plums take them totally over the top into flavor nirvana!! YUMMY!!
Kristin says
Those look so darn good! What a lovely, healthy treat!
coolchillmom says
What a great recipe! I never thought to bake plums at all!
Maggie @ The Love Nerds says
I love baked apples! There is something so comforting about them and they pair so well with lots of things!
vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Wow these are great! I’ve never thought to bake apples by themselves before. I’ve always just baked them inside something like pie. Looks amazing. Must try it.
Kori says
This looks really tasty and easy to make. I’m definitely going to give this a try sometime.
Kerri says
Those apples looks so fabulous and they are so easy to make. Thank you for the recipe.
Lisa Bristol says
This looks like such a delicious treat. My family would love them. I will have to try making these this weekend.
April Decheine says
Oh I have never tried the plum topping, My husband loves baked apples for breakfast. I buy the prunes and keep them in the fridge, great source of fiber!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
That looks so delicious. I haven’t made baker apples before but it looks like a great treat.
The Mid-Atlantic Foodie says
I love baked apples, but I’ve never tried them this way, as I’m not a huge fan of plums. They look fantastic though, so I am definitely willing to give them another try in this recipe and also serve this to my family.
Goody Bag Lady says
Looks simple to make and tasty too. I can see myself eating it watching movies lol.
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says
These look delish- I might even eat the prunes 🙂
Bradley Finnearty says
Eating healthier is not something that I have to resolve to do, it is something that must be done. My heart needs me to eat healthier after having a stint and open heart. This looks like it would be a really good sweet alternative. Thanks for the recipe.
Bonnie @ wemake7 says
Mmmm those look really tasty and yummy. I haven’t used Sunsweet in awhile. I will have to look for their products again.
noelle d says
That sounds tasty!
Tiffany (A Mom's Take) says
I could only image how good your house smelled after baking these off in the oven. They look delicious!
Daphne Turner says
I want to try the recipe but I’m confused with the directions. When you say “combine remaining ingredients, it would seem like the 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp. of the apple juice (the very next ingredient) would be part of what is added. Then immediately after that, one needs to put 1/2 cup of apple juice in the bottom of the pan. Is that a second measure of 1/2 cup of apple juice? And where does the 1 Tbsp. of apple juice go? There is no mention of it. I am one of those people who can’t cook unless the recipe tells me exactly what to do and when! Thanks for any clarification you can give me.
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom) says
I’ve been wanting to try this for so long! Looks yummy.
Janeane Davis says
It is a great idea to cimbine fruits to make a delightful dessert like this.
Alyssa C says
WOW those apples look delicious, I’m definitely going to try this! Thank you for sharing
Angela Christoper says
This recipe looks tasty and delicious, I really need to try this at home really love it.
Kay Adeola says
Yum baked apples! Thanks for sharing I will give this a go.
Lauren says
I love baked apples! I’ve never tried to put other fruit and granola on top though. It looks delicious!
Shaney Vijendranath says
I’m always looking for healthy snacks especially now since I’m pregnant. Definitely trying these out. Thanks for sharing, it looks so yummy!
celebbabylaundry says
I love baking apples in the oven, it’s a snack I tend to have quite a bit!
Elizabeth O. says
That is one healthy snack or was that dessert? Definitely making this for Sunday dinner!
Erin Paine says
This looks so easy and yummy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Mommy Pehpot says
I would love to try out this recipe.. Apples are really good!
Chelle @ Oh Just Stop Already says
I haven’t had a baked apple since I was a little kid. I can’t believe that! Definitely going to change that in the next week as I’m incredibly sure my children would love them. Especially when you can add many different ‘fillings’ to create the perfect baked apple.
Rosey says
Plums and prunes. You made me think of my grandpa, he loved them both! Your baked apple slices do look really good!
Censie says
Well this looks amazing. I would have never thought of this combo.
Carly says
Oh YUM! These look amazing!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Mmm Mmm, I saw these on your facebook and fell in love with them! Can’t wait to make them at home!
Nancy Lustri says
Oh my! I’m always looking for apple recipes. We have an apple orchard!! I can honestly say that I’ve never tried anything with plums or prunes when cooking/baking with apples. Can’t wait to try this!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
Healthy and delicious… plus I can’t wait to try it out.
Patty H says
This is a great snack recipe for my diet! I cant wait to try it!
Jaime says
Mmmmm these look absolutely amazing, Liz! I looove apples and plums but never thought to put them together and now I must try this!
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
I love baked apples. The plum topping sounds tasty!
