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Heavenly Baked Apples

These Heavenly Baked Apples are the ultimate comfort dessert, offering the perfect blend of sweet, tender apples, warm spices, and a delightful caramelized filling. Stuffed with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts, and raisins, each apple is baked until soft and juicy, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Served warm, these baked apples are ideal for cozy fall and winter nights, holiday gatherings, or as a special after-dinner dessert. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Heavenly, indeed!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala work well)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for each apple)
  • 1/2 cup water (for baking)
  • Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce

Instructions

  • Prepare the apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the apples thoroughly and remove the cores, leaving about half an inch at the bottom to create a well for the filling. You can use an apple corer or a small knife to do this. Place the cored apples in a baking dish.
  • Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped nuts, raisins (or cranberries), cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
  • Stuff the apples: Spoon the filling mixture into the center of each apple, packing it down gently to ensure the apples are well-stuffed.
  • Bake the apples: Place a small pat of butter (about 1 tablespoon) on top of the filling in each apple. Pour the water into the bottom of the baking dish to help keep the apples moist while baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake until tender: Bake the apples for 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden and caramelized. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the apples, so check with a fork to ensure they are soft.
  • Serve: Once the apples are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling for a more grown-up version of this dessert.
  • Feel free to substitute the raisins with other dried fruits like chopped dates or apricots for a different twist.
  • You can prepare these apples in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
  • These baked apples are naturally gluten-free, making them a great dessert option for those on a gluten-free diet.

Keywords: Heavenly Baked Apples, Stuffed Apples, Fall Dessert, Healthy Apple Dessert, Baked Apple Recipe, Apple Cinnamon Dessert, Caramelized Apples, Warm Dessert