Easy Baked Apples Recipe

Make soft, cinnamon-spiced baked apples with this easy recipe. Perfect for fall desserts, holiday dinners, or a cozy weekend snack. Filled with brown sugar, dried fruit, and warm spices, these oven-baked apples are a simple and delicious way to use fresh apples. No fancy tools or complicated steps—just wholesome ingredients and classic flavor. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a family-friendly favorite everyone will love.

These baked apples are a cozy, naturally sweet treat filled with warm spices, dried fruit, and a touch of butter. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a wholesome dessert.

Ingredients

For the Baked Apples:

• 6 medium baking apples*
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
• ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup hot water

To Serve (Optional):

• Unsweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce (try our homemade caramel sauce recipe)

*Recommended apples: Jonagold, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the dried cranberries and set aside.
3. Core the Apples:
   Wash and core each apple using a melon baller or paring knife, being careful not to cut through the bottom. Leave about ½ inch at the base to hold the filling.
4. Stuff the Apples:
   Place the apples upright in a baking dish just large enough to fit them without touching. Fill each apple with the prepared mixture. Top each with a piece of butter and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using. Add any leftover sugar mixture over the tops.
5. Add Water and Bake:
   Pour 1 cup of hot water into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until apples are tender but still hold their shape. (Jonagold apples may take 45 minutes, while larger apples like Braeburn may take closer to 1 hour.)

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Tips

• Don’t Overbake: Check apples around the 45-minute mark to avoid mushy texture. They should be fork-tender.
• Keep the Base Intact: Leaving the base of the apple uncut prevents the filling from leaking out.
• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Variations and Substitutions

• Fruit Swap: Use golden raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even chopped dates in place of cranberries.
• Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts or replace them with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Low Sugar: Use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

FAQs

What are the best apples for baking?
Jonagold, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji are all great choices—they hold their shape and balance sweet and tart flavors.

Can I microwave instead of bake?
While the oven gives better texture, you can microwave the apples for 5–7 minutes, checking for tenderness.

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

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
• Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a breakfast twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Most of them are pantry staples.
• Comforting and Cozy: Warm spices and soft apples make for a satisfying dessert.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary needs or personal preferences.
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything goes into one baking dish—easy prep, easy cleanup.