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
I can’t believe plums and prunes have so many healthy benefits! These apples look delicious too!
Melissa says
This looks delicious. I think the whole family would love it.
Debra says
Wow! These look so delicious. Loved baked apples!
Maggie says
Those loOk delicious! Perfect for a weekend brunch!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What a great recipe. This would make a nice healthy snack for my kids!
Theresa says
I have never tried plums in baked apples, but these sure look delicious! I have a bag of apples just waiting for me to do something with them in the kitchen now. This looks like the perfect recipe to use them up!
Elizabeth @ Being MVP says
Those are beautiful apples! Love the presentation a lot.
The Pinterested Parent says
I love baked apples. The smell alone is heavenly. This looks like a great snack/dessert. I will have to give these a try.
Shanaka says
My boys enjoy baked apples. I have never had a recipe for them that included plums. We’ll have to give these a try.
Jenn says
This looks awesome! I would have never thought to add on the top, I love baked apples alone this would kick it up a notch for me. Thanks for the recipe.
Erica (@Erica's Recipes) says
Clever recipe – looks tasty and healthy!
Maria says
Yum! What a great snack especially on a cold dreary day!
Aline Matiazzo says
They look Yummy!!! Thanks for sharing, I will try this recipe!
Kristin says
This looks like such a tasty dessert that is healthy! I will have to try it out this week.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
This is delicious. I love baked apples and the plums up the ante, hardcore!
Lois Alter Mark says
Those look delicious – and much healthier than the junk I usually snack on.
Heather says
These look really yummy.
Jesica H says
If I wasn’t allergic to apples this would already be in my tummy! It looks so gooood!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I love plums and I love apples, so put them together and I am all over it! I think this is a refreshing snack that is also healthy.
Pam says
Plums and apples go really well together. This definitely looks yummy!
Pam says
I love baked apples, and I love that you made them healthier. Prunes may have a bad reputation, but they’re actually really tasty! Sunsweet is my favorite brand.
Sara says
I love baked apples – my granny always used to make them in the Winter for me – these ones look delicious!
Ourfamilyworld (@OurFamilyWorld) says
These baked apples look so good. I am trying to eat healthier this year. I am eating more fruits.
Jessica Beal Harlow says
I’d never have thought I’d love prunes, but I really like them…and they are great for you!
Heather says
This looks very good. I could make these for the kids and myself and I wonder if my husband would eat it. It looks great!
Andrea H says
Your baked apples look delicious, Liz! I’ve never thought of using plums in my baking but I may have to try your recipe.
Elizabeth @ Being MVP says
This looks delicious. Plus the presentation makes it party perfect!
Danette Lykins says
Looks amazing! I love baked apples- thanks for sharing!
Kathy says
This looks amazing! I love healthy snack type recipes. I think my daughters would love to help me make this and they’d probably enjoy it too!
Lexie Lane says
This looks creative and delicious! Yum! I will have to try this!
Jeanine says
Yum now this looks so good! My grandma used to make a few different baked apple dishes and they were to die for!
kungphoo says
This is such a great recipe and the health benefits are amazing!!!!
Cascia @ Healthy Moms Mag says
That sounds like a great recipe!
becca says
Oh my those look so good and they fit my new vegan lifestyle. YUMMY!!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
Yum! Sounds so good! I love apples and so do my kids, so this would be a real treat!
heather meads says
Ohhhh, that looks soooo good! Thanks and Pinned!
lisa says
This looks sooo good! I’ve been wanting to try baked apples and this recipe looks delicious.
{Erica}EverythingMomandBaby says
I keep meaning to bake apples. I never do! I know my kids would love it as I loved it when my mom did it for us. The recipe looks good too! Thx 🙂
Eileen Richter says
thank you for posting this. A good replacement for an unhealthy dessert. I will do this but may sub different things out for the center…like berries or peaches, etc. I do love me some plums and prunes though!
Aubrey says
My mother-in-law made baked apples once and they were delicious. I will have to try this myself now.
aimee fauci says
What a great idea! You know I’ve never had a prune or a plum. They are just big raisins right?
maria @ close to home says
I have not made baked apples in years. This looks like something my kids would love with a little vanilla ice cream too.
Jaime says
I haven’t tried baked apples. This looks delicious! My son loves apples, and this looks like something he would totally try.
Christie says
Ohh, I like the sound of baked apples right now! And getting our daily dose of prunes is a good idea too!
Debbie says
This is awesome. Great and flavorful snacks.
Ruken says
That looks freaking delicious!!!
