Maya Chen
Baked Apple with Cinnamon & Almonds
💡 Clever Tip: Preventing Apple Collapse
To ensure the apples maintain their shape and don’t turn into mush, score the skin horizontally around the middle of the apple (about halfway deep) before baking. This relieves pressure and keeps the apples firm yet tender.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Healthy: Low sugar and high fiber, a guilt-free treat.
- Incredibly Simple: Minimal ingredients and prep work required.
- Aromatic: Fills the entire house with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples.
Ingredients
For the Apples:
- ▢ 4 medium baking apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- ▢ 1/4 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- ▢ 2 Tbsp butter, cold and cut into 4 small cubes
- ▢ 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ▢ 1/4 cup slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts
For Baking & Serving:
- ▢ 1/2 cup water (for the baking dish)
- ▢ 4 Tbsp oatmeal (quick or old-fashioned)
- ▢ Vanilla ice cream or yogurt (for serving)
📝 Ingredient Notes
Apples: Use firm, sweet-tart apples that hold their shape well during baking. Avoid Red Delicious. Sweetener: Maple syrup can be substituted for brown sugar for a vegan option; simply pour it into the core along with the butter replacement (like a vegan butter block).
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the 1/2 cup of water into an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Core the Apples: Use a paring knife or apple corer to remove the core from each apple, leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom intact so the filling doesn’t fall through. Widen the cavity slightly.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, almonds, and oatmeal. Mix well.
- Stuff the Apples: Stand the cored apples in the prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon the filling mixture into the core cavity of each apple, packing it gently.
- Add Butter: Place one small cube of cold butter directly on top of the filling in each apple. This melts down and creates a rich sauce within the apple.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The cooking time will vary based on the apple variety.
- Serve: Carefully remove the apples from the baking dish. Spoon the warm liquid sauce from the bottom of the dish over the tops of the apples. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt.
Helpful Tips for Success
- The water in the baking dish is crucial! It **steams the apples** from the bottom up, helping them cook evenly and preventing the sugar from scorching.
- To speed up the cooking process slightly, wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes before uncovering for the remaining time.
- Check for doneness by giving the apple a gentle squeeze or piercing it—it should yield easily but not collapse.
🔬 Expert Tips: Infused Butter
For a richer flavor, melt the butter first and stir in a pinch of fresh grated nutmeg or a drop of pure almond extract before adding it to the filling. This ensures the warm spices permeate the entire stuffing mixture.
Meal Prep and Freezing
- Make-Ahead: The apples can be cored, stuffed, and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the water to the pan just before putting them in the oven.
- Storage: Leftovers store well, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which apple variety is best for baking?
A: Granny Smith (tart), Honeycrisp (sweet-tart), and Golden Delicious (sweet) are excellent choices because they hold their structure well and their flavor balances the filling.
Q: How do I make this dessert vegan?
A: Substitute the butter cubes with a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil, and ensure you use maple syrup instead of brown sugar if you want to avoid refined sugar.
🎉 Conclusion: Comfort in a Single Serving
This baked apple recipe proves that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated. It’s a satisfying, warm, and highly nutritious treat that hits all the right notes of fall and winter flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite warm beverage for a cozy evening.
Nutrition (Estimated per Serving, 1 Apple)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Vitamin C: High
*Nutrition facts are approximations, excluding ice cream or yogurt toppings.
