This Vegan Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apples recipe is the perfect dessert for the entire family and any time of year. Perfectly tender halved apples, stuffed with a crispy oats + spices topping and generously drenched in vegan caramel sauce. Every bite is breath-taking and full of warmth.
This recipe has been one that I’ve been dying to share with you all.
It’s one of the very few recipes that I made in 2019, which still haven’t been shared, so here it is. FINALLY. Haha.
If you’ve been an avid follower of Orchids + Sweet Tea, then you’ve seen the other similar recipes like this one.
Crisps are such a Southern staple much like Cobbler, and while I don’t have a ton of recipes that showcase both dessert types, the ones that I do have are AMAZING and a must-try.
As mentioned, one of those recipes includes this Gluten Free + Vegan Maple Peach Blueberry Crisp recipe. It’s the perfect small-sized sweet treat that includes healthy ingredients and is sweetened with maple syrup. Made in just 45 short minutes and is a great way to kick-start your day, snack in between lunch, or end the night off with a little something sweet!
Then there’s this Vegan Southern Maple Peach Cobbler which is a beautiful rendition of a classic cobbler with a twist. Not only does it boast of it’s Southern touch, but it’s also entirely vegan and dairy-free, and comes topped with perfectly imperfect dollops of sweet maple-cinnamon biscuits; adding a nice kick of flavor to the creamy peach filling. Gluten-Free option available.
This Easy Vegan Strawberry Peach Cobbler is not your traditional cobbler. Not only does it boast it’s Southern touch, but it’s also entirely vegan and dairy-free, and comes topped with perfectly imperfect dollops of sweet cinnamon biscuits; adding a nice kick of flavor to the creamy strawberry-peach filling.
What you’ll LOVE most about this recipe?
It’s super easy to make.
All Vegan ingredients.
One-pan making process.
Great Balance between tender + crispy.
Full of warm spices.
Requires staple ingredients.
Can be enjoyed with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream. (mine being So Delicious’ frozen treats!)
Truly AMAZING!
The best part about this recipe and is that you are able to indulge in deliciously sweet flavors with the dairy or gluten.
When using oats, I usually get my GF oats from Bob’s Red Mill, which are such a great option. I enjoy the Thick Cut version as well, so Im able to enjoy every bite.
WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT APPLES, ANYWAY?
Whelp, in case you weren’t aware—Apples have a few great benefits when it comes to your health. Yup. That good saying, “One Apple a day keeps the Doctor away” is a fact. Haha.
In fact, Apples actually help to improve Neurological health, helps to prevent dementia, reduces your risk for stroke, lowers bad cholesterol, reduces your risk of diabetes, helps to ward off breast cancer, and helps to fight obesity.
When it comes to daily nutrition, Apples contain all the important stuff—Vitamin C, B-Complex Vitamins, Fiber, Calcium, Potassium, and Phytonutrients (which helps to protect our bodies from free radicals).
NEED A FEW APPLE RECIPE IDEAS?
When it comes to this Apple Cranberry Ginger Lemon Detox Juice, it’s all about the spicy ginger and cranberry flavors paired with the bit of tartness from the lemon and granny apples. Great as a detox or a boost in digestion and immune system support; this recipe is completely natural, easy to make, and perfect for the Fall season. All Vegan ingredients.
This Caramel Apple Spice Cheesecake is the perfect Fall-inspired dessert with every bite. This cheesecake comes completely based with a thick tasty Pecans + Graham Cracker crust, a velvety delicious caramel cheesecake filling and a scrumptious caramelized apple spice glaze on top.
These Homemade Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Pop Tarts are nothing short of flaky, naturally sweet, and bursting with comforting spice flavors, both inside + out and topped with a beautiful Maple frosting.
This Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider is the epitome of the sweet smelling Fall season. It’s super easy to make (just set it and forget it!), requires only a handful of ingredients, warm and comforting. Bold apple flavor, a hint of citrus, warm spices, and naturally sweetened (if preferred). Can be enjoyed hot or cold. All vegan and gluten-free.
This Cinnamon Chia Oatmeal with Caramelized Apple is the ultimate healthy + hearty recipe. This Oatmeal is creamy, packed with warm spices, and will surely keep you full all morning! The warm caramelized apples atop gives a great sweet and tart balance, while the nuts add a nice crunch that helps this dish burst with fall season goodness! Plus, it’s made in no time (10-15 minutes to be exact!) and it’s all vegan and gluten-free. Overnight option available.
