Name: ith Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 Honeycrisp apples; 1 cup light brown sugar (or stevia brown sugar blend); ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped pecans; ⅓ cup melted, unsalted butter; Caramel sauce; Vanilla ice cream

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s cozy, sweet, and absolutely bursting with flavor, baked Honeycrisp apples Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping are your perfect go-to. This delightful dish pairs the natural crisp-tartness of Honeycrisp apples with a rich, buttery pecan and brown sugar crumble that bakes up golden and irresistible. Whether you’re indulging on a chilly evening or sharing with friends at a gathering, the balance of textures and deep caramel notes from the topping create a comforting treat you’ll want again and again.

ith Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a wonderfully simple way to create a dessert that feels both rustic and indulgent. Each one plays a critical role — from the crunchy pecans adding texture, to the brown sugar lending just the right sweetness, and the tender Honeycrisp apples providing that juicy foundation.

Honeycrisp Apples: Choose firm, fresh apples for the perfect balance of crispness and tartness.
Light Brown Sugar: Provides that signature caramel sweetness, essential to the butter pecan and brown sugar topping.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together for a lovely crumbly texture.
Chopped Pecans: Deliver a buttery crunch that complements the soft apples beautifully.
Melted Unsalted Butter: Infuses richness and helps the topping crisp up in the oven.
Caramel Sauce (optional): For drizzling on top and elevating each bite with extra decadence.

How to Make Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit — this steady temperature ensures your apples soften while the topping crisps just right. Then, slice each Honeycrisp apple in half and carefully remove the cores and seeds with a spoon. Cutting a thin slice on the bottom side of each half keeps the apples flat on the baking sheet, preventing any wobbling during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans until everything is evenly distributed. Once blended, pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir thoroughly. This mixture will come together into a luscious, crumbly topping that bakes to golden perfection, clinging beautifully to every apple half.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Place the prepared apple halves on a baking sheet, making sure they’re stable and spaced slightly apart. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, generously fill each apple cavity with your butter pecan and brown sugar topping. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is crisp and fragrant.

How to Serve Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping

Garnishes

To add a little flair and extra deliciousness, try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the baked apples once out of the oven. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce pairs beautifully with the nuttiness and sweetness of the baked topping, offering a perfect temperature and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn this into an elegant dessert course, serve the baked apples Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping alongside a rich custard or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy brunch twist, pair with warm spiced oatmeal or a cup of chai tea to round out the comforting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the baked apples right on rustic wooden boards or in shallow, decorative bowls to showcase the luscious topping. For gatherings, consider setting up a “build-your-own” dessert station, letting guests pile on extra pecans, caramel, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to personalize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover baked apples Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container to preserve their moisture and prevent the topping from becoming soggy.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked apple halves after they’ve cooled completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. This restores the crispness of the butter pecan and brown sugar topping while keeping the apples tender and juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a fantastic balance of sweetness and tartness, you can substitute with Granny Smith for a tarter bite or Fuji apples for sweeter notes, though baking times may vary slightly.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar in the topping?

You can experiment with coconut sugar or a stevia-sweetened brown sugar blend to reduce the sugar content, but the flavors and caramelization might differ slightly. Light brown sugar gives the best traditional flavor.

Can I make the butter pecan and brown sugar topping in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the topping mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the melted butter right before assembling the apples to maintain the right texture.

Do I need to peel the apples before baking?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, plus it helps the apples hold their shape better while baking. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before starting.

What’s the best way to remove apple cores for this recipe?

A spoon works perfectly for scooping out the cores and seeds without cutting through the apple halves. This keeps the cavity intact for holding the topping well.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try baking these Honeycrisp apples Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping as soon as you can. The way the sweet, buttery pecan crumble complements the juicy apples is simply magical. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

ith Butter Pecan and Brown Sugar Topping Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious baked Honeycrisp apples topped with a buttery pecan and brown sugar mixture, perfect for a warm, comforting dessert. This recipe balances the natural sweetness of the apples with a crunchy, rich topping and can be optionally served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

10 Honeycrisp apples

Topping

1 cup light brown sugar (or stevia brown sugar blend)
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
⅓ cup melted, unsalted butter

Optional

Caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the apples.
Prepare Apples: Slice each Honeycrisp apple in half and carefully remove the core and seeds using a spoon. Ensure you cut a flat, even slice on the bottom side so the apple halves rest steadily on the baking sheet without rocking.
Make Topping Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Stir well until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Add Butter: Pour the melted, unsalted butter into the brown sugar and pecan mixture, stirring until the mixture is fully combined and slightly crumbly.
Arrange Apples: Place the prepared apple halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
Fill Apples: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, generously fill the hollowed cores of the apple halves with the butter pecan and brown sugar topping. One scoop per apple is sufficient, but you may adjust the amount to your liking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the apples for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the baked apples warm for the best flavor and texture.
Optional Serving Suggestions: Enhance your dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzling with caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

You can use stevia-based brown sugar blend as a low-sugar alternative.
Make sure to cut the bottom of the apples flat to keep them stable while baking.
Adjust baking time slightly based on the size and ripeness of the apples to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
This dessert pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra richness.
Use unsalted butter to control sodium content and highlight the natural flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American