My Autumn Baked Apple Dessert

This beautiful baked apple dessert layers warmly spiced fruit, caramelized figs, crunchy walnuts, and creamy custard. A drizzle of maple syrup makes every spoonful rich and satisfying.

Key Ingredients

Apples

My Autumn Baked Apple Dessert

Prep time: 25 minutes

Bake time: About 50 minutes | Oven: 350°F

Serves: 4

Ingredients

·        3 Granny Smith or Fuji apples

·        8 brown figs

·        1/2 cup of brown sugar

Baked Apples

1.       Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan or cast-iron pan with foil.

2.       Wash two apples and cut them in half crosswise, so the seed cavity forms a star shape. Using a spoon, carefully remove the core without cutting too deeply into the fruit.

3.       Sprinkle each apple in half with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Halve four figs and arrange them in the pan with the apples.

4.       Bake for 30 minutes, until the apples are softened but not fully cooked.

5.       Meanwhile, peel and grate the remaining apples into a bowl. Cut the remaining four figs into small pieces and add them to the grated apple. Stir in 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch each of all spice and nutmeg.

6.       Remove the apples from the oven and spoon 2–3 generous tablespoons of the grated-apple mixture over each portion. Return the pan to the oven for 20 minutes.

Crunch Topping

·        1 teaspoon cinnamon

·        1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, plus more for drizzling

·        Pinch of nutmeg

·        Pinch of allspice

·        1/2 cup of brown sugar

·        1/2 cup of oats

·        1/4 teaspoon salt

·        1/3 cup of whole walnuts

·        3 tablespoons cold butter

·        1 tablespoon flour

1.       In a dry frying pan over low heat, toast the oats, spices, and walnuts until fragrant and lightly colored.

2.       Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool. Add the brown sugar, cold butter, flour, and salt; crumble together until combined. Mix in 1 teaspoon maple syrup.

3.       About 10 minutes before the apples are finished baking, sprinkle the topping evenly over them, making sure each portion gets some walnuts. Drizzle with maple syrup.

4.       Bake for the remaining 10 minutes, then allow the topping to brown for about 5 minutes longer, if needed.

The baked apples are ready when tender, and the figs should be soft and nicely baked. Set aside to cool slightly.

The custard may be prepared ahead of time.

Custard

·        2 egg yolks

·        1 teaspoon vanilla

·        2 1/2 cups of whole milk

·        1/3 cup granulated sugar

·        Pinch of salt

·        1 tablespoon of Cornstarch

1.       In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch until light and fluffy.

2.       Warm the milk in a medium saucepan over low to medium heat.

3.       Slowly whisk a small amount of warm milk into the egg mixture. Gradually add more milk while whisking constantly.

4.       Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low to medium heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

5.       Strain the custard for a smooth finish.

To Serve

Spoon custard into the bottom of each dish. Top with a baked apple, figs, and walnuts, then finish with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Serve warm, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.