How To Make Baked Apples (and Why You Should) Recipe

Experience the magic of this apple dessert concoction that beautifully melds crisp fruit with a buttery, spiced filling. The zesty lemon and warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the indulgence of Baked Apples, creating a comforting treat perfect for memorable moments and a delightful finish to any meal.

I’ve been testing this baked apples recipe for a while now and I finally came up with a version that has both nutritional benefits and great taste. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C so using 4 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples makes this a healthy dessert option.

I start by peeling the apples, then I drizzle the juice of 1 lemon so they dont brown too fast. Later, I add 1/4 cup unsalted butter that I’ve diced, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg and a pinch of salt.

If you want a boost in texture and energy, you can add 1/2 cup raisins or 1/4 cup chopped walnuts. I arrange the filled apples in a small baking dish, add 2 tbsp water and bake them until tender.

This recipe fits well as an easy comfort food and a smart way to enjoy natural fruit desserts.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, I appreciate how simple it is to make, which makes it feel really doable even when I’m short on time. Second, I like how the buttery, sweet spice mix fills the apple with a warm and comforting flavor that reminds me of home. Third, I enjoy that I can add raisins or walnuts for a little extra crunch and texture, making every bite interesting. And lastly, I love that it works as both a healthy snack and a tasty dessert, so it’s versatile enough for any time of day.

If you havent tried making these baked apples, youre really missing out on a tasty treat. Its a pretty simple process that doesn’t take long at all. First you gotta preheat your oven to 375°F and grease up a baking dish. Then, wash your apples and carefully core them but keep the bottom intact so you can pack in all the yummy mix. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over them to stop them from browning (this trick really works). Next, mix together diced unsalted butter, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. If you like, stir in some raisins or chopped walnuts for extra texture. Stuff the apple cavities with your mix, place them in the dish, drizzle a little water around, and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender. Give it a try, and I promise you wont be disappointed.

Ingredients

• Apples: They supply a good dose of fiber and natural carbs for energy and are essential for a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
• Lemon Juice: It gives a tangy kick that brightens the dish and helps prevent browning, making the apples look fresher.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich creaminess that makes the apples extra luscious even if it isn’t the healthiest fat choice.
• Brown Sugar: Provides that deep sweet taste to balance the tartness and adds moisture, making each bite delightful.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add a warm aroma and subtle spice, perfect for enhancing the overall flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, diced
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp water

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Wash the apples and core them carefully leaving the bottom intact so you can fill them with the yummy mix.

3. Squeeze the juice of one lemon evenly over your apples, this helps keep them from browning and adds a fresh zesty flavor.

4. In a small bowl, mix the diced unsalted butter, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

5. If you like, stir in the optional 1/2 cup raisins or 1/4 cup chopped walnuts into the mixture for extra texture.

6. Stuff the cavity of each apple with the butter-sugar spice mix, pressing it in gently so it fills the space well.

7. Place your stuffed apples in the prepared baking dish and drizzle 2 tbsp water around them.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender when you poke them with a fork.

9. Let the apples cool for a few minutes before serving so you can enjoy a warm, comforting treat that tastes even better the next day.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – you’ll need to preheat it to 375°F
2. Baking dish – lightly grease it first
3. Kitchen knife – for coring the apples and dicing the butter
4. Cutting board – to safely work on your apples and butter
5. Small bowl – to mix the butter, brown sugar, spices, and salt
6. Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients like brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg
7. Citrus juicer – for squeezing the lemon juice evenly
8. Spoon – to help stuff the apples with that mix
9. Fork – for checking whether the apples get tender
10. Oven mitts – for safely handling the hot dish from the oven

FAQ

How To Make Baked Apples (and Why You Should) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have unsalted butter, try using coconut oil or margarine – they work just as well in a pinch
• Out of brown sugar? Mix white sugar with a little molasses (about 1 tbsp for every cup of sugar) to get a similar flavor
• If lemon juice is missing from your pantry, use a splash of lime juice or even a bit of diluted white vinegar (1 tsp vinegar with 2 tsp water) to brighten up the dish
• Don’t have ground cinnamon? You can swap it with pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of allspice to keep that warm, inviting flavor
• If you’re not into raisins or walnuts, dried cranberries or pecans work as great alternatives for some added texture

Pro Tips

1. When coring the apples, be sure to leave a good bit of the bottom intact so the filling doesn’t fall out – it might sound obvious, but sometimes it slips your mind when you’re in a hurry.

2. If you decide to go with the walnuts, try to toast them lightly on a pan first. It’ll bring out a nuttier flavor and add more crispiness to your dish.

3. A little tip with those spices – adjust a bit to your own taste. Sometimes using a touch less cinnamon or a tiny extra pinch of nutmeg can make your apples taste even more interesting.

4. Once you take the apples out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before digging in. It helps the flavors settle a bit and makes it safer to eat without burning your tongue.