Apple à la Mode: The Perfect Refined-Sugar-Free Dessert 🍎🍨
This delicious Apple à la Mode recipe combines the sweetness of baked apples with the creamy goodness of ice cream, making it an irresistible treat. Made without refined sugar, it’s a healthier twist on the classic dessert. With the use of homemade or plant-based ice cream and date caramel, this dessert is as nutritious as it is indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as a light after-dinner treat or a sweet snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple (any variety of your choice)
- Ceylon cinnamon (for a touch of spice)
- Raw honey (to naturally sweeten the dish)
- 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (use dairy-free or plant-based ice cream for a vegan option)
- Date caramel (blended dates with water) or date syrup
- Granola (optional, for added crunch and texture)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apple:
- Slice the apple into rounds and carefully cut out the core from the center of each slice.
- Arrange the two cut ends of the apple on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are stable.
- Add Flavor:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of Ceylon cinnamon over the apple slices. The cinnamon will complement the natural sweetness of the apple as it bakes.
- Drizzle raw honey over the apples to add a touch of natural sweetness.
- Bake the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the apple slices for 20 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly golden.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- Once the apples are baked, remove them from the oven.
- Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream (or your choice of plant-based ice cream for a dairy-free version) on top of the warm apples.
- Drizzle date caramel (or date syrup) over the ice cream for a rich, sweet finish.
- Optional Garnish:
- For an added crunch, sprinkle some granola on top. This gives a delightful texture contrast to the soft baked apples and creamy ice cream.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while the apple is warm and the ice cream is melting. Enjoy this decadent, yet healthy dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Refined-Sugar-Free: By using raw honey and date caramel, this dessert avoids refined sugars, making it a great option for those on a low-sugar or healthier eating plan.
- Customizable: You can easily make this dessert vegan by opting for plant-based ice cream and date syrup.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes of baking time, you can create an impressive, gourmet-style dessert in no time.
Tips:
- Apple Variety: Choose apples that are slightly tart, like Granny Smith, for a nice balance against the sweetness of the ice cream.
- Add-ins: Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch or drizzle with your favorite nut butter for a more indulgent twist.
This Apple à la Mode dessert is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings while keeping things healthy and delicious. Give it a try and share with friends or family – everyone will love it!