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- 4 medium-sized apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped - 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider To make these simple baked apples, you need just a few ingredients. Start with four medium-sized apples. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work best because they are sweet and hold their shape well. You will also need half a cup of brown sugar. This adds a rich sweetness to the dish. One teaspoon of ground cinnamon gives a warm, cozy flavor. The freshly grated nutmeg, just a quarter teaspoon, adds a nice touch of spice. Next, gather a quarter cup of finely chopped walnuts for crunch and a quarter cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness. Both add great texture and flavor. You will also need two tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. This melts into the apples, creating a delicious finish. Finally, grab half a cup of apple juice or apple cider. This liquid helps steam the apples and makes them tender. By using these simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. Preheating helps the apples cook perfectly. Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact. This keeps the filling from falling out. Use a small knife or apple corer for best results. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, walnuts, and raisins in a bowl. Mix them well until you have a tasty filling. The spices add warmth and flavor. Fill each apple with the mixture and add butter on top. Pack the filling tightly but gently. The butter will melt, adding richness to the apples. Arrange the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish. Pour apple juice into the bottom of the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps steam the apples, making them soft and sweet. Remove the foil after 25 minutes. Bake uncovered until tender, about 15-20 minutes more. Check for a lovely caramelized color. Let the apples cool slightly before serving. With these easy steps, you can enjoy delightful baked apples. For more details, check the Full Recipe. For baked apples, the best choices are Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These apples offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp apples stay crisp and juicy, while Granny Smith apples add a tangy flavor. Both types hold their shape well when baked. When selecting apples, look for ones that are firm and free from bruises. This ensures they will bake evenly and taste great. To make your baked apples even more delicious, consider adding extra spices or flavorings. Try including: - A pinch of ground ginger for warmth. - A splash of vanilla extract for sweetness. - A dash of allspice for a unique twist. These additions can elevate the flavors in your dish. Feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just remember to keep the balance and not overpower the apples’ natural taste. Serving your baked apples is just as important as making them. Here are some simple ideas: - Serve the warm apples on a dessert plate. - Drizzle the syrup from the baking dish over them for added flavor. - Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side. This creates a nice contrast to the warm spices. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a touch of whipped cream can also enhance the look and taste. These little touches make your dessert more inviting and fun to eat. {{image_4}} If you or someone you know has a nut allergy, don’t worry! You can easily make a nut-free version of these baked apples. Simply skip the walnuts. For added texture, try using seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work great and add a nice crunch. You can also use oats to give the filling a chewy feel. Just mix them in with the brown sugar and spices. Want to make your baked apples even more exciting? You can add other fruits to the filling. Try mixing in dried apricots, figs, or even fresh berries. These fruits will bring more flavors and colors to your dish. Chopped pears also pair well with apples. Just remember to adjust the sugar if the added fruits are very sweet. Making this dessert vegan is simple! Instead of using butter, you can swap in coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. For the filling, just skip the butter on top. You can also ensure your brown sugar is vegan, as some brands may use bone char in processing. With these small changes, you can enjoy a delicious vegan dessert that everyone will love. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details! After enjoying your baked apples, let them cool down. Place them in a shallow container. Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. This keeps the apples fresh and tasty. Store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for several days. To enjoy your baked apples again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the apples in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of apple juice to keep them moist. Cover the dish with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This way, the apples regain their warm, soft texture. You can store baked apples in the fridge for up to five days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before reheating. This helps keep their flavor and texture nice. Enjoy your tasty treats later! Yes, you can use many types of apples for baking. I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their sweet and tart flavor. These apples hold their shape well and provide a lovely texture. Other good options include Fuji and Braeburn. Avoid apples that are too soft, like McIntosh. They may turn mushy when baked. Baking apples usually takes about 40 to 45 minutes. I recommend baking them covered for the first 25 minutes. This helps the apples cook evenly. After that, remove the foil and bake them for another 15 to 20 minutes. They are ready when they are tender and golden brown. Baked apples taste great on their own, but you can enhance the experience. I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm spices mix well with the cold ice cream. You can also drizzle some whipped cream on top or sprinkle with more cinnamon for extra flavor. Baked apples are a healthy dessert choice. Apples are rich in fiber, which is good for digestion. They also provide vitamins like Vitamin C. The nuts and dried fruits add healthy fats and more nutrients. Just watch the sugar amount if you want to keep it light. Overall, this dessert can fit well in a balanced diet. Baked apples make a tasty treat. This blog shared easy steps to create them. We covered ingredients, like apples and spices, and how to bake them. I offered tips for choosing apples and enhancing flavor too. Consider trying nut-free or vegan options if needed. Store extras safely for later enjoyment. In the end, baked apples are simple and delicious. Enjoy sharing this warm dessert with family and friends.

Simple Baked Apples

Indulge in the warmth of fall with these delightful cinnamon-spiced baked apples! This easy recipe features juicy apples filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, and raisins, all baked to perfection. Serve them warm with a drizzle of their own juices and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. Click to discover how to make this comforting dessert that's perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium-sized apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their sweetness)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped

1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

    Carefully wash the apples under cool running water, then core them. Make sure to leave the bottom intact to create a sturdy vessel for the delicious filling.

      In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar with the ground cinnamon and grated nutmeg. Stir in the chopped walnuts and raisins (or cranberries) until everything is evenly mixed.

        Gently stuff each prepared apple with the sweet mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the filling is compact. Add a couple of small cubes of butter on top of each filled apple to enhance the flavor.

          Arrange the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish. Pour the apple juice (or cider) into the bottom of the dish; this will create steam during baking and help the apples cook evenly.

            Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

              Once 25 minutes has elapsed, carefully remove the foil and allow the apples to bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they're done when they're tender and have developed a lovely caramelized color.

                After removing the apples from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. This brief cooling period helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve these warm baked apples on a dessert plate, drizzling the warm juice from the baking dish over them for added flavor. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delightful contrast to the spices, elevating your dessert experience!