Name: Healthy Apple Pie Baked Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 6 large Honeycrisp or Grannysmith apples; 3 tablespoons of brown sugar; 1 teaspoon of flour or cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon; 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon of lemon juice; 1 ½ tablespoons of vegan butter; 1 store-bought rollout pie crust

These healthy baked apples are stuffed with a cinnamon apple filling and topped with a vegan lattice pie crust for easy apple pie baked apples worthy of any dinner table or special event!

Completed Vegan Apple Pie Baked Apples on a white surface.

Jump to:

Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon Apple Filling and Lattice Topping
The Ingredients
What Could I Add to The Vegan Baked Apples?
How to Make Baked Apples with Lattice Pie Crust?
Top Recipe Tips and Notes
Storage Instructions
More Easy Vegan Desserts
Vegan Pumpkin Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
Vegan Peach Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
Ninja Creami Peach Sorbet (Fresh or Canned)
Healthy Apple Pie Baked Apples

Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon Apple Filling and Lattice Topping

It doesn't have to be fall time for us to appreciate the warm and comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon. During summer, I love to nibble on dehydrator apple chips, and I've even recently shared a recipe for quick and easy Air Fryer apples and apple pie cookies. Now, it's the turn of these healthy baked apples, which bake (or air fry/microwave) apple pie right into the apple itself.

These apple pie baked apples are excellent for 1-2 person households that don't want to bake up a whole pie and the minimal lattice pie topping provides classic apple pie elements in a lighter way. These vegan baked apples are adorable - perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties, events, and the holidays (like Thanksgiving or Christmas). You could also swap the pie crust topping for a simple vegan cinnamon streusel topping like in this easy peach crisp. It's up to you!

Once baked, enjoy these stuffed baked apples alone, with a big scoop of vegan vanilla nice cream, vegan custard, whipped coconut cream, maple syrup, or a healthy drizzle of vegan peanut butter caramel.

Looking for more apple-based drinks? Try out this apple orange carrot juice or Instant Pot apple cider.

The Ingredients

Just 8 simple, inexpensive, and pantry-friendly ingredients make up these delicious healthy baked whole apples.

Ingredients for Vegan Apple Pie Baked Apples measured out on a white surface.

What Are The Best Apples for Baking?

Use firm, crisp apples that will hold their shape when baked. Choose the exact variety based on how sweet you desire these baked apples to be. It's also best to choose rounder varieties, which make for easier coring.

Sweet baked apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, Gala, etc.

Tart apples: McIntosh, Jonagold's, Granny Smith apples, etc.

What Could I Add to The Vegan Baked Apples?

Other spices: Instead of cinnamon, use a pre-made apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, or chai spice for different flavor variations.
Orange zest: For brightness and extra flavor in the apple pie stuffed apples.
Dried fruit: A handful of raisins, sultanas, or dried cranberries will add little bites of sweetness to the baked cinnamon apples.
Berries: Add a handful of blueberries, blackberries, etc., to the filling.
Nuts: Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) can be sprinkled over or into the baked apple pie filling for added texture and crunch.
Alternative topping: Instead of the pie crust, this easy-baked apple recipe will also taste delicious with a simple cinnamon crumble topping combined with nuts and raisins. You can even mix it into the apple filling.

How to Make Baked Apples with Lattice Pie Crust?

Step 1: First, preheat the oven to 375F/190C and bring the pie crust dough to room temperature. Then, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and dice two apples and transfer them to a small bowl with sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.

Step 2: Then, preheat a small pan over medium heat with the vegan butter. Once melted, pour in the diced apple mixture and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the apples soften.

Process shot showing four apple filled apples.

Process shot post putting strips of pie crust on unbaked apple.

Step 3: Slice the top off the remaining apples and use a melon baller or paring knife to scoop out the core and some apple flesh to make a 'bowl' for the filling. Then, divide the apple pie mixture between the 4 apples.

Step 4: Roll out the pie crust and cut it into strips about ¼-inch wide and long enough to fit the width of the apples (going halfway down the side of the apples). Then use them to create a lattice topping over each apple. Optionally top with a dash more cinnamon.

For even smaller portions, instead of the above, slice every apple in half, remove the core, and scoop out some surrounding flesh, laying lattice over each apple half.

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email & get this sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get great new recipes from me every week!

Process shot showing post putting strips of pie crust on unbaked apple.

Step 5: Transfer the prepared apples to a baking dish and bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then enjoy the apple pie baked apples!

To make air fryer baked apples: They should cook for between 12-15 minutes at 350F/180C in the air fryer. Make sure there's space between each apple for airflow.

Microwave Baked Apples: While losing out on texture, this method is quick, especially if you're only making one or two. Pop an apple on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until fork tender.

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

If any apples don't stand upright: Slice a very thin layer off the bottom of the apple or use some scrunched-up foil to steady them.
Don't over-core the apples: They still need sturdy walls surrounding the 'bowl,' so the baked whole apples don't collapse while baking.
Adjust the sweetness: Based on the type of apple you use and your sweet tooth.
Adjust the cooking time: Based on the size of the apples and your desired texture (tender-crisp or more tender). If you want them very tender, it can take up to 45 minutes.
For more tender apples: Add some water to the pan when placing it in the oven and optionally loosely cover with foil to help steam the apples. Remove the foil after 20 minutes to give the crust time to brown.
To make the recipe oil-free: Just add a splash of water or apple juice when sautéing the stuffed apples filling.

Storage Instructions

Make ahead: You can assemble the vegan baked apples up to 12 hours before baking them, making sure to rub the interior of each apple with lemon juice and wrap them well. When ready to bake, remove them from the fridge for 15 minutes, add the topping, and bake.

Store: Allow the healthy baked apples to cool, then store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Freeze: Freeze until solid, then wrap, pop into Ziplock/Stasher bags, and freeze for 3-4 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours.

Reheat: You can either pop the whole baked cinnamon apples back in the oven until warm, in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes, or even pop them in the microwave in 15-second increments until ready.