Let’s dig right into this recipe, shall we?
Start by pre-heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a medium cast iron skillet with butter.
In a medium bowl, stir together the filling ingredients and set aside.
Prep the apples by cutting them in half in the middle through their core, scooping out the inside core, about 1 Tbsp or 1 1/2 Tbsps worth of the middle. Set aside and squeeze lemon juice on them if needed to prevent them from browning.
Make the Vegan Caramel Sauce:
In a small sauce pan over medium-high heat, add the coconut cream, brown sugar, and arrowroot starch and whisk together until mixture begins to bubble. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue to stir frequently until sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 5-6 minutes. Add pinch of sea salt. Remove from heat.
Assembly:
Add half of the homemade vegan caramel sauce to the bottom of the prepared skillet and then line apples (skin side down) and side by side atop sauce.
Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop the prepared filling into each apple (don’t be afraid to be generous! Haha.) and top with remaining caramel sauce.
Covered with foil, bake for 20 minutes before removing foil and baking for an additional 20 minutes, until the crumble is golden brown and apples are tender. **NOTE: Half-way through, be sure to scoop sauces from the sides onto apples to keep them ‘moist’.**
Once done, remove from oven and serve immediately with a side of your favorite vegan/dairy-free ice cream.
Bon Appetit!
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you choose to make this Vegan Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apples recipe or any other recipe from us, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #Orchidsandsweettea so that we can share the love!
Vegan Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apples
This Vegan Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apples recipe is the perfect dessert for the entire family and any time of year. Perfectly tender halved apples, stuffed with a crispy oats + spices topping and generously drenched in vegan caramel sauce. Every bite is break-taking and full of warmth.
Must-Haves:
- 3-4 medium organic Gala Apples, rinsed
Filling:
- 1 cup Rolled oats, gluten-free (I use Bob's Red Mill; See Notes!)
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp all spice
Vegan Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup vegan coconut cream (I use Thai Kitchen)
- 3/4 cup organic brown sugar (I use Sugar in the Raw; Vegan-approved!)
- 1 Tbsp arrowroot starch (I use Namaste; See Notes!)
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
-
Start by pre-heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a medium cast iron skillet with butter.
-
In a medium bowl, stir together the filling ingredients and set aside.
-
Prep the apples by cutting them in half in the middle through their core, scooping out the inside core, about 1 Tbsp or 1 1/2 Tbsps worth of the middle. Set aside and squeeze lemon juice on them if needed to prevent them from browning.
Make the Vegan Caramel Sauce:
-
In a small sauce pan over medium-high heat, add the coconut cream, brown sugar, and arrowroot starch and whisk together until mixture begins to bubble. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue to stir frequently until sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 5-6 minutes. Add pinch of sea salt. Remove from heat.
Assembly:
-
Add half of the homemade vegan caramel sauce to the bottom of the prepared skillet and then line apples (skin side down) and side by side atop sauce.
-
Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop the prepared filling into each apple (don't be afraid to be generous! Haha.) and top with remaining caramel sauce.
-
Covered with foil, bake for 20 minutes before removing foil and baking for an additional 20 minutes, until the crumble is golden brown and apples are tender. **NOTE: Half-way through, be sure to scoop sauces from the sides onto apples to keep them 'moist'.**
-
Once done, remove from oven and serve immediately with a side of your favorite vegan/dairy-free ice cream.
-
Bon Appetit!
Tips | Notes:
FILLING: For an extra crunch, you can choose to add nuts such as Walnuts or Pecans. Reduce oats to 1/2 cup and add the nuts as other 1/2 cup.
STACRH/THICKENER: If you don’t have or don’t want to use Arrowroot starch, you can always use Tapioca Flour, regular Cornstarch, or flour instead. Either substitution will help to thicken the mixture just fine.
STORAGE: Best if served on the same day of making recipe. If made ahead of time (a few hours before serving), simply re-warm in the oven on 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Leftovers should be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Vegan Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apples.
I love a healthy and sweet dish like this! Perfect for when I’m craving something for dessert that will allow me to stick to my New Year’s goals!
My daughter is vegan and I can’t wait to make these apples for her! She is going to love them!
These look simply delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Love the look of these baked cinnamon caramel apples!! I can just imagine how amazing they must taste. So great that they’re vegan as well!!
These sound so good. The cinnamon is sure to really bring out their flavor. My mom used to bake apples whole when I was little and I love them.