Description
This classic Baked Apples recipe features tender, sweet apples stuffed with a fragrant mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and dried fruit, baked to perfection and topped with butter. It’s a comforting and easy dessert or snack perfect for cozy evenings and fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Apples
- 4 large good baking apples, such as Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, or Jonagold
Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup currants or chopped raisins
Topping and Liquid
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3/4 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking the apples.
- Prepare Apples: Rinse and dry the apples thoroughly. Using a sharp paring knife or apple corer, carefully cut out the cores from the top, ensuring to leave the bottom 1/2 inch intact so the apples hold their shape.
- Scoop Out Interior: Use a small metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and some apple flesh to create a cavity about an inch wide for the stuffing.
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and currants or chopped raisins. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Stuff Apples: Place the apples in a baking dish and fill each cavity with the sugar and fruit mixture. Dot the top of each stuffed apple with about 1/4 tablespoon of butter to add richness and help caramelize the sugar during baking.
- Add Boiling Water: Pour 3/4 cup boiling water into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help keep the apples moist and create a flavorful syrup as the apples bake.
- Bake: Bake the apples in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The filling should be bubbly and caramelized on top.
- Serve: Remove the baked apples from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Choose firm baking apples like Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, or Jonagold for the best texture after baking.
- Pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor; walnuts can be substituted.
- For a sweeter variation, drizzle the apples with honey or maple syrup before baking.
- Leftover baked apples can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Be careful not to over-bake the apples; they should be soft but not mushy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
