Honey-Baked Apples with Caramel Sauce
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Description: Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of Honey-Baked Apples topped with a rich Caramel Sauce, a dessert that combines simplicity with indulgence. Perfect for a cozy family gathering or as a special treat, this recipe will surely please everyone at the table.
Category: Dessert
Keywords: Apple, Fruit, Low Protein, Kid Friendly, < 60 Mins
Ingredients:
- 6 golden delicious apples
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup pecan pieces
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your oven reaches the optimal temperature for baking the apples perfectly. -
Prepare the Apples:
Core the apples carefully to create a cavity in the center of each. This cavity will hold the sweet honey mixture and ensure the apples cook evenly. -
Arrange the Apples:
Place the cored apples upright in a buttered baking dish. Make sure they are well-spaced and not touching to allow for even cooking. -
Make the Honey Mixture:
In a small saucepan, combine the honey and ¼ cup of butter. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is fully melted and the honey is thoroughly blended with it. -
Add Vanilla:
Once the honey and butter are well combined, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with a warm, aromatic flavor. -
Fill the Apples:
Spoon the honey mixture evenly into the cavities of each apple. The honey will add a delightful sweetness as it bakes. -
Bake the Apples:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the apples. -
Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
While the apples are baking, start on the caramel sauce. Pour ½ cup of water into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Pour the sugar into the center of the pot, avoiding the sides to prevent crystallization. -
Cook the Sugar:
Heat the saucepan over high heat, bringing the water and sugar to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil until it thickens and turns an amber color, about 15 minutes. Watch it carefully to avoid burning. -
Add the Cream:
In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Slowly whisk the hot cream into the caramel syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined. -
Finish the Caramel Sauce:
Whisk in the remaining ¼ cup of butter and stir in the pecan pieces. This will give your caramel sauce a rich, buttery flavor and a delightful crunch. -
Serve the Dessert:
Once the apples are baked to perfection, carefully transfer them to serving plates. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the top of each apple. The combination of the tender, honey-soaked apple with the rich, pecan-studded caramel sauce is simply irresistible.
Tips:
- For a more pronounced caramel flavor, you can let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling it over the apples.
- This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Enjoy this scrumptious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, and let the sweetness of honey and caramel brighten your day! 🍏🍯🍬
