Simple Baked Apples Recipe

I love preparing an easy baked apple dessert that combines the sweetness of cored apples with a hint of light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. I add a touch of unsalted butter and a splash of water, along with optional raisins and walnuts, to create a treat that feels light yet satisfying.

I stumbled upon this Simple Baked Apples recipe when I was looking for an easy dessert that also doubles as a light side dish. It caught my attention because it’s super healthy and doesn’t require much fuss.

I start with 4 medium apples that I core and fill with a mix of 1/4 cup light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Then I drizzle in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for that rich flavor.

Sometimes, I like to add a little twist by mixing in 1/4 cup of raisins or 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Lastly, I add 1/2 cup of water which helps to soften the apple slices just perfectly.

The result is a dish that delivers sweet cooked apples in a unique way that’s both low fat and easy to whip up. This bake apples recipe never fails to intrigue me every time, making it a go-to for a treat that’s satisfying without being over the top.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super simple to make; even if I’m not the best in the kitchen, I always manage to get it right and it turns out tasty every time. I also enjoy how the cinnamon and brown sugar mix gives the apples such a warm, comforting flavor – it always brings back memories of cozy fall days. Another thing is that it’s a healthier treat that doesn’t feel too heavy, so I can indulge without feeling guilty. And finally, I like that I can add raisins and walnuts if I want extra texture and crunch – it makes the whole dish feel a bit more special.

Ingredients

• Apples: They give lots of fiber and vitamins while bringing a nice natural sweetness
• Light brown sugar: Provides a rich caramel-like sweet taste and some quick energy
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spicy flavor and extra antioxidants to the dish
• Unsalted butter: Offers creamy texture and smoother flavor without extra salt
• Raisins (optional): Sweet little bursts that also add a bit of fiber and chewiness
• Chopped walnuts (optional): Bring healthy fats and protein while adding a pleasant crunch
• Water: Helps in the baking process and merges all the flavors together

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 medium apples, cored
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup water

How to Make this

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

2. Core the 4 apples and place them in the dish so they are standing upright.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

4. Stuff each apple with the sugar-cinnamon mix, and if you like, sprinkle in some of the 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts.

5. Cut the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into small pieces and place one piece on top of each apple.

6. Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish – this helps the apples cook evenly.

7. Bake the apples in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, until they are soft and the filling is bubbling.

8. Keep an eye on them to make sure they dont overcook, since every oven can be a bit different.

9. Remove the dish from the oven, let the apples cool slightly, and then serve them warm.

Equipment Needed

1. An oven that can be preheated to 375°F
2. A baking dish large enough to stand 4 apples upright inside
3. A sharp knife to core the apples (and to cut the butter into pieces)
4. A cutting board to work on the apples and nuts
5. A small bowl to mix the 1/4 cup light brown sugar with the 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. Measuring cups and spoons to correctly portion the sugar, cinnamon, butter, water, raisins, and walnuts
7. A spoon to help stuff the apples with the sugar-cinnamon mixture
8. Oven mitts to safely grab the hot dish after baking

FAQ

Simple Baked Apples Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Light brown sugar – If you dont have it, you can mix 1/4 cup of white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses as a good alternative.
• Ground cinnamon – You can try a pinch of apple pie spice or a mix of nutmeg and a little extra cinnamon if you want a deeper flavour.
• Unsalted butter – Margarine or even coconut oil works almost as well if you’re looking to experiment.
• Raisins – Dried cranberries or chopped dates can be a cool substitute if you want a little extra texture.
• Chopped walnuts – Pecans or almonds could be used instead, giving your dish a different but still tasty crunch.

Pro Tips

1. If you got time, let the apples sit in that cinnamon-sugar mix for about 15 minutes before baking so they really soak up the flavor.
2. Try covering the baking dish with foil for the first half of the bake if you want them to come out extra soft and juicy.
3. Remember to rotate the dish halfway through the baking because ovens don’t always heat evenly, so this helps them cook more uniformly.
4. Let the apples cool a bit after you take them out of the oven, so they’re not scalding hot when you serve them and you can actually taste all the yummy layers.