If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Baked Apples Recipe. Sweet, warmly spiced, and slightly nostalgic, this classic American dessert is filled with gooey brown sugar, buttery melted goodness, and optional crunchy, chewy add-ins that make every bite a joy. Whether you want a not-too-fussy dessert for a chilly evening or something special (yet simple) for a gathering, this recipe promises coziness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into 4 small pieces
- 1/2 cup apple cider or water
How to Make Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F to set the stage for perfectly tender apples. Rinse your apples well, then core them gently, being mindful to leave the bottom intact. This creates a little well to hold that glorious filling and keeps all the juices from seeping out as they bake.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If you’re adding chopped nuts or dried fruit, toss those in as well. This mixture should smell heavenly—spicy and sweet. The brown sugar and spices will melt into a syrupy, caramelized filling as the apples bake, permeating them with flavor throughout.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Spoon the sugar and spice mixture firmly into the center of each cored apple, pressing it down so you fit in as much as possible. Top each filled apple with a pat of butter, which will melt and mingle with the filling, making it rich and extra luscious.
Step 4: Bake with Liquid
Arrange your stuffed apples snugly in a baking dish so they help support each other as they soften. Pour apple cider (for more apple-forward flavor) or water into the bottom of the dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes to help the apples steam and soften gently.
Step 5: Finish Baking
After the initial bake, remove the foil and place the apples back in the oven. Continue baking uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the apples are beautifully tender and the filling is bubbling and golden. Let them cool for a few minutes (the filling will be hot!), then serve warm for maximum coziness.
How to Serve Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
These baked apples don’t need much to shine, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of freshly whipped cream makes the contrast of warm and cool just irresistible. A dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce will make your Easy Baked Apples Recipe look truly special.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a mug of hot apple cider or tea to complement the apple flavors. For a brunch or dessert spread, try pairing them with buttery scones, coffee cake, or even yogurt for a lighter touch. The warmth and spice make them perfect for cozy fall meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up each baked apple on a small plate with a fancy fork and a sprig of mint for an elegant dinner party dessert. Or slice the apples in half and spoon the syrupy sauce over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast twist. You can even bake them in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any cooled leftovers from your Easy Baked Apples Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers just as enjoyable (if not more so) the next day.
Freezing
These baked apples freeze surprisingly well. Place cooled, individually wrapped apples in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently in the microwave before serving.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat baked apples in a 350°F oven (covered) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also zap them in the microwave in 30-second bursts if you’re in a hurry—just be careful, the filling heats up quickly!
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Baked Apples Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a completely vegan dessert that’s just as delicious and comforting.
What are the best apples for baking?
Firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady work best. Softer varieties like Red Delicious tend to collapse or become mushy during baking.
How do I prevent the apples from splitting or bursting?
Leave the bottom of the apple intact when coring, and avoid overstuffing to ensure the apple holds together nicely. Covering with foil for part of the baking time also helps keep the apples moist and tender.
Can I prepare the Easy Baked Apples Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can core and stuff the apples up to a day ahead. Keep them covered tightly in the fridge until ready to bake. For extra freshness, prepare the filling separately and assemble just before baking.
What can I use instead of nuts or dried fruit?
If you prefer a nut-free or fruit-free version, try substituting chocolate chips for a decadent twist or oats for extra texture. Or, simply leave them out and enjoy the pure apple and spice flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about pulling a bubbling dish of stuffed apples from the oven: the rustic look, the wafting scent of cinnamon, the sweet syrup pooling at the bottom. This Easy Baked Apples Recipe is a cinch to make, but feels like a heartfelt gesture every time you share it. I hope you’re inspired to bake a batch soon—there’s really nothing quite like it!
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Easy Baked Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy baked apples are a delicious and comforting dessert perfect for fall. Stuffed with a sweet and nutty mixture, they are baked to perfection and best served warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into 4 small pieces
- 1/2 cup apple cider or water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the apples: Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to form a well.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, nuts, and dried fruit if using.
- Stuff the apples: Stuff each apple with the sugar mixture and place a piece of butter on top of each.
- Bake: Arrange the apples in a baking dish and pour the apple cider or water into the bottom of the dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the apples are soft and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- You can use maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baked apple
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
