Baked Apples

This Baked Apples recipe is a warm, comforting dessert made with fresh apples stuffed with a sweet cinnamon, brown sugar, and nut filling. Perfect for fall or holiday gatherings, these easy baked apples are tender, flavorful, and naturally sweet. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a simple dessert that tastes like homemade apple pie without the crust.

Warm, tender, and full of cozy fall flavors, these Baked Apples are the perfect simple dessert. Filled with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar mixture and topped with buttery toasted nuts, they bake into soft, caramelized perfection. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat that tastes like apple pie—without the crust.

Ingredients

• 4 good-quality apples (red apples or baking varieties like Granny Smith)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup water
• Vanilla ice cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a small baking dish by adding ¼ cup of water to the bottom.
2. Core the Apples:
   Use a paring knife or apple corer to remove the stem and seeds, creating a deep well in the center of each apple for the filling.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in the chopped nuts.
4. Fill the Apples:
   Spoon the filling evenly into each apple cavity, pressing gently to pack it in.
5. Bake:
   Arrange the apples in the prepared dish. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Spoon the pan drippings over the apples before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips

• Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith so they hold their shape during baking.
• If your apples tip over, slice a small bit off the bottom to make them sit flat.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling.
• Baste the apples halfway through baking for an even richer caramel glaze.

Variations and Substitutions

• No Nuts: Replace walnuts with rolled oats or granola for crunch.
• Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Extra Flavor: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates to the filling for a fruity twist.

FAQs

Can I make baked apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them up to one day in advance. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep cooled baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Do I need to peel the apples?
No, leaving the peel on helps the apples hold their shape and keeps them from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these baked apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also pair beautifully with Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a cozy breakfast treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Apples are simple to make, naturally sweet, and full of warm spice flavor. With minimal ingredients and easy prep, they’re a perfect dessert for fall gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you crave something comforting and homemade.

Baked Apples

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 4 good-quality apples (red apples or baking varieties like Granny Smith)

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup water

• Vanilla ice cream, for topping (optional)

Directions

• Preheat the Oven:
• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a small baking dish by adding ¼ cup of water to the bottom.
• Core the Apples:
• Use a paring knife or apple corer to remove the stem and seeds, creating a deep well in the center of each apple for the filling.
• Prepare the Filling:
• In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in the chopped nuts.
• Fill the Apples:
• Spoon the filling evenly into each apple cavity, pressing gently to pack it in.
• Bake:
• Arrange the apples in the prepared dish. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
• Finish and Serve:
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Spoon the pan drippings over the apples before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream if desired.