| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 8g | 4g | 54g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 27g | 6g | 1g | 0.04g |
There’s a particular magic that weaves its way through the trees in a Maine apple orchard during harvest season, and I’ve always thought that Baked Apples blend that magic with the comfort of home beautifully. It’s a recipe that sings of golden autumn days and crisp, starry nights, bringing a piece of the orchard directly onto your dinner table.
A Recipe with Roots
Despite my deep-rooted love for New England seafood, and the flavors of the sea that I’ve woven into countless family meals, there’s something endlessly comforting about the earthy delight of Baked Apples. This recipe has just been that—a constant source of delicious, homespun comfort. It’s something I learned from my own grandmother, and something I’ve passed down to my two daughters, Erin and Samantha. From busy weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings, this humble dessert has its roots deeply planted in our family tradition. There’s more baked into these apples than just a sugar and spice filling; there are generations of love and shared stories.
Power-packed nutrition
And the best part, amidst the sweetness and the nostalgia, is that Baked Apples bring a solid pack of health benefits. Apples, juicy and fibrous, are full of antioxidants. They aid in digestion and boost your intake of Vitamin C and dietary fiber. The brown sugar brings a hint of sweet molasses, while the pecans add a subtle crunch and an extra layer of heart-healthy fats. Even the raisins; small and often overlooked, are full of antioxidants and fiber. Best of all, this recipe comes with no artificial additives, making it a wholesome family treat.
These Baked Apples might remind you of similar desserts like apple crisp or apple pie, but they hold their own unique charm. The warmth of the cinnamon, the light crunch of the pecans—they’re unpretentious in their simplicity, yet absolutely delightful. And they partner perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Oh, and don’t forget to pair it with a glass of warm mulled cider, for a delicious sensory trip straight to the heart of an autumn apple orchard.
So whether you’re looking to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, gear up for the upcoming apple season, or simply searching for a new family favorite—give this Baked Apples recipe a shot. Who knows, it might just become a treasured classic in your family, too!
What You’ll Need
- 6 large apples
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup apple juice or cider
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In the meantime, carefully core your apples, making sure to leave a little bit at the bottom to contain the ingredients. Arrange them in a baking dish that’s large enough to comfortably fit all 6.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, raisins, and vanilla extract. Mix them all together until they’re well incorporated.
Step Three
Start stuffing your apples with the mixture you just prepared. Try to divide it evenly among the apples and pack it tightly into the cores. If there’s extra mixture, you can simply sprinkle it around the apples in the baking dish.
Step Four
Once all your apples are stuffed, pour the apple juice or cider into the dish, around the base of the apples. This will help keep them moist during baking and will also create a kind of sauce you can spoon over the apples when serving.
Step Five
Bake your apples in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes. You can check them after about 30 minutes – they’re done when they’re easily pierced with a knife and the tops are looking nice and golden.
Step Six
Let them cool slightly, then serve warm. These baked apples are wonderful as they are, but they’re also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy!
