This extremely simple recipe of crisp apples tossed in browned butter and honey, roasted and then sprinkled with sesame seeds can curb any fall craving. The smell that fills the kitchen while these apples are roasting is simply divine and mouth-watering. The browned butter is rich and the honey is sweet. It is possibly the best aroma that has filled the kitchen since I’ve been cooking. Each ingredient brings its own richness as it simmers, reduces and becomes syrupy goodness. 

My mom used to make me applesauce that was sweetened solely by the natural sugars of the apple. It was smooth, yet chunky. Sweet yet sour. The fruit had all the power because every ingredient derived from the apple: whole apples and pure apple cider. I’ve always appreciated the nature of fresh fruits. The challenge is finding the right ingredients to complement them without stealing the show. Here the honey brings out the apple’s tartness and the sesame seeds add crunch while balancing the sappy sweetness.

Which apples are best for roasting?

The perfect roasting apple should be firm, crisp and sweet. Since the natural sugar of the apple is the main contributor to sweetness, we want a sweet variety like Honeycrisp. Gala apples are also a good choice because of crispness which helps them retain their shape during cooking. My favorite though are Envy apples, they are sweet and have a flowery flavor that is unique and fresh.

Cutting the apples into quarter segments and on the diagonal allow them to remain slightly firm once roasted. If cut too thin they will become soggy. 

Before roasting, the apples are tossed in the browned butter and honey mixture. Add a pinch of coarse sea salt to create that yummy caramel apple flavor. The apples will soak up the rich liquid while the natural sweetness of the fruit intensifies. 

The apples are done roasting when the sizzle is loud and the kitchen smells of autumn. This dish can be a dessert, a filling, a topping, a breakfast or whatever suits you! I think these are delicious with thick plain greek yogurt or whipped cream. I love adding nuts and granola for texture. Use can use these as a pie filling in the fall or pair with cheese for a savory twist. 

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apples brownedbutter galaapples healthydessert honey honeybutter recipe roasted roastedapples sesame topping