Baked Apples Recipe: A Warm, Sweet Dessert for Any Occasion
When it comes to simple yet delicious desserts, few can rival the comfort and sweetness of baked apples. This baked apples recipe is perfect for those who want to indulge in a warm, inviting treat that brings the cozy flavors of cinnamon and honey to life. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these baked apples are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, making them an ideal choice for a family dessert or a comforting snack. Below, you’ll find all the details for making this warm, sweet delight.
Ingredients for Baked Apples
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Golden Apples | 4 |
| Brown Sugar | 40g |
| Acacia Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemons | 1 (for juice) |
| Water | 50g |
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – Approximately 1 baked apple)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugars | 21g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 0.3g |
| Sodium | 1mg |
How to Make Baked Apples: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lemons and Apples
Start by cutting the lemon into wedges. Set the wedges aside for later use. Then, peel the apples using a vegetable peeler, removing the skin. Next, core the apples and remove the seeds. To prevent the apple flesh from browning, rub each peeled apple with one of the lemon wedges, making sure to cover the surface.
Step 2: Coat the Apples with Brown Sugar
Place the brown sugar in a bowl, and roll each of the prepared apples in the sugar. This step helps the sugar to stick to the apples’ surface, ensuring a sweet, caramelized coating when baked.
Step 3: Arrange the Apples for Baking
Transfer the sugar-coated apples to a baking dish that is large enough to hold them comfortably. Sprinkle any leftover brown sugar over the apples. Gently press the sugar into the apple flesh, especially inside the cavity of each apple, where the seeds were removed.
Step 4: Season with Cinnamon and Prepare the Baking Dish
Use a sifter to evenly distribute the ground cinnamon over the apples. This will help prevent clumping, ensuring the apples bake evenly with a light, fragrant layer of cinnamon. Pour 50g of water into the baking dish to create a slight steaming effect during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Apples
Preheat the oven to 200°C (static mode). Place the baking dish with the apples into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. This time allows the apples to soften while becoming beautifully golden and caramelized.
Step 6: Add Honey and Finish Baking
Once the apples are soft and golden, remove them from the oven. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of acacia honey over the top of each apple, allowing the honey to enhance the natural sweetness and create a glossy, inviting finish. Return the apples to the oven for another 10 minutes, continuing to bake at 200°C. The honey will melt, further enhancing the flavor.
Step 7: Serve the Baked Apples
After the additional 10 minutes of baking, remove the apples from the oven. Sprinkle them with a bit of extra sugar to make them even more tempting. Serve the baked apples while they are still warm, and drizzle the delicious cooking juices over them for added richness and flavor.
These baked apples are the perfect dessert for any time of year, whether it’s a chilly fall evening or a cozy winter day. Their combination of sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and tender apples is irresistible. Perfect for serving after dinner or as a comforting treat throughout the day.
Tips for Perfect Baked Apples
- Apple Variety: While Golden Apples work wonderfully for this recipe due to their sweet flavor and tender texture, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn, which offer a more tart taste.
- Sugar Variation: You can adjust the sweetness level by using more or less sugar, or even by substituting with maple syrup for a different twist.
- Add-ins: For an extra touch of flavor, consider stuffing the apples with chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even adding a bit of dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries.
Enjoy these baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply on their own as a comforting, naturally sweet treat.
