Whole apples stuffed with brown sugar, butter and oats. These baked apples are tender, juicy and a crowd pleasing easy fall dessert!
At the beginning of September we start to see all of the pumpkin desserts appear. Pumpkin cake, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cheesecake. Pumpkin takes over this time of year and when that happens, apples, another fall favorite kind of take a back seat.
And that is unfortunate because apples are at their peak this time of year too. There are so apple many desserts that are just begging to be made. From apple crisp to caramel apple cheesecake but none showcase the pure apple perfection like these Baked Apples.
Baked apples are easy, sweet, juicy and full of fall flavor. A cinnamon brown sugar mixture is stuffed into whole apples so that when they bake you get this apple cinnamon syrupy goodness. I’m telling you, friends, baked apples are THE fall dessert that you need and today I’m going to show you exactly how to make them. Let’s talk about what you’ll need:
Baked Apple Ingredients:
- APPLES: The best apples for baking are apples that are firm and will hold up well to cooking. These are varieties such as braeburn, cortland, honey crisp (pictured here), granny smith etc.
- BROWN SUGAR: This is what you’ll stuff the apples with before baking. It will add molasses sweetness to the apples.
- CINNAMON: Apples and cinnamon go hand in hand and the warmth really brings home that “fall” flavor.
- BUTTER: Will add richness to the dish.
- OATS: Adds a bit of texture.
- APPLE CIDER: This will help keep the apples juicy as they cook.
- WHIPPED CREAM OR ICE CREAM: This is optional but is a great way to serve these apples.
Step by Step Photos and Instructions:
One of my favorite things about making baked apples is that they are so easy to make. The hardest part will be coring the apples. You need to make sure that you don’t cut all the way through the apples or the filling will spill out during the cooking process.
-
Core the apples. -
Make the sugar mixture. -
Divide sugar mixture evenly into apples. -
Top with pat of butter. -
Top with oats and pour apple cider around. Bake.
STEP #1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Use a pairing knife and melon baller (or small spoon) to core the center of the apples. Be sure not to go all the way through.
STEP #2: Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and oats in a bowl.
STEP #3: Divide the mixture evenly between the apples. About two tablespoons per apple.
STEP #4: Top each apple with a pat of butter and a 1/2 teaspoon oats. Pour apple cider around the apples and bake for 40 – 45 minutes or until apples are tender but still firm. If you want a bit more mushy apples, bake for a little longer. Baste the apple with the apple cider in the baking dish.
STEP #5: Serve the apples as is or top with whipped cream and cinnamon. Or serve with vanilla ice cream.
Now these baked apples are great when served as but when you cut into the apples, the syrup will leak out onto the making the perfect sauce to scoop up with vanilla ice cream or more whipped cream.
Storage and Leftovers:
You can reheat baked apples in the microwave by warming them for 30 seconds.
Recipe FAQ:
The best apples for baking are those that are firm. Varieties include: granny smith apples, honey gold, braeburn, honey crisp, golden delicious, gala, pink lady and fuji.
Not for this recipe! Leaving the skin on helps give the dish texture and color so please don’t peel first!
Looking for more apple recipes? Try these!
Apple Gorgonzola Salad is a salad full of flavor and texture. Great for a side or as a meal itself!
Classic Apple Pie gets a cranberry twist in this Cranberry Apple Crumble Pie.
Apple recipes don’t always have to be desserts! This Apple Sausage Stuffing is a great Thanksgiving addition.
And of course, don’t forget the Hot Cranberry Apple Cider for your next Fall party!
Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 honey crisp apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup quick oats divided
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- whipped cream optional
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a pairing knife and melon baller (or small spoon) to core the apples. Be sure not to go all the way through.
-
Combine brown sugar, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of oats togehter in a bowl.
-
Divide the sugar mixture evenly beteween the cored apples (about 2 tablespoons each). Top with a pat of butter and sprinkle the remaining oats over the top. Pour cider around the apples.
-
Bake for 35 – 45 minutes or until the apples are soft but still firm. Baste with apple cider after 20 minutes. Baste once more after removing from the oven.
-
Serve as is or with whipped cream and cinnamon on top.
Notes
Nutrition information for estimation purposes only
Nutrition
The post Baked Apples appeared first on Life’s Ambrosia.
