Hasselback Apple outward appearance: Glossy magazine cover. Martha Stewart. Grandma’s from-scratch apple pie. Delicious. Hasselback Apple inner reality: The coffee stain on my glossy magazine cover. Betty Crocker. I was craving apple pie but feeling too lazy to make apple pie. Delicious. A few weeks ago, I had a crisper drawer full of apples threatening to spoil and a strong hankering for something warm and comforting that I could top with vanilla ice cream. I wanted it to be apple-centric like a pie…without the work of making an actual pie. My sweet solution: Hasselback Apples. Like an apple crisp, this easy Hasselback Apple recipe is relatively fuss-free, but what I love about it is that it really puts the fruit first. You still get plenty of the streusel goodness—the bits stuffed between the apple slices melt and infuse the apples with butter and cinnamon, while the bits on top turn crisp and golden—but the apples are the star. If you are looking for a lighter dessert, these healthy Hasselback Apples are also a stellar option. While the recipe includes enough brown sugar and butter to make them taste indulgent, one serving is a fraction of the calories you’ll find in a standard slice of apple pie. In fact, if you swap the ice cream for a dollop of Greek yogurt, you might even get away with eating one for breakfast. The Hasselback Apple recipe is also easy to scale and make ahead for a crowd. I included an amount for three apples (six halves), but you can easily reduce it for a smaller group or multiply it for a dinner party. To make the recipe in advance, a few hours before you’d like to serve, slice the apples, top them with the streusel, then pop the whole pan in the refrigerator. Bake the apples during dinner, and by the time dessert is ready, your whole kitchen will smell like tantalizing, fall-spiced Yankee Candle brought to life. In the oven, the apples sweeten and soften, while the brown sugar and oats caramelize on top. The thin, tender layers of fruit slice easily with a fork, and you are guaranteed to get just the right amount of streusel in every bite. What I love most about these Hasselback Apples, in addition to the fact that they are simple to make and sublime to eat, is their duo appeal. The taste is old fashioned, comforting, and familiar, but the presentation feels modern and fresh. In other words, your grandmother and your hip foodie friend will both approve. They will both ask for second helpings too!
How to Store Hasselback Apples
To Make in Advance. Assemble the apples in the baking dish up to the point of baking. Keep in the refrigerator, covered with foil and unbaked, for up to 4 hours. Bake just before serving.To Store. Hasselback Apples taste best the day they are made but can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.
Other Favorite Apple Recipes
For a full list, see my healthy apple recipes post.
Baked Apple SlicesVegan Apple CrispApple Oatmeal Cookies
Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe
Simple fruit and vegetable peelerWhite baking dish
