Baked apples are incredibly easy to prepare with just a handful of pantry staples. They offer all the flavor of apple pie without the fuss of making a crust. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, easy to customize, and can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a timeless dessert that’s perfect for both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apples (firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
Raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Water or apple cider
Directions
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the apples: Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to form a “bowl.” Use a spoon or corer to remove the seeds and make space for the filling.
Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped nuts, and dried fruit if using. Mix well.
Stuff the apples: Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out center of each apple. Top each with a small piece of butter.
Bake: Place the apples in a baking dish. Pour water or apple cider into the bottom of the dish to help steam the apples and create a light sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the apples are tender.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes Baking time: 35–40 minutes Total time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
Maple Pecan Baked Apples: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and use pecans for a richer, earthy flavor.
Oat-Stuffed Apples: Add rolled oats to the filling for a crumble-like texture.
Spiked Version: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling mixture for a grown-up twist.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of butter.
No-Nut Version: Simply omit the nuts for a nut-free dessert that’s still delicious.
Storage/Reheating
Store baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of water or cider before reheating to prevent drying out.
FAQs
What are the best apples for baking?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Fuji hold their shape well and are ideal for baking.
Can I make baked apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
How do I prevent the apples from collapsing?
Use firm apple varieties and avoid overbaking. Keeping the bottom of the apple intact also helps it hold shape.
Do I have to peel the apples?
No, the peel helps the apples maintain structure while baking. You can peel them if you prefer a softer texture.
What if I don’t have an apple corer?
You can use a paring knife or a sturdy spoon to carefully remove the core, being sure not to puncture the bottom.
Can I bake more than four apples?
Absolutely. Just be sure not to overcrowd the baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Can I make these sugar-free?
Yes. Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or simply omit sugar and rely on naturally sweet apples and dried fruit.
Are baked apples healthy?
They can be! Baked apples are naturally high in fiber and can be made healthier by reducing sugar or using wholesome add-ins like oats and nuts.
How should I serve baked apples?
Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt. They also pair beautifully with caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Conclusion
Baked apples are a heartwarming, easy-to-make dessert that combines simple ingredients with classic flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a lighter holiday dessert or a weeknight treat, this recipe delivers on comfort and taste every time. With endless ways to customize and minimal prep required, baked apples are a must-try for any home cook.
Baked apples are a warm and comforting dessert made by stuffing firm apples with a sweet, spiced filling of brown sugar, nuts, and butter, then baking until tender. A simple and cozy treat that’s naturally gluten-free and easy to customize.
Ingredients
4 firm apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
2 tbsp raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 4 small pieces
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup water or apple cider
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to form a cavity.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped nuts, and dried fruit (if using).
Stuff each apple with the prepared filling and top each with a small piece of butter.
Place the apples upright in a baking dish. Pour water or apple cider into the bottom of the dish.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
Let the apples cool slightly before serving. Optionally top with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
Notes
Use firm apple varieties to prevent collapsing during baking.Add oats to the filling for a crumble-style texture.Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a vegan version.Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling for a spiked variation.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
