Apples are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of desserts. They’re also a timeless favourite that just about everyone loves, are in abundance, and are a staple of the Good & Fugly fruit boxes.
But how much are you getting out of your apples?
Not only are they are rich in fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, they’re also wonderfully sweet (or tart, depending on the variety of apple), making them the favourite choice for desserts.
You could go down the path of an apple pie. They are delicious, after all. But there are also healthier deserts that can make the apple the hero of the piece. Why not give some of these a go?
Apple Crisp
A classic dessert, the apple crisp combines chopped apples with a crumbly topping made from oats, wholemeal flour, and a touch of honey for sweetness. The apples are baked until they are soft and juicy, and the topping becomes golden and crispy. The result is a warm, comforting dessert that is not only delicious but also good for you (and very much like a pie, but healthier). You can serve it with a dollop of Greek yoghurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Baked Apples
Another timeless, simple-to-make favourite. All you need to do is core an apple and fill it with a mixture of oats, nuts, and spices (especially cinnamon, of course), then bake until tender for a simple and healthy dessert. The apple becomes soft and sweet in the oven, and the filling adds a nice crunch. This dessert is perfect for a cold winter night, and it’s easy to customise with your favourite nuts and spices. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies use wholemeal flour and oats for added fibre, with apple and cinnamon for a sweet and spicy flavour. The apples add moisture to the cookies, making them soft and chewy. Plus, the cinnamon gives them a warm, comforting aroma. These cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling guilty. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or pack them in your lunchbox for a healthy treat on the go.
Apple Banana Smoothie
Blend an apple with a banana, some Greek yoghurt, and a dash of cinnamon for a quick and healthy dessert smoothie. The apple and banana provide natural sweetness, and the Greek yoghurt adds a creamy texture. Plus, the cinnamon adds a hint of warmth. This smoothie is perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack. You can also add a handful of spinach or a spoonful of almond butter for an extra nutritional boost.
Apple Chia Pudding
Mix chia seeds with almond milk and diced apples, then let it sit overnight. The result is a creamy, pudding-like dessert that’s packed with fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. The chia seeds absorb the almond milk and expand, creating a pudding-like texture. Plus, the diced apples add a nice crunch. This dessert is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of nuts for added flavour and texture.
Apple Energy Balls
Combine dried apples with dates, oats, and nuts in a food processor, then roll into balls for a quick and healthy snack or dessert. The dried apples and dates provide natural sweetness, and the oats and nuts add a nice crunch. These energy balls are perfect for a quick snack on the go or a post-workout treat. Store them in the fridge for a convenient and nutritious snack anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Apple Yoghurt Parfait
Layer Greek yoghurt with diced apples and granola for a dessert that’s also perfect for breakfast. The Greek yoghurt provides a creamy base, the diced apples add a fresh crunch, and the granola adds a nice texture. This parfait is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fibre. Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, and you’ve got a delightful treat that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Apple Quinoa Salad
Cook quinoa and mix it with diced apples, nuts, and a honey lemon dressing for a dessert salad that’s packed with protein. The quinoa provides a nutty flavour and a unique texture, the apples add a fresh crunch, and the honey lemon dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavour. Yes, a salad for dessert might sound strange, but we promise, not only does it work, but it is also filling and nutritious.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
These muffins use wholemeal flour and applesauce for added moisture, with diced apples and cinnamon for flavour. The applesauce makes the muffins moist and tender, and the diced apples add a nice crunch. Plus, the cinnamon gives the muffins a warm, comforting aroma. These muffins are not only ideal as a dessert, but they’re a great energy boost in the morning, or a snack in the afternoon just as you start to flag.
Apple Fruit Leather
Puree apples with a touch of honey, then spread it thin and bake at a low temperature until it’s dried for homemade fruit leather. The apples provide natural sweetness, and the honey adds a touch of extra sweetness. Once you’ve got this, you can add it to any number of other deserts, or simply enjoy it as it is by itself.
And there you have it, ten highly nutritious deserts that are almost totally guilt free, and celebrations of the humble apple. Cycle through these with your Good & Fugly fruit boxes to delight your tastebuds and your family each and every time.
