Apple Nut Crunch: A Quick Dessert with One Apple

Apple Nut Crunch is the perfect fall dessert when you are short on time and ingredients. It only uses one medium apple and it is the perfect size for a weeknight family meal. This crunchy baked apple dessert is served warm topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

Apple Nut Crunch Recipe (with only one apple)

It’s officially apple season here in Indiana. There’s nothing like the smell of a baked apple dessert in the oven. It’s warm and inviting, homey and settling – just what we all need right now.

My general rule of thumb is that fruit does not belong in a dessert; in my mind, a dessert is CHOCOLATE, peanut butter or butterscotch. However, apple is my one exception to this rule. I love all baked apple desserts, even if it’s just simple baked apples like these.

I was struck by how few ingredients (only 1 apple) this crunchy apple dessert called for in my Caterin to Charleston Cook Book. The recipe is the perfect size in my humble opinion. It makes an 8 x 8 inch apple nut crunch which is just the right size for a one-time dessert with no leftovers to tempt me the rest of the day.

Ingredient List

You probably already have all the ingredients for this easy apple dessert on hand. This recipe makes enough for a weekday family meal, making it truly perfect for a sweet bite after lunch or dinner.

• 5 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 apple
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make Quick and Easy Apple Dessert

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix egg and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture.
3. Fold in diced apples, chopped nuts and vanilla and pour into a 8 x 8 inch baking dish.
4. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Storage Instructions

Let cool completely. Cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature if it’s going to be consumed within a day. If not, store in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave.

For the full instructions for Apple Dessert (without oats, brown sugar or cinnamon), scroll to the bottom of this post. 

Crunchy Apple Recipe FAQs

• I left my apple unpeeled for this crunchy apple dessert; however, if you prefer to peel it, then go for it.
• This is the perfect sized dessert for everyone family member to have just one serving. It’s baked in an 8 x 8 inch baking dish (like this one), and leftovers almost never are a problem.
• This apple dessert is without brown sugar oats and cinnamon which makes it unique!  If you are a cinnamon fanatic, go ahead and add some to the batter.
• I used chopped pecans but you can use your favorite chopped nut. Walnuts would be perfect too.

Which apples are best for baking?

We like using Granny Smiths and our kids love eating them so it’s a win-win to buy just one bag at the store for baking and snacking! Jonathans, Jonagolds, Honeycrisp, Braeburn and Melrose are all good options. Don’t be afraid to mix and match too. Pair a tart Granny Smith with a sweeter Honeycrisp. You can use Fuji and Gala apples too!

Baked Apple Desserts

Grandma’s Apple Crisp (without oats)

Baked Apple Surprise

Sour Cream Apple Bars

Linking up to Weekend Potluck. Linking up to Meal Plan Monday.