Baked apples are a classic dessert that’s perfect for any time of year. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with warm spices and a crunchy topping. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert on a chilly evening or a lighter treat after a meal, these baked apples are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients for Baked Apples:
- 6 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How to Make Baked Apples:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Apples: Core the apples, removing the seeds and creating a hollow center. You can use an apple corer or a small knife for this step.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, rolled oats, chopped nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix well.
- Fill the Apples: Stuff each apple with the filling mixture, packing it tightly into the hollowed-out center.
- Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish, standing upright. Pour the melted butter over the apples.
- Bake: Pour the apple cider or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake the apples in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
- Serve: Remove the apples from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Apples: Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best results. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well in this recipe.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the apples as they bake.
- Oats: Provide a crunchy texture to the filling and add a nutty flavor.
- Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch and nuttiness to the filling.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give the baked apples warm, cozy flavors that pair perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit.
- Butter: Melts into the filling, adding richness and flavor.
- Apple Cider or Apple Juice: Helps to keep the apples moist as they bake and adds extra apple flavor to the dish.
Enjoy these baked apples as a delightful dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
