Easy & Delicious Baked Apples: A Simple Fall Dessert
Baked apples are a quintessential fall dessert. Warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, they require minimal ingredients and offer maximum flavor. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating perfectly baked apples that will impress your family and friends. We’ll explore various filling options, baking techniques, and serving suggestions to elevate your baked apple experience. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe requires minimal effort and is perfect for beginners.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the filling to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
* **Healthy and Wholesome:** Baked apples are a naturally sweet and nutritious dessert.
* **Perfect for Fall:** The warm spices and comforting flavors are ideal for autumn.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Baked apples make a beautiful and elegant dessert.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the apples ahead of time and bake them later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Apples:** Choose firm, baking apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Gala. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
* **Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the filling. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
* **Brown Sugar:** Provides sweetness and a caramel-like flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar will result in a richer, more molasses-like flavor.
* **Oats:** Add texture and fiber to the filling. Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) are recommended, but quick-cooking oats can be used in a pinch. Avoid using steel-cut oats, as they will not soften properly during baking.
* **Cinnamon:** A classic spice that complements the apple flavor perfectly. You can also add other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves.
* **Salt:** Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Water or Apple Juice:** Used to create steam in the baking dish, which helps the apples cook evenly and prevents them from drying out.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** Raisins, chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), dried cranberries, maple syrup, caramel sauce, or a splash of vanilla extract.
Ingredient Substitutions
* **Butter:** Coconut oil or vegan butter can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
* **Brown Sugar:** Maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
* **Oats:** Chopped nuts or quinoa flakes can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking Dish:** Choose a baking dish that is large enough to hold all the apples without overcrowding. A 9×13 inch baking dish is usually sufficient for 6-8 apples.
* **Apple Corer:** Makes it easy to remove the core from the apples.
* **Knife:** For scoring the apples and chopping ingredients.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the filling.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).**
2. **Prepare the apples:** Wash and dry the apples. Use an apple corer to remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact. You can also use a knife to carefully cut around the core.
3. **Score the apples:** Use a knife to score the skin around the middle of each apple. This will prevent the apples from bursting during baking. Make a shallow cut all the way around the apple.
4. **Prepare the filling:** In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, salt, and any optional add-ins. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The butter should be softened but not melted, allowing it to cream together with the brown sugar.
5. **Fill the apples:** Spoon the filling into the center of each apple, packing it in firmly. You want to fill the cavity completely, but don’t overfill it so that the filling spills out during baking.
6. **Arrange the apples in the baking dish:** Place the filled apples in the baking dish, leaving some space between them. This will allow the heat to circulate properly and ensure that the apples bake evenly.
7. **Add liquid to the baking dish:** Pour water or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish, about 1/2 inch deep. This will create steam that will help the apples cook evenly and prevent them from drying out. You can also use a combination of water and apple juice for a more intense apple flavor.
8. **Bake the apples:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on the size and type of apples you use. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the apple. It should be easily pierced with little resistance.
9. **Let cool slightly:** Remove the baked apples from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth and allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for Perfect Baked Apples
* **Choose the right apples:** Select firm, baking apples that will hold their shape during baking. Avoid using apples that are too soft or mealy.
* **Don’t overfill the apples:** Overfilling the apples can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Leave a little space at the top of each apple to allow for expansion.
* **Bake until tender:** The apples should be easily pierced with a fork when they are done baking. If they are still firm, continue baking for a few more minutes.
* **Adjust the baking time:** The baking time may vary depending on the size and type of apples you use. Check the apples frequently and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Use a variety of spices:** Experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Try adding nutmeg, ginger, cloves, or cardamom.
* **Add a drizzle of caramel sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a touch of indulgence to the baked apples.
* **Serve with ice cream or whipped cream:** Baked apples are delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **Add nuts for crunch:** Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a crunchy texture to the filling.
Variations and Adaptations
* **Caramel Apple Baked Apples:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking for a decadent treat.
* **Nutella Baked Apples:** Fill the apples with Nutella for a chocolatey twist.
* **Peanut Butter Baked Apples:** Mix peanut butter into the filling for a nutty and satisfying dessert.
* **Cranberry Baked Apples:** Add dried cranberries to the filling for a festive and tart flavor.
* **Maple Pecan Baked Apples:** Use maple syrup as the sweetener and add chopped pecans to the filling.
* **Vegan Baked Apples:** Use coconut oil or vegan butter in the filling and maple syrup or agave nectar as the sweetener.
* **Gluten-Free Baked Apples:** Use chopped nuts or quinoa flakes instead of oats in the filling.
* **Spiced Baked Apples:** Add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, and allspice to the filling for a warm and festive flavor.
* **Apple Crisp Baked Apples:** Top the baked apples with a crumble topping made from flour, oats, butter, and sugar.
Serving Suggestions
* **Serve warm:** Baked apples are best served warm, straight from the oven.
* **Serve with ice cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to warm baked apples.
* **Serve with whipped cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to the dessert.
* **Serve with caramel sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked apples for an extra layer of sweetness.
* **Serve with nuts:** Sprinkle chopped nuts over the baked apples for added crunch and flavor.
* **Serve with cinnamon:** Dust the baked apples with cinnamon for a warm and comforting aroma.
* **Serve as a breakfast treat:** Enjoy a baked apple as a healthy and delicious breakfast.
* **Serve as a dessert for special occasions:** Baked apples are a simple yet elegant dessert that is perfect for holidays and special gatherings.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the apples ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them. Simply core the apples, prepare the filling, and fill the apples. Then, wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake them, remove the plastic wrap, arrange the apples in a baking dish, add water or apple juice to the bottom of the dish, and bake as directed.
Storage Instructions
Leftover baked apples can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few minutes or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-50 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 6-8 baking apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Gala)
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup water or apple juice
* Optional add-ins: raisins, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, maple syrup, caramel sauce, vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and dry the apples. Use an apple corer to remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact. Score the skin around the middle of each apple.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, salt, and any optional add-ins. Mix well.
4. Spoon the filling into the center of each apple, packing it in firmly.
5. Place the filled apples in a baking dish. Pour water or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish, about 1/2 inch deep.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 25-30g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
Enjoy Your Delicious Baked Apples!
This simple baked apple recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert or a healthy snack, baked apples are a perfect choice. With endless customization options, you can create a baked apple that is tailored to your taste preferences. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting treat!