If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a dessert that feels cozy, comforting, and downright irresistible, you’re going to love this Simple Baked Apples Recipe. It’s the perfect way to transform humble apples into a warm, spiced treat that fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon snack or a charming end to dinner, these baked apples bring the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced flavors that feel like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but play a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor and tender texture for your Simple Baked Apples Recipe. Each component complements the others perfectly, building layers of taste that make this dessert shine.
- 4 medium Apples: Choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness, plus they hold their shape well when baked.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that melds beautifully with the spices and apples.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the apples with a warm, inviting aroma and classic flavor.
- 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg: A little goes a long way in adding depth and complexity to the spice profile.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Brightens the whole dish by balancing sweetness with a subtle tang.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a luscious mouthfeel that enhances the baked filling.
- 3 tablespoons Water: Helps steam the apples gently during baking, ensuring tender results.
How to Make Simple Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven ensures your apples bake evenly and develop that perfect tender texture. Meanwhile, lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Wash and Core the Apples
Give your apples a thorough rinse under running water to remove any residual wax or debris, then pat them dry. Using an apple corer or a small knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, keeping the bottom intact to hold the delicious filling. This step is crucial to create that beautiful stuffed effect.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed — this fragrant blend builds the signature flavor that makes this Simple Baked Apples Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 4: Stuff the Apples
Generously fill each cored apple with the sugar-spice mixture. Don’t be shy—this filling is where the magic happens! Pack it down lightly to ensure each bite is bursting with sweet, spicy goodness.
Step 5: Add Butter and Water, Then Bake
Place the filled apples upright in your prepared baking dish. Cut the unsalted butter into small bits and tuck them on top of each apple filling. Pour water into the bottom of the dish; this will create steam during baking to keep the apples wonderfully tender. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil to let the apples brown nicely and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in effortlessly.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, take the apples out of the oven and let them cool just a bit. Serving them warm, drizzled with the syrupy sauce that forms at the bottom of the dish, gives an irresistible finish that brings out all their sweet and spicy charm.
How to Serve Simple Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your baked apples with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream—both melt beautifully over the warm fruit. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts adds a delightful crunch and extra warmth. For a fresh pop, a few fresh mint leaves can brighten the plate and the palate.
Side Dishes
Simple Baked Apples Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty, comforting sides such as cinnamon-spiced oatmeal for breakfast or a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt in the afternoon. If you’re serving it at dinner, a slice of pound cake or a small portion of sharp cheddar cheese can create a lovely sweet-and-savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the baked apples in individual ramekins with the syrup spooned over the top. Alternatively, hollow the apples slightly larger and add a mix of nuts and dried fruit for an extra special stuffing. You can also drizzle caramel sauce or a touch of honey for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Simple Baked Apples Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy their cozy flavors even later.
Freezing
While baked apples are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to two months. Wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your baked apples in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 1-2 minutes works well if you’re short on time. Finish by spooning the extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
While you can use most apples, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best to baking without turning mushy. They also provide a lovely balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Is it necessary to add lemon juice?
Yes, lemon juice brightens the flavor and prevents the apples from browning too quickly. It adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan margarine, and you’ll still get that rich, buttery texture.
How do I know when the apples are done baking?
The apples are ready when they are tender but still hold their shape. Test by inserting a fork into one; it should slide in easily without the apple falling apart.
Can I add other spices to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding ground cloves, allspice, or even a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warm, cozy feeling you get from treating yourself to this Simple Baked Apples Recipe. It’s a timeless dessert that brings out the natural charm of apples with perfect hints of spice and sweetness. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the comforting magic it brings to your table. Once you make it, this recipe will become your go-to for an easy, homemade delight that never fails to impress.
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Simple Baked Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Baked Apples recipe offers a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender apples filled with a cinnamon-spiced brown sugar mixture and baked to perfection. Enhanced with nutmeg, lemon juice, and a touch of butter, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy evenings or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium Apples (Choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Filling
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Infuses the apples with warm aroma)
- 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg (Adds depth to the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Brightens the flavors and balances sweetness)
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Adds richness and depth)
- 3 tablespoons Water (Helps steam the apples while baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the apples.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash Apples: Thoroughly wash the apples under running water and pat them dry with a towel.
- Core Apples: Using an apple corer or knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, keeping the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture until well blended.
- Fill Apples: Generously spoon the sugar and spice mixture into the cored centers of each apple.
- Arrange in Dish: Place the filled apples upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Butter: Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and place them on top of the filled apples.
- Add Water: Pour the water into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the apples as they bake.
- Cover Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and heat.
- Initial Bake: Bake the apples covered for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake the apples uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to allow them to brown and caramelize slightly.
- Test Doneness: Check the apples by inserting a fork into one; the flesh should be tender and soft.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve the baked apples warm, drizzled with the sauce collected at the bottom of the baking dish.
Notes
- Choose firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture after baking.
- The filling can be customized with chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- To make the dish vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine.
- Serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes a perfect dessert.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
