Easy Baked Apples
Posted November 8, 2023 by: Admin
These delectable Baked Apples are infused with a delightful blend of cinnamon and brown sugar, creating an exquisite flavor from the core. Whether adorned with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzled with caramel sauce or savored on their own, these stuffed baked apples promise a cozy treat.
Recreating the essence of homemade Apple Pie filling, these stuffed baked apples are perfect for anyone seeking a hassle-free, fall-inspired delight fit for breakfast or dessert.
Cozy Stuffed and Baked Apples
These delightfully sweet and buttery baked apples embody the quintessential fall treat. Just like our Baked Pears Recipe, they are a cinch to prepare, featuring a combination of caramelized cinnamon sugar and tangy cranberries. The result is a tender, flavorful delight, making them a top choice for utilizing seasonal apples alongside Apple Crisp.
Enjoy these baked apples for breakfast, brunch, or as a gluten-free dessert. Topped with whipped cream and caramel, they never fail to impress! Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
- Simple Ingredients – You only need 6 ingredients to create these delectable baked apples. All ingredients are gluten-free, with options for dairy-free and nut-free alternatives.
- Full of Fall Flavor – Our baked apples are infused with the rich flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and cranberries, capturing the essence of autumn in a simple homemade treat.
- Easy to Scale – This recipe is just as easy to adjust for an intimate meal as it is to make for a larger holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these baked apples. For specific quantities, please refer to the recipe card below:
- Apples – You’ll require 6 medium-sized baking apples, preferably crisp and firm varieties like Rome Beauty or Granny Smith.
- Brown Sugar – Brown sugar imparts a delightful caramelized flavor to the baked apples.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg – The combination of these warm spices enhances the fall flavor and accentuates the apple’s natural taste.
- Dried Cranberries – Use craisins or raisins as desired.
- Butter – A spoonful of butter atop each apple before baking enhances the caramelization of the brown sugar filling, resulting in rich and flavorful baked apples.
- Walnuts – For an added crunch, finely chop walnuts or pecans can be included in the topping.
The Best Apples for Baked Apples
The best apples for baking are firm, crisp, and tart varieties such as Rome Beauty, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, and Braeburn apples. Opt for larger, firm apples to ensure they stand upright and can hold more delicious filling.
Pro Tip: Choose round, firm, larger-sized apples. This way they’ll stand upright and you can stuff them with even more delicious filling.
How to Core an Apple
To core an apple for baking, carefully remove the center using a melon baller or a small paring knife while keeping the base intact. Cutting all the way through will result in the filling leaking out.
How to Make Baked Apples
The process of stuffing and roasting apples in the oven is incredibly straightforward:
- Combine the Filling – In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried cranberries.
- Core and Stuff the Apples – Core the apples without cutting through the base (as mentioned above). Arrange them in a casserole dish and distribute the cinnamon filling among the apples. Top each apple with butter and a sprinkle of walnuts if desired.
- Add water – Pour 1 cup of hot water into the bottom of the dish.
- Bake until the apples are softened, but not mushy, typically taking 45 minutes to an hour at 375°F.
Pro Tip: Bake the apples in a casserole dish that is large enough to hold the apples without crowding them. We use this 9×12 Casserole.
Common Questions
How long do you bake apples in the oven?
The apples should become slightly soft after 45 minutes to 1 hour in the oven. Baking times can vary depending on the size and variety of apples you’re using.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use dairy-free butter to make vegan baked apples instead.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely, omit the walnuts and increase the filling mixture if desired.
Can I double the recipe?
Certainly. Scale the recipe to suit the number of apples you have available.
How to Serve Baked Apples
Baked stuffed apples are a delight by themselves, but there are various ways to enjoy them:
- Baked Apples Dessert – Top them with unsweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with homemade Caramel Sauce for an irresistibly sweet treat.
- Baked Apples for Breakfast – Sliced or warmed leftover baked apples are a great addition to breakfast. They pair well with Overnight Oats, Steel Cut Oats, or as a topping for Apple Pancakes.
Make-Ahead
Leftover Stuffed Apples? No problem! They reheat beautifully and may even taste better the next day. Here’s how to store them:
- To Refrigerate: Store the baked apples airtight in the fridge. For advanced preparation, consider preparing the filling and storing it separately in an airtight container, filling and baking the apples when ready to prevent browning.
- Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended as the apples tend to become mushy upon thawing.
- To Reheat: Warm the apples in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.
We’re confident that once you taste these baked apples, you’ll be making them from fall through spring. Their simplicity and deliciousness are truly a winning combination!
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Add 1/3 cup dried cranberries and stir with a fork. Set aside.
- Wash and core the apples using a melon baller or small paring knife, leaving the base intact to retain the filling. Place the apples in a casserole dish that is just large enough to accommodate them without touching.
- Evenly distribute the filling among the apples. Top each stuffed apple with 1/2 Tbsp of butter, add walnuts if desired, and sprinkle any remaining cinnamon mixture. Place the apples in a 9×13 or 9×12 casserole dish.
- Pour 1 cup of hot water into the casserole dish and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the apples are soft but not mushy. Baking times may vary based on the type and size of apples used. My Jonagold apples (pictured here) were perfectly done in 45 minutes, but larger Braeburn apples took 1 hour.
