Baked Apples offer a simple and healthy side dish or dessert option, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. With this basic recipe, you can indulge in the natural sweetness of ripe round apples, particularly Cortland or Ida Red varieties. The process of baking the apples enhances their flavors, resulting in tender and delicious treats. While the recipe is uncomplicated, there are various ways to elevate the dish, providing endless opportunities for creativity and experimentation.
For a touch of complexity, consider creaming sugar or spices with butter to add a layer of richness to the baked apples. Alternatively, you can substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar, imparting unique flavors to the dish. To enhance the filling, try incorporating chopped nuts, shredded coconut, raisins, chopped figs, or dates. For an exciting twist, fill the apple cavities with jam towards the end of baking or surprise your taste buds by stuffing them with grated cheddar or crumbled blue cheese.
With just an hour in the oven, you can achieve delectable baked apples that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For added indulgence, serve them with sweet or sour cream, or a dollop of yogurt.
MAKES: 4 servings
TIME: About 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 large round apples, preferably Cortland or Ida Red
- About 1 cup water, sweet white wine, or apple juice
- Sugar as needed (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Core the apples, leaving the stem end intact, and peel the top half of each apple. Place them in a baking dish with about 1/2 inch of liquid at the bottom. If using sugar, add about 1 teaspoon to the cavity of each apple and sprinkle another teaspoon or so on top.
- Bake the apples, uncovered and open end up, until they become very tender, which typically takes about an hour. Allow them to cool and serve warm or at room temperature. For later consumption, refrigerate the baked apples, ensuring they return to room temperature before serving. To enhance the experience, consider serving them with sweet or sour cream or yogurt.
ELEVATE YOUR BAKED APPLES:
As you explore this basic recipe, discover the opportunity to add complexity with various creative ideas. Cream sugar or spices with butter before adding them to the apples, enriching the dish with an irresistible richness. Alternatively, substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar for distinctive flavor profiles.
- Cream sugar or spices with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter before adding it.
- Substitute maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar for the granulated sugar.
- Add about 1/2 cup chopped nuts, shredded coconut, raisins, and/or chopped figs or dates to the sugar for filling.
- Fill the apple cavities with jam about 10 minutes before the end of baking.
- Fill the apple cavities with grated cheddar or crumbled blue cheese before baking.
With these creative ideas, you can transform your baked apples into an unforgettable dish, perfect for any occasion. Experiment with flavors and textures to find your perfect combination and relish the delightful results. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of Baked Apples, and make them your go-to treat for both sweet and savory preferences.
Embrace the simplicity of Baked Apples, a wholesome and delicious side dish or dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe round apples. This recipe calls for varieties like Cortland or Ida Red, known for their delightful flavors and textures. Baking the apples to perfection enhances their taste, creating tender treats that can be served warm or at room temperature.
Take your baked apples to the next level by incorporating chopped nuts, shredded coconut, raisins, chopped figs, or dates to create a delightful filling. If you seek a surprise element, consider filling the apple cavities with jam or stuffing them with grated cheddar or crumbled blue cheese.
With just an hour in the oven, these delectable baked apples are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them warm or at room temperature, accompanied by sweet or sour cream, or a dollop of yogurt for a delightful finishing touch.
