Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, tender apples, bathed in a sweet, caramelized brown sugar cinnamon sauce that wafts through the kitchen like a hug from your favorite grandma. These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Apples are not just a dessert; they’re an experience that brings back memories of cozy autumn afternoons and family gatherings around the table, where laughter mingles with the aroma of spices. rustic apple galette.
Picture this: you’ve had a long day, and all you want is something heartwarming to lift your spirits. These baked apples don’t just fill your belly; they fill your soul with comfort. They’re perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings when you need a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. brie and apple salad Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be dreaming about these baked delights all year round.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip these up in no time, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion
- The combination of sweet and spicy flavors creates an irresistible aroma that fills the air
- The golden-brown apples look stunning on any plate, adding elegance to your dessert table
- Versatile enough to enjoy on their own or topped with ice cream or yogurt
There was a time when I prepared these baked apples for my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. My cousin took one bite and dramatically declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which made me laugh until I nearly choked on my own apple slice. It’s those reactions that keep me coming back to this recipe time and time again.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
- Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Brown Sugar: Opt for dark brown sugar if you want a richer caramel flavor in the filling.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for warmth; it’s the spice that makes everything nice.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best here; it allows better control over saltiness. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
- Walnuts (optional): Chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking while you prepare those scrumptious apples.
Prepare Apples: Wash and core the apples carefully. You want them hollowed out but intact for stuffing later; think of each apple as a tiny treasure chest.
Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped walnuts if using, and melted butter until crumbly. apple cinnamon crumb muffins This mixture will create that gooey goodness inside each apple.
Stuff Apples: Generously fill each apple with the brown sugar mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in there like it’s going out of style!
Bake Apples: Place filled apples upright in a baking dish. Pour about half an inch of water into the dish to keep them moist during baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Cool & Serve: Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra melted butter or serve with vanilla ice cream for an added treat!
These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Apples are not just delicious; they are little pockets of joy that remind us of home-cooked comforts and family traditions. cinnamon swirl cheesecake Each bite is like wrapping yourself in an oversized sweater on a chilly day—warm, cozy, and absolutely delightful!
You Must Know
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Apples are a delightful treat that brings warmth and nostalgia
- Perfect for chilly evenings, their sweet aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like home
- This dish is so simple yet impresses everyone at the dinner table with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Core the apples and mix brown sugar with cinnamon, then stuff them. Bake until tender, about 25-30 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add nuts or raisins to the stuffing for extra crunch and flavor. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream on top elevates this dish even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfectly baked apples, choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
- Avoid overstuffing them to prevent spilling during baking
- Serve with whipped cream for a decadent touch that will wow your guests!
I once made these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Apples for a family gathering, and my uncle exclaimed they were better than his favorite pie!
FAQ
What type of apples work best for baked apples?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are ideal for baking.
Can I make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and bake just before serving.
What toppings pair well with this dessert?
Ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce enhances the flavor beautifully.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Apples
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the warmth of autumn with these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Apples. Tender apples are filled with a delectable mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, creating a gooey, caramelized treat that evokes memories of cozy family gatherings. Perfect for chilly evenings or festive occasions, this simple yet elegant dessert is guaranteed to warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Water (for baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottoms intact.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, walnuts (if using), melted butter, and vanilla until crumbly.
- Stuff each apple generously with the brown sugar mixture.
- Place apples upright in a baking dish and add half an inch of water to keep them moist.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Let cool slightly before serving; drizzle with extra melted butter or serve with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Choose firm apples for best results; avoid overstuffing to prevent spillage during baking. For extra flavor, consider adding raisins or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving.