The most impressive dessert you have to bake this fall. Crisps, crumbles, pies, and baked apples are all fine, but this one really stands out in a crowd.
2largefirm apples, such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady
8tablespoonsall-purpose flour
8tablespoonsrolled oats
Instructions
Heat the oven to 400°. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven.
Melt butter. Combine 3 tbs of melted butter, 2 tbs of brown sugar and 3/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon, stir to combine; set aside.
Prepare the apples. Peel the apples, then cut each in half through the stem. Place peeled apples in a lemon water bath to prevent browning.
Cut slices in the apples, leaving the bottom intact. Place the apples cut-side down on a cutting board. Cut parallel slices into the apple, 1/4-inch apart, stopping just before you cut through the bottom. (This keeps the slices connected at the bottom of the apple.)
Brush the apples with the melted butter & sugar mixture over top of the apples and between the slices.
Coat a small baking dish with cooking spray. Place the apples in the baking dish, flat-side down. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the streusel.
Make the streusel. Cut the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter into cubes. Place in a small bowl and add the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar, remaining 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, flour, oats, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a fork to blend the ingredients together to form moist clumps.
After the apples have finished baking, remove the baking dish from the oven and uncover
Use a fork to carefully sprinkle the streusel over top of the apples, working the streusel between the slices as well.
Increase the oven temperature to 425° and continue baking, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until streusel is golden brown.
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Cool the apples for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This is fantastic topped with ice cream and caramel sauce!