Gourmet Baked Apples with Marzipan and Walnuts
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Gourmet Baked Apples, a perfect dessert for fall gatherings or cozy family dinners. Using sweet baking apples, this recipe features a rich filling made from marzipan, rum, and walnuts, creating an irresistible combination of sweetness and crunch. Each apple is baked to perfection, then broiled to achieve a beautifully caramelized skin. Serve them warm for a heartwarming treat that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy this elegant dessert that’s sure to impress your guests!
4
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking apples
4 (I recommend using BOSKOP, a German variety, for their sweet and tart flavor.)
Marzipan
80 g (Softened for easy mixing.)
Rum
2 tablespoons (Use your favorite variety.)
Walnuts
20 g (Chopped.)
Unsalted butter
20 g (Softened.)
Cinnamon
1 dash (Use fresh ground for best flavor.)
Melted butter
As needed (For brushing the apples before broiling.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2
In a small bowl, combine the marzipan, rum, chopped walnuts, softened butter, and a dash of cinnamon. Mix until smooth to create a delicious filling.
3
Thoroughly wash the baking apples and carefully cut off the top third of each apple to create a 'lid'.
4
Using a corer or a sharp knife, gently core each apple, removing the seeds and creating enough space for the filling.
5
Divide the marzipan mixture evenly into four portions and generously fill each cored apple with the mixture.
6
Replace the tops back onto the apples and wrap each one in aluminum foil to keep them moist during baking.
7
Arrange the wrapped apples in a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. Check for softness after 20 minutes.
8
Once baked, carefully unwrap the apples and place them back in the baking dish, ensuring they are upright.
9
Increase the oven temperature to broil. Brush each apple with melted butter and return them to the oven under the broiler.
10
Broil the apples for about 5 minutes, or until the skins are nicely caramelized. Keep a close watch to prevent burning, and brush with butter again if desired.
11
Remove from the oven and serve immediately, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
10.5 g
Fat
20.5 g
Carbs
2.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Baked Apples with Marzipan and Walnuts?
This is an elegant fall dessert featuring sweet baking apples stuffed with a rich filling of marzipan, rum, and walnuts, then baked and broiled for a caramelized finish.
Which apple variety is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using Boskop, a German variety known for its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F) for the initial baking phase.
How much marzipan is needed for the filling?
You will need 80 grams of softened marzipan to ensure it mixes easily with the other ingredients.
Can I substitute the rum in the filling?
Yes, you can use your favorite variety of rum or substitute it with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
How many walnuts should I use?
The recipe calls for 20 grams of chopped walnuts to add crunch to the filling.
Why do the apples need to be wrapped in aluminum foil?
Wrapping the apples in foil helps keep them moist and prevents them from drying out during the 20-minute baking period.
How do I prepare the apples for filling?
Wash the apples, cut off the top third to create a 'lid', and use a corer or knife to remove the seeds and create a cavity.
What is the purpose of the broiling step?
Broiling the apples for 5 minutes at the end achieves a beautifully caramelized skin.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 individual servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has 10.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 20.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dessert contain?
Each serving provides about 2.5 grams of protein.
What should I serve with these baked apples?
They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Is cinnamon included in the filling?
Yes, a dash of cinnamon is added to the marzipan mixture for warmth and flavor.
How much butter is required for the filling?
20 grams of softened unsalted butter is mixed into the marzipan filling.
Why should I brush the apples with melted butter before broiling?
Brushing with melted butter helps the skin brown and caramelize under the broiler.
How long do the apples bake in the oven?
They bake for approximately 20 minutes until they are tender but still firm enough to hold their shape.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While walnuts are specified, you could substitute them with pecans or hazelnuts if preferred.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients required: baking apples, marzipan, rum, walnuts, unsalted butter, cinnamon, and extra melted butter.
Should the apples be served warm or cold?
These apples are best served immediately while warm for a heartwarming experience.
What should I do if the apple skins start to burn while broiling?
Keep a close watch and remove them immediately if they brown too quickly, or brush them with more butter to protect the skin.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' suitable for various skill levels.
Is this a good dessert for fall?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a perfect dessert for fall gatherings or cozy dinners.
How do I know when the apples are finished baking?
Check them after 20 minutes; they should be soft to the touch but still able to stand upright.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, the skins should be left on to hold the shape and to be caramelized during the final step.
Can I make this recipe for more than 4 people?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more guests.
What kind of butter is best for the filling?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter that has been softened for easy mixing.
Is this dessert suitable for kids?
If serving to children, it is recommended to replace the rum with apple juice or water.