Easy Peasy Baked Apples Recipe
Have you baked apples before? It’s a bit of an old fashioned dessert but if you haven’t tried them, you should. They are really simple to make, versatile, and super tasty.
I first learned to make them in Home Economics class in grade 8. I never forgot them. I even used to make them for my parents. I was so proud that I could bake them all by myself.
They make a great dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas and just when you want something sweet that isn’t too heavy. All you need is apples, a sweetener, baking spices, and mini marshmallows.
Here are a few things to consider before going out and getting the ingredients:
- Choosing The Right Apples
There are different varieties of apples, but not all are good for making baked apples. Some get too mushy inside once they are baked while others don’t soften much at all. The ideal apple to make baked apples is one that stays intact even after it has been in the oven but is also soft enough to eat with a spoon. I am using Red Delicious but you can also use Gala or Fuji apples.
- Sweetener
Traditionally, white or brown sugar is used to make baked apples. I prefer brown sugar. You could also go with maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey. It really comes down to your preference. Use about 1 tbsp per apple.
- Baking Spices
I like to just use cinnamon but you can use a combination of spices. You can add nutmeg, clove, allspice, and ginger with the cinnamon.
- Toppings
I don’t usually add topping but there are many options, like nuts, raisins, and oats.
- Ice Cream vs. Whipping Cream
There is never a time I don’t want ice cream so I will choose it every time but you can pour some heavy cream over the apples or a dollop of greek yogurt is good too. I would also recommend adding a drizzle of caramel on top if you have it. Ice cream!
Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 apples Use 1 apple per person.
- 4 tbsp brown sugar Use 1 tbsp per apple.
- 4 tsp Cinnamon 1 tsp per apple. More for sprinkling over apple.
- Mini marshmallows
- Toppings of your choice (nuts, raisins, or oats).
- Butter, if desired. You can use vegan butter or margarin too.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipping cream.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- Pour 1 tbsp of brown sugar into centre of each apple.
- Sprinkle cinnamon in the centre of each apple.
- Stuff with marshmallows.
- Add oats, raisins, or nuts, if desired.
- Top with another mini marshmallow or small cube of butter. Sprinkle with more cinnamon.
- Place apples in a baking dish. Pour an inch of water into the baking dish around the apples.
- Bake for 40-45 mins. After a half hour check to if the liquid has evaporated. If the pan is dry add more water.
- Take out of oven and let the apples sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- Place apples on 4 plates. Top with ice cream or whipping cream. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples, if you have it, or the sauce leftover in the baking dish.
- Enjoy!
See, easy peasy! Just like that you have the perfect Fall or Christmas dessert, I hope you give these a try. If you do, tag me on Instagram @cookiesandcreamto
Happy Baking!
