Easy Baked Apple Recipe: A Delicious & Simple Dessert
This easy baked apple recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a simple dessert to impress your guests. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers a delicious and comforting flavor that everyone will love. This recipe is also highly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite spices and toppings.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Apples: 2-4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well). Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking.
- Butter: 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for a richer flavor.
- Brown Sugar: 2-4 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar, depending on your sweetness preference.
- Cinnamon: 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, a classic pairing with apples.
- Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional), for a warm, subtle spice.
- Optional additions: A sprinkle of oats, chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), raisins, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor and texture.
Instructions:
Preparing the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and core the apples: Carefully remove the core of each apple using an apple corer or a small knife. Leave about ½ inch at the bottom intact to prevent the apples from falling apart.
- Stuff the Apples: Place the apples in a small baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Spoon the mixture evenly into the core of each apple. You can also sprinkle the optional additions (oats, nuts, raisins) into the core.
Baking the Apples:
- Add a little water: Pour about ½ inch of water into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the apples from sticking and drying out.
- Bake: Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly. The exact baking time depends on the size of your apples and your oven. Check for doneness by inserting a fork – it should slide in easily.
- Serve: Let the baked apples cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like allspice, ginger, or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
- Sweeten it up: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. You can also use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar.
- Make it healthier: Reduce the amount of butter or use a sugar substitute.
- Add some crunch: Top the baked apples with chopped nuts or granola before serving.
- Make it a meal: Serve the baked apples with a side of yogurt or granola for a more substantial breakfast or dessert.
This easy baked apple recipe is a versatile and delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Its simple preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while its customizable nature allows for endless variations to suit your taste preferences. Try it today and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of a perfectly baked apple!
