Introduction
Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a delightful twist on a classic dessert. These baked apples are warmly spiced and stuffed with wholesome goodness, making them a perfect treat for your loved ones on this special occasion. Simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or your choice)
– 60 grams rolled oats
– 30 grams almond flour
– 40 grams chopped walnuts
– 40 grams brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
– 60 ml maple syrup
– 30 grams softened unsalted butter
– 120 ml apple cider
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
60 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Core the apples carefully, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for stuffing. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Add maple syrup and softened butter to the dry mixture, stirring until it resembles a coarse crumb.
5. Spoon the mixture into each apple, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
6. Pour apple cider around the apples in the baking dish and add the vanilla extract to the cider.
7. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the tops are golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). The warmth of the oven will help create that inviting aroma of baked apples.
2. Prepare the Apples
Carefully core the four medium apples, making sure to leave the bottom intact. This creates a lovely pocket for the delicious filling. Place the prepared apples in a baking dish.
3. Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. This mixture will provide a delightful texture and warmth to your apples.
4. Add Sweetness and Richness
Add the maple syrup and softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture resembles a coarse crumb, embodying a scrumptious filling that is both hearty and sweet.
5. Stuff the Apples
Spoon the delicious mixture into each apple, pressing down gently to ensure they are well-packed. The filling should mound slightly above the apple’s surface, ready to be baked to perfection.
6. Prepare for Baking
Pour apple cider around the stuffed apples in the baking dish, infusing them with moisture and flavor. Add the vanilla extract to the cider for an aromatic kick.
7. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the apples to start softening.
8. Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the foil to let the tops crisp up. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is a beautiful golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, let the apples cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the experience.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
These baked apples make for a delightful dessert, especially when paired with whipped cream or ice cream, adding a creamy contrast to the spiced apples.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap in different nuts or use honey instead of maple syrup for varied flavors. Additionally, try using different types of apples for a unique taste, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, allow the baked apples to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick sweet bite later on.
Tips for Success
Be attentive to the apples’ tenderness during the final baking stage. You want them soft but not mushy, so they hold their shape beautifully. Adjust baking time based on the size and type of apples used.
Cook techniques
Core the Apples
To prepare your apples, use a corer or a sharp knife to remove the core while leaving the bottom intact. This creates a pocket for the delicious filling.
Mixing the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your dry ingredients such as oats, almond flour, walnuts, and spices. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
Creating the Crumb Texture
Add the maple syrup and softened butter to the dry mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to combine the ingredients until you achieve a coarse crumb texture.
Packing the Filling
Spoon the filling into each apple, pressing down gently to ensure it adheres and fills the cavity well.
Baking with Apple Cider
Pour apple cider around the apples in the baking dish. This helps to steam the apples while baking and adds extra flavor to the dish.
Using Foil for Even Baking
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil during the initial baking stages. This helps to retain moisture and ensures the apples cook evenly.
Finishing with a Crisp Top
Remove the foil for the last part of baking to allow the tops of the apples to become golden brown and slightly crispy.
FAQ
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer, but tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the filling.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the apples and filling in advance, but it’s best to bake them fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can be used as an alternative sweetener in this recipe.
Are there any nut-free alternatives?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
How do I serve these baked apples?
These baked apples can be enjoyed warm on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
Indulging in these Valentine’s Day Baked Apples Delight is a wonderful way to express love and warmth. The combination of spiced apples and a wholesome filling is not only heartwarming but also healthy, making it a special treat for your significant other or family. The simplicity of this recipe allows for easy preparation, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Whether served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is sure to create sweet memories this Valentine’s Day.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake
Combine rolled oats, diced apples, and cinnamon for a warm breakfast option that is perfect for starting your Valentine’s Day with a cozy touch.
Chocolate-Filled Baked Apples
Add a decadent twist by filling the apples with chocolate chips or cocoa powder along with the other ingredients for a rich and indulgent dessert.
Peanut Butter and Banana Stuffed Apples
Create a unique filling by mixing peanut butter with mashed bananas, oats, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful flavor combination.
Spiced Apple Crisp
Transform the baked apples into a spiced apple crisp by adding a crumbly topping made of oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and butter, baked until golden.
Maple Pecan Crumble Apples
Top baked apples with a crunchy pecan crumble, mixing in maple syrup for a nutty and sweet finishing touch that elevates the dish even further.
Berry-Infused Baked Apples
Incorporate mixed berries in the apple filling for a burst of color and flavor that complements the warm spices beautifully.
