Deliciously Simple Baked Apples for Cozy Fall Evenings
Envision this: the smell of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your home on a crisp fall evening. It’s magical, isn’t it? I’m all for simple pleasures, and these baked apples are a no-fuss treat that delivers every time. With just a few ingredients—oats, coconut sugar, and nuts—you’ll have a cozy dessert ready to impress. And don’t worry, I’ve got some handy tips to make sure your apples come out perfectly tender every time.
Ingredients Needed for the Filling
Ah, the joys of fall baking! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of spices mingling with apples in the oven.
For my baked apples, I love using a third cup of old-fashioned oats and a quarter cup of coconut sugar. It’s like a hug in a bowl.
Add a quarter cup of chopped nuts—pecans or walnuts are my go-to—and chopped raisins. Spice it up with a teaspoon of cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg.
Melted butter brings it all together. It’s like magic.
And if you’re vegan, use your favorite plant-based butter. Happy baking!
Choosing the Right Apples
Choosing the right apples is as important as the filling itself when it comes to baked apples. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. You want apples that hold their shape while becoming tender and juicy. Here are my top picks:
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Honeycrisp | Sweet and crisp |
| Fuji | Juicy and firm |
| Gala | Mildly sweet |
| Cortland | Tart and soft |
| Pink Lady | Sweet-tart balance |
I’ve tried using Red Delicious once—big mistake! They turned into mush. Choose wisely, and your baked apples will be the talk of the table.
Preparing the Apples for Baking
Let’s plunge into preparing the apples for baking, an essential step that sets the stage for our delicious fall treat. First, I select four large apples, usually Honeycrisp or Gala, for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Here’s how I prep them:
- Wash Thoroughly: I give them a good rinse to remove any wax or residue.
- Core Carefully: Using a melon baller, I create a cavity about an inch and a half wide without piercing the bottom.
- Peel the Top: I remove a half-inch of skin around the top to prevent bursting, ensuring a flawless bake.
Baking Instructions and Tips
Baking these delightful apples is where the magic truly happens. I set my oven to 375°F, anticipating the warm, spiced aroma filling my kitchen.
After stuffing the apples with our tasty mixture, I pour three-quarters cup of apple cider into the baking dish. As the apples bake for 45 to 60 minutes, I occasionally baste them with the syrupy liquid, ensuring they’re tender and slightly deflated.
Don’t worry if they crinkle a bit—it’s part of their charm! I once tried using pear cider, and it was a hit. The anticipation of that first bite is utterly worth it.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment
As I pull those beautiful baked apples from the oven, I’m already imagining the delightful ways to finish them off.
The aroma fills the room, tempting me to dive right in. Here’s how I love to serve them:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The cold creaminess meets the warm apple, melting slightly for a heavenly contrast.
- A drizzle of salted caramel sauce – Its sweet and salty richness perfectly complements the spiced apple filling.
- A dollop of whipped cream – Light and fluffy, it adds a touch of elegance.
Each bite feels like a cozy hug!