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Home » Baked Apples with Ginger, Dates, and Pecans

Baked Apples with Ginger, Dates, and Pecans

October 1, 2017 by Taryn Solie 2 Comments Last Modified: October 16, 2018

A healthier alternative, these Baked Apples with Ginger, Dates, & Pecans have no refined sugar. They’re grain free, making them both gluten free and paleo. Great to enjoy as a dinner side dish or for a dessert!

a baked apple with ginger, dates, and pecans in the filling on a piece of parchment paper. three pecans are in the background to the left and two other apples to the right.

It’s officially fall!  My favorite season.  I love summer’s great weather, but I love the crispness of fall even more. Scarves and leggings and warm bowls of food from the oven (or a crockpot). And this recipe fits in perfectly with fall – baked apples with ginger, dates, and pecans in a crunchy filling that will warm you right up. The filling really is to die for. I could honestly probably just eat that stuff right out of the bowl (if it weren’t for the raw egg).

dates-pecans-ginger-filling-baked-apples

When thinking about this recipe, I was really trying for something that didn’t have added sugar but could still be considered dessert. I came across this post from epicurious and used it as inspiration.

Now I know you’re thinking “why have a dessert without sugar?”, but if you’ve ever seen (or had your own) little kids on a sugar high, you’ll understand. I also wanted a dish that could be eaten while on a Whole30 to get that same fall goodness and still be compliant.The dates in this recipe lend their sweetness and the pecans give it a soft crunch, while the ginger brings just a bit of a bite. It would be great a la mode if you’re having a sugar craving, or as a side dish to a pork loin to bring just a hint of sweet to the savory main dish.

So get to apple picking (or just hit up the grocery store) and make these baked apples today!

a top down view of a white plate with a baked apple cut in half, gold knife and fork at the top, on top of parchment paper. In the upper left are three pecans and the upper right are two more baked apples

Looking for more naturally sweetened treats? Check these out:
– Gluten Free Maple Pecan Banana Bread
– Raspberry Peach Nice Cream
– Honey Roasted Beet Nice Cream
– Simple Summer Berry Paleo Parfait

If you’ve tried these Baked Apples with Ginger, Dates, & Pecans (or any other recipe) then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. Seriously, I love hearing from you!

You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more good to eat, gluten free food and how I’m trying to get my kids into the kitchen more (without losing my mind).

Pin these Baked Apples with Ginger, Dates, and Pecans for later!

Both easy and healthy, these Baked Apples stuffed with Ginger, Dates, & Pecans have no refined sugar. They're grain free, making them both gluten free and paleo. Great to enjoy as a dinner side dish or for a dessert. #glutenfree #paleo #grainfree #healthy #apples

RECIPE FOR BAKED APPLES WITH GINGER, DATES, AND PECANS

a baked apple with filling inside and two on the right in the background. three pecans in the left background.
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Baked Apples with Ginger, Dates, and Pecans

Oven-baked apples with a crunchy pecan filling that will warm you right up! Great a la mode if you’re having a sugar craving, or as a side dish to a pork loin to bring just a hint of sweet to the savory main dish. Gluten free, no sugar added, paleo, and Whole30. 
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 413kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 apples Gala

Filling

  • 2 teaspoons ghee (or butter) melted
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons ginger grated
  • 2 teaspoons almond flour
  • 1 tablespoons coconut cream
  • 1 teaspoons lemon zest (a heaping teaspoon)
  • 1/2 cup pecans
  • 6 dates

For the bottom of the dish:

  • 1/4 cup ghee (or butter) melted
  • 3/4 cup apple juice (no sugar added if on a Whole30)

For the tops of the apples once filled:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ghee (or butter) melted

Instructions

Items Needed

  • 375 degree oven
  • one 8x8 square glass baking dish
  • a microplane/zester
  • a cutting board
  • a large sharp knife
  • a melon baller or pointy spoon (something to scoop out the apples with)
  • a whisk
  • a spatula or wooden spoon
  • a medium-sized bowl
  • aluminum foil

Cooking Directions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Chop the pecans on a cutting board with a large sharp knife and toast for 4 to 5 minutes in the oven, until fragrant and starting to brown. Set aside when done.
  • Wash apples and, using the cutting board, cut off the tops with the knife, just enough to remove the stem and create a flat surface.
  • Scoop out the core of the apples with a melon baller (or sharp spoon), creating a hole 1.5-2 inches deep and 1.5-2 inches wide per apple (depending on the size of the apples). Set apples aside while you make the filling (if they get a little brown on the inside from being exposed to air it’s fine, just don’t leave them out for too long).
  • In am medium-sized bowl, whisk the 2 tablespoons of ghee, egg yolks, ginger, almond flour, coconut cream, and lemon zest until well combined.
  • Remove the pits from the dates and chop the dates into small pieces.
  • Combine dates and toasted pecans with other filling ingredients in the bowl using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir until well combined.
  • Pour the 1/4 cup melted ghee and the apple juice into the 8x8 dish.
  • Stuff the apples with the filling using a spoon. The filling will not be completely level with the top of the apples.
  • Place a piece of aluminum foil securely over the apples. It’s okay if the foil is not completely closed against the sides of the dish, but it should be mostly closed.
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the apples are soft and can be pierced with a fork (you may need to use a pointed knife to pierce the skin depending on how sharp your fork is).
  • Remove from oven and let cool at least 5 minutes before serving. 

Notes

*Gala apples are fairly sweet. If Gala apples aren't available near you, try Fuji, Cameo, or Honeycrisp.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 413kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 9.4mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1.1mg

Filed Under: Dessert, Side Dishes

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Hi, I’m Taryn!

My name is Taryn, and I'm the writer, food photographer, & recipe developer behind Hot Pan Kitchen.
I am all about amazing gluten free food for families. I test my recipes over and over again and have taste testers who are gluten free and those who aren’t, because I want to make sure my recipes taste good for EVERYONE. Read more...

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