Spiced Hasselback Apples

These spiced hasselback apples are one of those desserts that look a bit special but don’t actually ask much of you. Soft baked apples, gently spiced, with a crunchy almond-oat crumble tucked into all the slices - finished with warm vegan custard poured over the top.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients (serves 8)

For the spiced coating:

• 50g coconut oil, melted
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 2 tsp maple syrup

For the crumble topping:

• 50g almond flour
• 30g rolled oats
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 25g light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• Pinch of salt
• 20g flaked almonds

For the apples:

• 4 medium apples (firm varieties like Braeburn or Gala)
• Vegan custard, to serve

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) / 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel and core each apple, then slice them thinly, stopping three-quarters of the way down so they stay intact. Place chopsticks or wooden skewers on either side to prevent cutting through.
3. Make the spiced coating: In a small bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and maple syrup. Brush generously over each apple, making sure some seeps into the slices.
4. Prepare the crumble: In a medium bowl, mix the almond flour, oats, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt with a fork until crumbly. Stir in the flaked almonds.
5. Assemble: Place the apples cut side up on the baking tray. Spoon and gently press the crumble mixture over the top of each apple, filling in between the slices.
6. Bake: Roast for 35-40 minutes until the apples are tender and the crumble is golden.
7. Serve: Pour warm vegan custard over the apples and enjoy immediately.