Description
Baked Apples are a delightful, warm dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a rich, nutty filling. This simple yet elegant treat is perfect for cozy autumn evenings or as a healthier alternative to more indulgent desserts.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 large apples
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (73g)
- 1/3 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped and toasted (38g)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter (57g)
- 1 cup water, very hot (240mL)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare filling: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. This combination creates a sweet and aromatic filling that will complement the tartness of the apples.
- Core the apples: Use a round teaspoon to scoop out the center of each apple, leaving ½ inch or more of the bottom. The well you create should be about 1 inch in diameter. This step is crucial for creating a space to hold the delicious filling.
- Fill the apples: Fill each apple with the brown sugar mixture, and top each with 1 tablespoon of butter. The butter will melt during baking, creating a rich sauce that infuses the apple with flavor.
- Prepare for baking: Place the apples in an 8—or 9-inch square baking dish and carefully pour the hot water into it. The water helps to create steam in the oven, ensuring the apples cook evenly and remain moist.
- Bake: Bake the apples for about 50 minutes. The apples should be softened and tender but not falling apart. The filling will be bubbling and caramelized, creating a delicious aroma in your kitchen.
Notes
- Choose large apples: They are easier to fill and can hold more brown sugar mixture than smaller apples.
- Add vanilla: Drizzle the apples with about 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract after filling each with the brown sugar mixture for extra flavor.
- Add more spices: To add even more depth and spice, you can add spices such as ground nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, cloves, and/or ginger to the brown sugar mixture.
- Don’t forget to add water: Adding liquid to the baking dish is important for preventing the apples from burning and drying out. You can also use apple cider or apple juice instead of water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baked apple
- Calories: 300kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