-R
xTeros
LauraOinAK says
I love apples whether eaten raw or baked. I’ve never thought about adding dried plums to a crumble, though. Sounds interesting.
Lesley says
I need to bake apples. Sounds perfect since it is cold out today.
Maureen @ A Debt Free Stress Free Life says
I love baked apples and the addition of the plums sounds like a good combination. Once baked I bet they are even better.
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
Fruit is such a great way to enjoy a healthy snack. Nature really knows how to sweeten things and make them tasty! These apples look amazing!
Tracie says
Oh my gosh, this is my new favorite thing. Plums are the best. I am always looking for a new plum recipe.
Ruken says
Oh my god that looks amazing!!!! Mouth is definitely watering.
-xTeros
Christi says
These look REALLY good! I will be trying this recipe, for sure.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
Oh wow, I bet this is so full of flavour and the texture would be heaven! Thanks for the recipe idea, making this really soon!
Amy Desrosiers says
We love making baked apples here! It is like eating a mock apple pie.
Travel Blogger says
that looks like something my son would love
Maria says
Baked apples with butter, sugar, & plums…mmm
I can’t wait to try this recipe for myself.
Crystal says
I just remembered we have a teacher appreciation day coming up! These would be so nice to share with the teachers!
Donna Ward says
I will be trying this one out and have saved the recipe to my computer – love the photos, nutrition faces, and thank you 🙂
Jeannette says
Those look really yummy and I bet the kids would even love them. Baked apples are one of my favorite things ever so I can’t wait to try these out!
Holly says
I love baked apples. But I never would have thought to try them with plums or prunes in them. Great way to add a different texture and flavor to the apples.
Jessica says
I love baked apples. I usually use raisins or cranberries in mine, but I will have to give plums a try.
Kecia says
These look so good. I sometimes get bored with just fresh fruit for snack, so this would be a healthy alternative!
Kelly Hutchinson says
Well, I love plums and apples, and would never have thought to put them together. Yummy!
sharon martin says
I’ve never tried baked Apple before, I can almost taste the sweetness of your recipe, looks delicious and healthy, win, win!!
Crystal says
Seriously?!?! That looks so incredible! I would gobble those up for dessert & they don’t even have chocolate included.
Crystal says
I love apples. Great pictures!
Kungphoo says
I love this.. a few of my favorite things, and it is not high in calories! this is going to be tried in the next few days since we will be snowed in.
Olivia Schwab says
I love baked apples! Anything that has apples in it will for sure catch my eye! Thank you for posting the recipe! It looks great!
Jennifer B says
These look SO good and I love that they are healthy too! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Andrea Kruse says
I love prunes and your recipe does look good! I keep meaning to make baked apples for my kids. These would be a perfect after school snack. Thanks for sharing.
Megan Elford says
Now this is a great idea! I love that you put a crumble topping on the apples, I bet they are SO yummy! I’d give them a try for sure!
Jennifer says
This looks great! I love apples, and I love prunes in recipes. I like to put them in my dressing on the holidays.
Amber C. says
I have never tried baked apples but I’ve always heard they were so good! I need to have healthy snacks with baby #2 on his/her way so I def can’t wait to try this!
Brittany C. at Mom. Wife. Busy Life. says
These sound delicious! I love apples! One of my favorite snacks….
Always Gabby says
Wow, those look too delicious to be so healthy. I’ll take two!
Rena McDaniel says
Oh my! This looks amazing and simple and I’m all about both of these! I never thought to do something like this before.
Krystal says
That looks amazing! You better believe I’ll be making this soon! Yum!
Debbie L. says
Me too – they look so tasty! Such a great twist to a Baked Apple.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
Ooh, those look fabulous! I’ve been known to keep Sunsweet dried plums in my candy jar at work, so this is my idea of a real treat!
Michele says
I love baked apples. I generally just put some raisins, cinnamon and sugar in those cavities–U definitely have ti try your recipe it sounds delicious!
Dawn says
That looks delicious! I love recipes that are healthy but still have a healthy and creative flavor. Thanks!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
YUMMY! I’ve baked apples, but not like this before! Thank you for the great idea!
Felicia says
These look absolutely delicious. What a great after school snack or breakfast.
Andrew says
These look delicious! These baked apples are a great alternative to an unhealthy dessert!
Debbie L. says
What a good idea – I never would of thought to add prunes! YUMM!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Me neither. I always forget about prunes for some reason and that’s silly because they are delicious.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Since I am injured at the moment and can’t workout, I have REALLY been watching my calories. This is an AWESOME snack idea!