Baked Apples: A Simple, Warm-Hearted Classic

Baked Apples are the epitome of simple, wholesome comfort food. Soft, tender apples filled with a cozy mix of brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon—this dish feels like autumn in every bite, though it’s welcome any time of year. Whether served as a breakfast treat, a weeknight dessert, or a comforting addition to a holiday table, baked apples are as practical as they are delicious.

This recipe comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and delivers a dessert that looks far more effortful than it is. As they bake, the apples soften, the filling caramelizes slightly, and the whole dish becomes a bubbling tray of spiced fruit bliss. Serve them warm on their own or dress them up with whipped cream, yogurt, or a scoop of ice cream.

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Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 and is easy to scale up or down based on your needs.

Ingredient	Quantity
Medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)	4
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)	¼ cup
Ground cinnamon	½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter	1 tablespoon

Ingredient Notes:

• Apples: Choose firm, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, which tend to fall apart when baked.
• Nuts: Pecans offer a sweeter, softer texture; walnuts are slightly earthier and firmer. Toast them beforehand for added depth.
• Spice: Cinnamon is classic, but you can mix in nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for more complexity.

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Equipment Needed

The tools required for this dish are minimal, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert.

• Apple corer or small paring knife: To remove the core while keeping the apple intact at the bottom.
• Mixing bowl: For stirring together the filling.
• Baking dish: Use any small baking pan or casserole dish that holds the apples snugly upright.
• Spoon: For filling the apples with the nut-sugar mixture.

This setup makes it accessible to all skill levels—and a great recipe for involving kids in the kitchen.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Core the Apples

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Using an apple corer or a paring knife, remove the cores from the apples—being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to leave the bottom of the apple intact to form a little “cup” for the filling. If necessary, scoop out a bit more flesh from the center to make room for the filling.

Place the cored apples upright in a baking dish that fits them snugly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped nuts, and cinnamon until combined.

Spoon the filling mixture into the hollow center of each apple, packing it lightly and allowing some to mound at the top.

Step 3: Add Butter and Bake

Top each apple with a small piece of butter—about ¼ tablespoon per apple.

Pour a few tablespoons of water into the base of the baking dish. This helps keep the apples moist during baking and creates a light syrup in the bottom of the pan.

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and type of apple, until they’re fork-tender and bubbling at the center.

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Tips and Variations

• Sweeter finish: Drizzle maple syrup or honey over the apples before serving.
• Add dried fruit: Mix raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates into the filling for added chew and sweetness.
• Make it breakfast-worthy: Skip the butter, use oats instead of nuts, and serve with Greek yogurt.
• Alcohol twist: Add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to the filling for a more grown-up flavor.
• Crisp topping: Add a spoonful of granola or streusel on top of each apple for extra crunch.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve baked apples warm, ideally within 15 minutes of coming out of the oven. Their naturally sweet flavor pairs beautifully with:

• A dollop of whipped cream
• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• A drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup
• A sprinkle of granola for a breakfast-inspired spin

They look especially charming served in shallow bowls with a bit of the baking syrup spooned over the top. Add a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal.

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Pairings

• Beverages: Serve alongside hot apple cider, chai tea, or a robust cup of black coffee.
• Wine: A light dessert wine like Riesling or Moscato complements the fruitiness without overwhelming it.
• Cocktail: Consider a cinnamon-spiced bourbon cocktail or a warm brandy toddy for a cozy pairing.

These combinations highlight the apple’s natural sweetness and the warmth of the spices.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.

If planning ahead, you can prep the apples and filling a few hours in advance—just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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Nutritional Information (Per Apple)

• Calories: ~180
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 2g
• Allergens: Tree nuts (if using)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Conclusion

Baked Apples are a timeless dessert that never goes out of style—warm, tender, and bursting with cozy flavors. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, they’re an easy way to end a meal or warm up a chilly day. From weekday indulgence to holiday classic, this is a dish that invites creativity and always satisfies.

Try them as written, or make them your own with add-ins and toppings. And when you do, let me know how you served yours—classic, topped, or totally reinvented.

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