Granny Smith Baked Apples with Apricot-Cashew Filling
Indulge in a delightful dessert that brings together the tartness of Granny Smith apples with a sweet and nutty stuffing of apricots, raisins, and cashews. This baked apple recipe offers a comforting and elegant treat that's perfect for family get-togethers or special occasions. Infused with warm spices and a hint of white wine, this dish promises a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely impress both children and adults alike.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
granny smith apples
9 (8 partially peeled and cored, 1 diced)
applesauce
1/2 cup (none)
dark raisin
1/4 cup (none)
dried apricot
1/4 cup (chopped)
cashews
1/3 cup (chopped)
sugar
1/2 cup (divided)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
butter
4 teaspoons (divided)
white wine
1 cup (approximate)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prepare the apples by partially peeling 8 of them, leaving the bottom half intact to maintain each apple’s shape.
3
Using a melon baller or corer, carefully remove the cores from the apples without piercing through the bottom.
4
If needed, slice a thin layer from the bottom of each apple so they stand upright in a baking dish.
5
Arrange the prepared apples snugly in a baking dish.
6
Take the remaining apple, fully peel it, and chop it into 1/2-inch cubes.
7
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apple with applesauce, dark raisins, chopped dried apricots, cashews, 1/3 cup sugar, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
8
In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining sugar with the rest of the cinnamon to create a sugary cinnamon topping.
9
Generously fill the apples with the prepared mixture, pressing down gently to ensure even filling.
10
Top each filled apple with a 1/2 teaspoon pat of butter.
11
Sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added sweetness and spice.
12
Pour white wine into the baking dish to reach a depth of about 1/2 inch, ensuring the liquid helps the apples to steam and infuse with wine flavors.
13
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the apples are tender and cooked through. Occasionally baste the apples with the pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
14
While baking, if the liquid level drops too low, add a little more wine or water as needed.
15
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. These baked apples can be served warm or at room temperature for a delectable treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Granny Smith Baked Apples with Apricot-Cashew Filling?
It is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with a sweet and nutty stuffing of apricots, raisins, and cashews.
What type of apples are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor and ability to hold shape while baking.
How many apples are needed in total?
You need 9 apples in total: 8 to be stuffed and 1 to be diced for the filling.
What is the filling made of?
The filling is a mixture of diced apple, applesauce, dark raisins, chopped dried apricots, cashews, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
Can I use different nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, while the recipe calls for cashews, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or pecans if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this baked apple recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before preparing the apples.
How long should the apples bake?
The apples should bake for approximately 1 hour or until they are tender and cooked through.
Why should I partially peel the apples?
Leaving the bottom half of the peel intact helps each apple maintain its shape during the baking process.
How do I prepare the apples for stuffing?
Use a melon baller or corer to remove the cores without piercing through the bottom, and slice a thin layer from the bottom if needed to make them stand upright.
What liquid is used in the baking dish?
The recipe calls for approximately 1 cup of white wine to reach a depth of 1/2 inch in the baking dish.
What is the purpose of the white wine?
The white wine helps the apples steam and infuses them with flavor while they bake.
Can I substitute the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can use apple juice or water, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
What is the sugar and cinnamon topping?
It is a mixture of sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top of the filled apples for added sweetness and spice.
How much butter is added to each apple?
Each filled apple is topped with a 1/2 teaspoon pat of butter.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What size should the diced apple for the filling be?
The extra apple should be peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes.
Do I need to baste the apples while they bake?
Yes, occasionally basting the apples with the pan juices helps add moisture and flavor.
What should I do if the liquid level in the pan gets too low?
If the liquid drops too low while baking, you can add a little more wine or water as needed.
Can these baked apples be served cold?
Yes, they can be served either warm or at room temperature.
Is this recipe considered a fall dessert?
Yes, it is tagged as a fall dessert, making it perfect for autumn gatherings.
How much lemon juice is used in the filling?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for the filling mixture.
What kind of raisins are best for this dish?
The recipe specifies using dark raisins for the filling.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, you can replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
What kitchen tools are recommended for coring?
A melon baller or a standard apple corer is recommended for removing the centers.
Is this a healthy dessert option?
Yes, because it focuses on whole fruits, nuts, and natural flavors, it is considered a healthy dessert option.
What makes this dish elegant?
The combination of the hollowed-out whole fruit, the sophisticated nut and dried fruit filling, and the wine infusion creates an elegant presentation.
How do I know the apples are tender?
You can check tenderness by piercing the side of an apple with a fork or knife; it should slide in easily.
How much cinnamon is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, divided between the filling and the sugar topping.
Can I prepare the apples in advance?
While best baked fresh, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.