Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Apples are the ultimate fall dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. The apples soften as they bake, becoming juicy and sweet, while the cinnamon and sugar create a caramelized filling that perfectly complements the natural tartness of the apple. Whether you enjoy them on their own, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzled with caramel sauce, Baked Apples are a comforting treat that’s sure to warm your heart.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds, optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Core the apples, creating a well in the center, but be careful not to cut through the bottom of the apples.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice.
- Stuff the cored apples with the sugar and spice mixture, making sure to pack the filling tightly inside. You can also add raisins or chopped nuts if desired.
- Place the apples in the prepared baking dish. Top each apple with a small piece of butter.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to help the apples steam as they bake.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the apples to brown slightly.
- Once the apples are tender and caramelized, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes 4 baked apples.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Caramelized Topping: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for an extra indulgent touch.
- Oat Topping: Add a topping made of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter to create a crisp topping.
- Maple Flavor: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup or maple sugar for a different, richer flavor.
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb version.
- Vegan: For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Baked apples can be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the baked apples in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
What type of apples are best for baking?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples are all excellent choices for baking because they hold their shape and balance sweetness and tartness well.
Can I make these apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the apples a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate them, then bake when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make this recipe without nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! The nuts and raisins are optional. You can leave them out or replace them with other ingredients like dried fruit or chocolate chips.
How do I know when the apples are done?
The apples are done when they are soft and tender when pierced with a fork, and the filling has caramelized. If you want them a little more caramelized, you can remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
How can I add more flavor to the baked apples?
You can add spices like cloves or ginger to the sugar mixture for extra depth. A splash of vanilla extract also works beautifully.
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can try using pears or peaches as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time based on the fruit’s size and firmness.
Are Baked Apples healthy?
Baked apples are a relatively healthy dessert, especially if you use less sugar or opt for sugar substitutes. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, and the addition of cinnamon adds extra health benefits.
Can I bake the apples without foil?
Yes, you can bake the apples without foil. However, covering them helps retain moisture, ensuring they stay tender and juicy. If you bake them uncovered, keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
Can I add ice cream to this dish?
Yes, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream is a perfect complement to the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples.
How do I make the apples more caramelized?
For a more caramelized effect, you can drizzle caramel sauce over the apples during the last few minutes of baking or broil the apples for 1-2 minutes to get a golden-brown top.
Conclusion
Baked Apples are a warm, comforting, and simple dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of apples. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The soft, cinnamon-spiced apples combined with a caramelized filling make for a cozy, indulgent dessert that everyone will love!
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Baked Apples
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Apples are a comforting fall dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of apples, enhanced with cinnamon, sugar, and butter. A simple yet delightful treat, perfect for cozy evenings and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds, optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Core the apples: Core the apples, creating a well in the center, but be careful not to cut through the bottom of the apples.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice.
- Stuff the apples: Stuff the cored apples with the sugar and spice mixture, making sure to pack the filling tightly inside. You can also add raisins or chopped nuts if desired.
- Prepare the baking dish: Place the apples in the prepared baking dish. Top each apple with a small piece of butter.
- Add water: Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to help the apples steam as they bake.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the apples to brown slightly.
- Cool: Once the apples are tender and caramelized, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a caramelized topping, drizzle with caramel sauce after baking.
- Try adding an oat topping made of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for extra texture.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
- You can use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baked apple
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
