The Best Baked Apples Recipe for Cozy Fall Gatherings

Warm spices and sweet autumn comfort dance together in these delightful baked apples that promise pure culinary magic.

Cinnamon-kissed and perfectly tender, this baked apples recipe brings rustic charm to your dessert table.

Each apple transforms into a golden, caramelized treasure bursting with rich flavors and comforting aromas.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant.

Crisp seasonal fruit meets warm, gooey filling in a harmonious celebration of classic home cooking.

You’ll love how effortlessly these baked apples come together with minimal preparation.

One bite promises to transport you to cozy kitchen memories and delectable seasonal bliss.

FAQs

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

• Can I make this recipe without dried cranberries?

Yes, you can omit cranberries or substitute with raisins, chopped dates, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

• How do I know when the baked apples are done?

The apples are ready when they’re tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape, typically after 45-60 minutes of baking.

• Is this dessert healthy?

Baked apples are a relatively healthy dessert, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, with a moderate amount of added sugar from brown sugar and optional butter.

Baked Apples Cozy Factor

• Baked apples offer a cozy, warm dessert that wraps you in homey goodness, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing treat.
• This recipe lets you play with ingredients, swapping cranberries for raisins, adding different nuts, or adjusting spices to match your taste preferences.
• Suitable for all ages, these baked apples work as a delightful dessert for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
• A naturally sweet dessert that packs nutritional benefits from whole fruits, minimal added sugar, and optional nutrient-rich nuts, making it a guilt-free pleasure.

Ingredients List for Baked Apples Bliss

• Apples: Whole, fresh apples that serve as the base of this delightful dessert.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: A warm, sweet spice blend that creates a rich and aromatic filling.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a tangy and slightly chewy texture to the sweet filling.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, glossy finish on the baked apples.
• Walnuts: Optional crunchy topping that adds nutty flavor and textural contrast.
• Hot Water: Helps create steam and ensures even cooking of the apples during baking.

Tools for Baking Apples Just Right

• Casserole Dish: Deep, rectangular baking pan to hold and cook apples evenly.
• Apple Corer: Sharp tool to remove apple cores while keeping base intact.
• Small Bowl: For mixing filling ingredients like brown sugar and spices.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Sharp Knife: To prepare and core apples carefully.
• Mixing Spoon: To stir and combine filling ingredients smoothly.

Baked Apples Stepwise Directions

Step 1: Whip Up Flavorful Filling

Preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F.

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Gently fold in dried cranberries for a burst of tangy sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Vessels

Carefully core each apple, keeping the bottom intact.

This creates a perfect pocket for the delicious filling.

Arrange the apples in a casserole dish, ensuring they aren’t touching each other.

Step 3: Stuff and Embellish

Generously distribute the prepared filling into each apple cavity.

• Butter
• Chopped walnuts (if desired)

Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon mixture over the tops for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour hot water into the bottom of the baking dish.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes.

Keep an eye on the apples – you want them tender but not falling apart.

The exact cooking time depends on the size and type of apples you’re using.

Tips for Tender, Sweet Baked Apples

• Select ripe, firm baking apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for best texture and natural sweetness.
• Brush cored apples with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain bright, fresh appearance.
• Check apples after 40 minutes to avoid overcooking; smaller apples need less time in the oven.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to intensify nutty taste and create deeper, richer profile.
• Pair warm baked apples with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for delightful temperature and texture contrast.

Creative Baked Apples Fillings and Toppings

• Gluten-Free Baked Apples: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar and add gluten-free oats to the filling for added texture.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Add chopped almonds for crunch.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of brown sugar. Incorporate chia seeds for extra nutrition.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace brown sugar with erythritol, use almond flour in the filling, and add chopped pecans for a rich, low-carb alternative.

Baked Apples Served Hot or Cold

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Serve warm baked apples alongside fluffy pancakes or crispy French toast for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Elegance: Top each baked apple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a classic, rich dessert experience.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Crumble the baked apples over oatmeal or yogurt, adding extra crunch with chopped nuts for a satisfying and nutritious breakfast or snack.
• Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange baked apples on a festive platter with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon and serve as a beautiful, rustic dessert during seasonal gatherings.

Baked Apples Storage Notes

• Store cooled baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Place a single baked apple on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds on medium power until warm throughout. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
• Warm baked apples in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and preserve texture.
• Wrap individual baked apples tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Baked Apples Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade baked apples delight dessert enthusiasts with their simple yet elegant preparation. Warm spices and sweet fruit create a comforting treat perfect for autumn gatherings and intimate family moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 medium baking apples (Rome Beauty, McIntosh, Jonagold, Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious or Braeburn)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (50 grams) dried cranberries (or raisins)
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) walnuts, finely chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Liquid and Fat:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot water

Optional Toppings:

• Unsweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating a warm environment for the aromatic dessert preparation.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a fragrant spice blend that will infuse the apples with rich flavor.
3. Gently fold dried cranberries into the spice mixture, ensuring even distribution of the sweet-tart ingredients.
4. Carefully core each apple, maintaining the bottom intact to create a sturdy vessel for the filling, preventing leakage during baking.
5. Arrange the cored apples in a casserole dish, positioning them with space between each fruit to allow even heat circulation.
6. Generously stuff each apple cavity with the prepared spice and cranberry mixture, distributing the filling evenly.
7. Crown each stuffed apple with a half tablespoon of butter, adding a luxurious richness to the dessert.
8. Optionally sprinkle chopped walnuts over the apples for added texture and nutty complexity.
9. Dust any remaining cinnamon mixture over the apples to intensify the aromatic profile.
10. Pour hot water into the bottom of the baking dish, creating moisture and preventing the apples from drying out.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, monitoring until the apples become tender but maintain their structural integrity.
12. Remove from the oven when apples are soft yet not collapsed, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify during the baking process.

Notes

• Swap sugar alternatives like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic dessert option.
• Choose firm baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to maintain structure and prevent excessive softening during baking.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crunchier texture in the final dish.
• Customize fillings by incorporating other dried fruits like raisins, chopped dates, or apricots for varied taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg