This recipe for baked apples is a simple dessert that’s lighter than apple crisp and fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma! Ready in just an hour, it achieves spiced perfection with a filling made of oat and pecan crumble.
Craving a warm fall dessert? My baked apples recipe encompasses all the flavors of apple crumble, yet it’s lighter, simpler, and more flavorful! Fill the sweet tart fruits with oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, then bake until they’re sweet and tender.
Desserts like apple crisp or apple crumble can feel heavy after a dinner, whereas baked apples offer a lighter, more refined option. Each person receives their own apple, adding a special and fun touch. I hope this recipe will become a favorite for you, just as it is for my family!
Reasons this baked apples recipe is successful
Baked apples consist of whole apples filled with a crumble-style filling and baked until soft. The idea incorporates all the flavors of an apple crisp or apple crumble while centering on the apple itself, turning it into a lighter, healthier take on the traditional dessert.
It’s genuinely challenging to nail a baked apples recipe perfectly, as it must be just sweet enough, and the apples should be thoroughly tender.
In fact, I attempted a baked apples recipe years ago that resulted in a bland and crunchy outcome, almost leading me to abandon the idea entirely. Fortunately, I tried again this year using apples picked from a local orchard, and the results were exceptional!
Selecting the ideal apples for baking
For this baked apples recipe, the best choice is a specific cooking apple: choose any firm, crisp sweet tart apple variety. A firm and crisp texture is vital for baking; otherwise, the fruit can turn mushy and gritty.
– I often use Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples: they are my preferred varieties because they retain their shape and possess that perfect sweet-tart taste.
– Other suitable varieties include Golden Delicious, Jonathon or Jonagold, Ida Red, and even Granny Smith.
– Avoid varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Red Delicious, as their flavor and texture aren’t suitable here.
You can also conduct a taste test to check if the texture is crisp and the flavor is moderately tart. Consult your grocer, farmer’s market, or apple orchard for their recommendations on baking apple varieties.
How to expertly hollow out apples
The critical technique in preparing baked apples is hollowing out the apple cavity. Here are some tips to keep in mind when cutting the apples for baking:
– Utilize a paring knife to carve a funnel shape. Begin at the top of the apple and finish about two-thirds down the fruit.
– Discard the seeds and core. Remove the core, seeds, and any extra flesh. Avoid leaving too much extra flesh, or it will prolong the cooking time for the apples.
Baking advice for optimal results
Adding boiling water to the bottom of the pan may seem unusual, but it’s crucial for baked apples. It generates steam that helps cook the apples evenly and prevents them from drying out.
After 25 minutes of baking, loosely cover the pan with foil: this stops the filling from burning while allowing the apples to complete cooking. The total baking time is approximately 45 minutes, but this may vary depending on the size and variety of the apples.
To check for doneness, insert a paring knife into the thickest section of the apple. It should slide in easily with no resistance. If you encounter resistance, allow them another 5 minutes before rechecking.
Suggestions for serving baked apples
Once your baked apples are soft and tender, you can enjoy them immediately! You’ll want to serve the apples with a knife and fork, enabling you to cut bites from the entire apple. (They won’t be soft enough to eat with just a fork.) They’re delightful on their own, but I prefer them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Here are some serving ideas:
– Drizzled with maple syrup: This is a must, in my view; the maple syrup adds that final hint of sweetness.
– With vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing for a reason; the cold, creamy ice cream contrasting with the warm, spiced apple is sublime.
– Topped with whipped cream: Lighter than ice cream but still indulgent.
– Accompanied by homemade cinnamon ice cream: It’s incredibly easy to make, and the extra cinnamon is irresistible.
– With a dollop of creme anglaise: This French vanilla sauce has a special feel.
Storage and reheating
Baked apples are best savored fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container: be aware that the filling will soften over time (though it remains delicious).
To reheat, place the apples in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The microwave can be used in a pinch, but it may cause the filling to become slightly