As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples. This simple yet delightful dessert captures the warmth and coziness of fall in every bite. Stuffed with a sweet, nutty filling and baked to tender perfection, these apples are perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight treat to a show-stopping dessert at your fall gatherings. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while they bake is irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in under an hour.
- Warm and Comforting: The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and apples creates a cozy, inviting flavor perfect for cool autumn nights.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the filling ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Apple corer or paring knife: For removing the core without cutting through the bottom.
- Baking dish: To hold the apples as they bake.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
How to Make Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that your apples will bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
2. Core the Apples
Carefully core each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a small well for the filling. You can use an apple corer or a small paring knife for this step. Be gentle to avoid piercing through the bottom of the apples, as this will help keep the filling inside while baking.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, rolled oats, softened butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined, forming a slightly sticky, crumbly mixture.
4. Stuff the Apples
Place the cored apples into a baking dish. Spoon the filling into each apple, pressing down gently to fill the cavity. You can slightly overfill the apples, as the filling will settle as it bakes.
5. Bake
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown. Check the apples occasionally to ensure they don’t overcook, as some ovens can vary in baking time.
6. Serve
Once baked, remove the apples from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the warm apple and cool, creamy topping is pure heaven!
Tips for Perfect Baked Apples
- Use the right apples: Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith, which hold their shape well when baked.
- Softened butter is key: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, to help the filling stay together and bake evenly inside the apples.
- Careful coring: Make sure to leave the bottom of the apple intact when coring, so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
Customizing Your Baked Apples
- Nuts: Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor.
- Dried fruits: Add some raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
- Spices: Experiment with other warm spices like ground ginger or allspice for a twist on the classic cinnamon-nutmeg combination.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative for a vegan version of this dessert.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the apples in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for about 30 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
Can I prepare these baked apples ahead of time?
Yes! You can core the apples and prepare the filling ahead of time. Store the apples and filling separately in the refrigerator for a few hours, then fill and bake just before serving.
What are the best apples for baking?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are ideal for baking because they hold their shape well and don’t turn mushy in the oven.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make these baked apples vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon, maple, and apples into one delicious treat. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just treating yourself on a quiet evening, these baked apples are sure to impress. Their warm, nutty filling and tender, sweet apples make for an irresistible dish that celebrates the best of autumn’s flavors.
More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations
For a complete autumn-inspired meal, consider pairing these baked apples with a hearty dish like roasted pork tenderloin or pumpkin soup. You can also explore other fall desserts, such as a spiced pear crumble or classic pumpkin pie, to round out your seasonal celebrations. And for an extra special touch, serve these apples with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or a creamy chai latte – the perfect way to savor the flavors of fall!
