Baked apples are a delightful and comforting dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit while infusing it with warm spices. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for autumn evenings, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for a cozy treat. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a dish that is both elegant and satisfying. The aroma of baking apples, cinnamon, and sugar will fill your home, making it an irresistible treat for everyone. This simple and delicious baked apples recipe will guide you through creating a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients for Baked Apples
- Apples: 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, divided
- Chopped nuts: 1/4 cup (such as walnuts or pecans)
- Raisins: 1/4 cup (optional)
- Oats: 1/4 cup (optional, for a crispier topping)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Whipped cream or ice cream: For serving (optional)
How to Make Baked Apples
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Wash the apples thoroughly.
- Core the apples, creating a hollow center for the filling. Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the apple.
- If necessary, use a small paring knife or an apple corer to remove the seeds and core.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped nuts, raisins (if using), and oats (if using).
- Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add 1 tablespoon of melted butter and the vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Apples
- Stuff each apple with the prepared filling, pressing it down lightly to ensure it is well-packed.
- Place the filled apples in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add Water and Butter
- Pour the water into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the apples from drying out during baking.
- Dot the top of each apple with a small piece of the remaining butter.
Step 6: Bake the Apples
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the apples moist.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil.
- Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the baked apples from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious baked apples as a comforting dessert or a sweet treat.
About the Main Ingredients
Apples
Apples are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and a wonderful texture. When choosing apples for baking, it’s important to select varieties that hold their shape well during cooking. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji apples are excellent choices due to their firm texture and balanced flavor. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy, Granny Smith apples add a tartness that complements the sweetness of the filling, and Fuji apples offer a crisp and slightly sweet flavor.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is used to sweeten the filling and add a rich, caramel-like flavor. It also helps to create a delicious syrup as the apples bake. The molasses in brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the filling, making it more flavorful and satisfying.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices that enhance the natural flavor of the apples. Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness, while nutmeg provides a hint of spice and complexity. These spices are essential for creating the cozy, aromatic quality that makes baked apples so irresistible.
Butter
Butter is used both in the filling and on top of the apples to add richness and flavor. It helps to bind the filling ingredients together and ensures a moist, tender texture. When baked, the butter melts and mixes with the sugar and spices, creating a luscious, caramel-like sauce.
Chopped Nuts and Raisins
Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, add a delightful crunch to the filling, providing a contrast to the soft, baked apples. Raisins add a chewy texture and natural sweetness that complement the other ingredients. Both nuts and raisins can be adjusted or omitted based on personal preference.
Oats
Oats are optional but can be added to the filling for extra texture and a bit of a crisp topping. They absorb the flavors of the spices and butter, becoming tender and flavorful during baking. Oats also add a slight nuttiness that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the filling, adding a subtle sweetness and depth. It blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, making the filling more aromatic and delicious.
Water
Water is added to the baking dish to create steam, which helps to keep the apples moist and tender as they bake. It also prevents the filling from drying out and burning, ensuring a perfectly baked dessert.
In conclusion, baked apples are a simple yet elegant dessert that showcases the natural beauty and flavor of apples. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a dish that is both comforting and impressive. This easy recipe ensures that you achieve perfectly baked apples every time, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of these baked apples, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
