Baked Apple Pie Fries

Peel, slice and core apples into 1/4-inch wide segments. Error on slicing apples thinner rather than thicker side for best results. Place apples in a large bowl; set aside.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, about 1 minute on high power.

Pour butter over apples and toss to combine with a soft-tipped spatula; set aside.

In a separate large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients (except caramel sauce) and stir to combine.

Add apples to the coating mixture and toss lightly but thoroughly with a spatula to coat well.

Place apples on prepared baking tray, spaced evenly and with as much space in between as possible. If any are stuck together, break them apart. You want the oven air to circulate freely on all pieces so they get as crispy as possible. If there’s a bit of extra coating mixture in the bottom of the bowl, feel free to sprinkle it over the apples. It bakes up into delicious crunchy ‘granola’.

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until coating is drier, set, and lightly golden brown. Start watching closely after 15 minutes and watch so the undersides don’t become overly browned or burn. The moisture content in the apples will dictate baking time and juicier apples will take longer to bake; bake until your apples seem done without watching the clock. The fries are not ‘firm’ like French fries, and the texture is more like the apples you’d find in an apple pie, but breaded.

Fries are best warm, fresh, and served with caramel sauce.