Oven-baked toffee apples

We're having apples for dessert on a daily basis these days. Last weekend, we picked two large baskets full of apples at my grandma's place, and although they're delicious as they are (juicy, sharp, crisp, sweet - all at once), they're also excellent in various cakes and puddings. Here's a twist on the traditional oven-baked apples that should appeal to everybody with a sweet tooth.

Oven-baked Toffee Apples
(Ahjus küpsetatud õunad mandli-iirisekattega)
Serves 4 to 6

5 to six large firm apples

Toffee-almond topping:
50 g almond slices
50 g unsalted butter
200 ml soft brown sugar
100 ml whipping or double cream
1 Tbsp potato flour

To serve:
vanilla ice cream

Peel the apples (optional*), halve and core them. Fit them snugly into a buttered oven-dish, cut-side down.
Mix brown sugar and potato flour in a small saucepan, add butter, almond slices, and cream, and bring slowly to the boil, stirring regularly. Spoon the toffee mixture onto the apples.
Bake in the middle of a pre-heated 200 C / 400 F oven for 20-30 minutes (cooking time depends on the apples), until apples are cooked and toffee topping has thickened.
Cool a little and serve with ice cream.

* In general, I tend not to peel apples from my mum's or grandma's garden, or apples from a reputable organic source. However, peeling apples beforehand makes for neater presentation and easier eating afterwards.

Other apple desserts at Nami-nami:
Apple and Cinnamon Muffins
Apple and Coconut Crisp
Apple and Lingonberry Jam
Apple Pudding with Milk
Canadian Apple Cake
Cheesecake with Grated Apples
Creamy Mocca Apple Tart
Farmer's Cheese and Apple 'Souffle'
Sea-buckthorn and Apple Tart
Simple Apple Cake
Toffee Apple Cake with Cranberries