Baked [Hassleback] Apples

I saw this video for Hassleback Apple when a friend shared it on Facebook. I made a couple of minor changes to the ingredients, and I think it may just replace apple crisp when I am making something for just the two of us!

Ingredients

2 apples

3 tablespoons butter, divided - I used Smart Balance Buttery Blend

1 tablespoon brown sugar blend - I used Splenda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons whole-wheat flour

1 tablespoon pecans, finely chopped

1½ teaspoons sugar substitute - I used Truvia

small scoop of no-sugar added vanilla ice cream, optional

Directions

Place 2 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe baking dish and melt in the microwave. Meanwhile, peel apples, cut in half, and remove core.

Add brown sugar blend and ground cinnamon to melted butter in baking dish. Mix well with a pastry brush. Make a few slits in the rounded side of the apple halves, being careful not to cut through. Place the apples, flat side down, in the butter mixture. Use the party brush to brush the butter mixture over the tops of the apples.

Place baking dish in preheated 400°F oven and bake until apples are just starting to soften--15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine flour, pecans, and Truvia. Cut in 1 tablespoon cold butter with a fork until mixture is crumbly. Crumble the mixture over the apples after the 15 minutes baking time. Return pan to oven, and increase temperature to 425°F. Bake until topping is golden--10 to 15 minutes more.

Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

If you like this lower sugar option, please share this post!