Description
Easy Baked Apples is a cozy and wholesome dessert featuring large baking apples filled with a warm mixture of oats, pecans, dried fruit, coconut sugar, and spices. Baked until tender and served with a luscious apple cider syrup, this comforting dish is perfect for a healthy indulgence or a family-friendly treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 large baking apples
Filling
- 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup raisins, dried cranberries or other dried fruit (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee (melted)
Others
- 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/2 lemon (cut into wedges)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine the oats, chopped pecans, dried fruit, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Core the apples: Using a melon baller or paring knife, carefully core the tops of the apples, creating a cavity about an inch and a half wide. Be sure not to cut through the bottom of the apples.
- Peel skin around the top: Remove about 1/2 inch of the skin around the top edge of each apple. This helps prevent the skin from bursting during baking. Place the apples upright in a baking dish; if they wobble, slice a small portion off the bottom to stabilize them.
- Add lemon juice: Squeeze the juice from lemon wedges over the tops and edges of the apples to add a hint of brightness and prevent browning.
- Stuff the apples: Fill the hollowed apples with the prepared cinnamon oat mixture, packing it gently inside.
- Add liquid to pan: Pour the apple cider or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish to create a flavorful syrup during baking.
- Bake the apples: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Baste the apples a couple of times during baking with the pan juices to keep them moist. The apples are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Spoon the syrupy liquid from the pan over the baked apples before serving. Optionally, top with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a dash of extra cinnamon for added indulgence.
Notes
- Baked apples make for a simple, warm dessert that the whole family can enjoy, infused with comforting spices and hearty textures from oats and nuts.
- Use a variety of dried fruits such as raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates to customize the filling.
- For a vegan option, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter or ghee.
- Ensure not to overcook the apples to keep them tender but not mushy.
- Serving suggestions: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic combination.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 293 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 74 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
