Fall is here, with it the simple pleasures due to cooler nights and sun-soaked days: leaf peeping, brisk hikes, fall festivals- not to mention apple picking and autumn baking! If you're lucky enough to get live close to an orchard, apple picking is an excellent way to get outside and obtain active while enjoying the fall weather, and an activity just about everyone can participate in- kids and adults alike.

No orchard near by? A fast visit your local farmers' market should solve the issue. The only riddle left? What to make with all of those apples, obviously. While classics like apple pie and apple crisp are delicious, try something new – and cut your prep time in half- by whipping up a load of baked apples?

A little tart, a little sweet and delicately spiced, these simple baked apples are ideal for when a dessert craving hits on a busy weeknight or when you really need to an easy dessert to serve unexpected dinner guests- yes, they're really that versatile which easy. Warm, soft, and completely comforting (especially when topped with a generous scoop of vanilla frozen treats), they are available together within 10 minutes. Prepared to get started? Read on for that recipe – the toughest part is deciding which kind of apples to use- Macs or Cortland?

Baked Apples

Serves 3

Ingredients:

3 medium apples (we used Macintosh)

1/4 cup low-sugar granola (we used Purely Elizabeth Maple Walnut Probiotic Granola)

2 Tbsp raisins

2 Tbsp chopped pecans

2 tsp coconut sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Salted grass fed butter, ghee or coconut oil, to grease the pan and top apples

How to:

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F. Rinse and dry the apples. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the core and seeds of every apple, ensuring to depart the bottoms intact. Grease a little skillet or baking dish and arrange the apples inside.

Step 2

In a little bowl, mix together the granola, raisins, pecans, coconut sugar, and cinnamon.

Step 3

Divide the filling evenly between your apples, packing it firmly into the scooped out cores. Should there be extra, sprinkle it over the apples. Top each apple with a small square of salted butter. Place apples in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until apples are soft and bubbling.

When apples are done, remove from the oven and allow for cooling. Serve warm having a scoop of the favorite plant-based vanilla frozen treats. Enjoy!