on Feb 07, 2023, Updated Oct 07, 2023
Why You’ll Love Baked Apples
This recipe is in honor of those who left us too early and our loved ones who have paved the way to make us better! I see you, I feel you, and our angels are always with us 🙏! Today, I choose to honor her with her favorite recipe, a recipe that was passed down from my great-grandmother. These baked apples are exactly what my home smelled like every day growing up, so I hope you enjoy it! Obicham te Bapche. If this recipe resonates with you, please share and let me know in the comments below.
How to Prepare Baked Apples
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s ready to go when the apples are prepped and filled. Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Then, using a sharp knife 🔪, cut off a small portion from the top of each apple. Core the Apples: To make room for the delicious filling, use a small teaspoon or a melon baller to scoop out the core of each apple, but be careful not to puncture the bottom of the apple. You just want to create a hollow space in the center. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and place each cored apple in the pan, making sure they fit snugly without toppling over. Fill the Apples: In the center of each apple, place a generous tablespoon of crushed walnuts, followed by a teaspoon of brown sugar. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon. If you prefer a sweeter touch, drizzle some honey 🍯 over the filling in each apple. Finally, crown each apple with a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil. Bake the Apples: You have two baking options here, both of which work perfectly. You can either bake the apples uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes or cover them and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The choice between covered and uncovered baking depends on your preference. Keep a close eye on the apples as the exact baking time can vary depending on your oven. You’ll know they’re ready when they become soft, develop a slightly darkened color, and partially collapse. Serve and Enjoy: Once your baked apples are ready, take them out of the oven. You can serve them as they are, but for an extra treat, consider pairing them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream 🍨.
Substitutions and Variations
Baked apples are quite versatile, and you can certainly make substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
Apple Varieties: While Honeycrisp apples are excellent for baking, you can use other varieties like Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Fuji for a sweeter option. Nut Substitutions: If you have allergies or prefer different nuts, you can replace crushed walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Sweeteners: Instead of brown sugar or coconut sugar, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option. Spices: Experiment with different spices for unique flavors. Nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom can be excellent alternatives to or in addition to cinnamon. Butter Substitutes: Instead of butter use a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Other Holiday Recipes
Gravy Juicy Turkey Mac and Cheese Stuffing Sweet Potato Donuts Pumpkin Pie Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potatoes Garlic Mashed Potatoes Roasted Squash Turkey Noodle Soup Butternut Squash Pasta Cranberry Sauce Mushrooms Green Beans Whole Roasted Sweet Potato
Common Questions
