Heavenly Baked Stuffed Apples with Spiced Cider
Delight in the comforting flavors of autumn with these Heavenly Baked Stuffed Apples. This delightful dessert features tart baking apples, carefully cored and filled with a sweet and crunchy mixture of dried fruits, walnuts, and warm spices. Baked in a fragrant spiced cider, these apples become tender and infused with flavor, creating a deliciously cozy treat that's perfect for sharing with family and friends on a chilly evening. Ideal as a warm dessert, this recipe brings a wholesome twist to your table that everyone will love!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking apples
6 (cored with 1/4 inch of skin removed from the top)
cider
1 1/2 cups (preferably apple cider)
dried cranberries or cherries
1/2 cup (chopped if large)
chopped walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
sugar
1/4 cup (to be sprinkled on top)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (to sprinkle on top)
nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (to sprinkle on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place the cored apples upright in a baking dish.
3
Pour the cider evenly over the apples, ensuring each apple is well-coated.
4
In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries or cherries with the chopped walnuts and mix well.
5
Stuff each apple generously with the fruit and walnut mixture, packing it in gently.
6
Evenly sprinkle the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the stuffed apples to enhance their flavor.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, basting with the cider every 10 to 15 minutes for even cooking.
9
The apples are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
10
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your heavenly creation warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Baked Stuffed Apples?
Heavenly Baked Stuffed Apples are a comforting autumn dessert featuring tart baking apples filled with a sweet and crunchy mixture of dried fruits and walnuts, baked in a fragrant spiced cider.
What kind of apples should I use for this recipe?
You should use tart baking apples that are firm enough to hold their shape during the baking process.
How do I prepare the apples for stuffing?
The apples should be cored with approximately 1/4 inch of skin removed from the top to allow for easy stuffing and even baking.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the apples inside.
What ingredients are used in the apple filling?
The filling consists of 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts.
Can I use different types of dried fruit?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either dried cranberries or dried cherries, but you can use your preferred dried fruit.
How much cider is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of apple cider to be poured over the apples in the baking dish.
What spices are used to flavor the stuffed apples?
The apples are flavored with a sprinkle of 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg.
How much sugar is needed?
1/4 cup of sugar is used to sprinkle over the stuffed apples before baking.
Why should I cover the baking dish with aluminum foil?
Covering the dish with aluminum foil helps prevent the apples from over-browning while they cook.
How long does it take to bake the apples?
The apples typically take between 30 to 45 minutes to bake in a preheated oven.
What does 'basting' mean in this recipe?
Basting involves spooning or pouring the cider from the dish over the apples every 10 to 15 minutes to keep them moist and infuse them with flavor.
How do I know when the baked apples are finished?
The apples are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Should the apples be served hot or cold?
It is recommended to let the apples cool slightly and then serve them warm for the best flavor experience.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 6 individual servings.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy or prefer a different taste, you can omit them or substitute with other nuts like pecans.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, these baked apples are an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving or any autumn celebration.
Are these apples considered a healthy dessert?
The recipe is described as a wholesome twist on traditional desserts, utilizing whole fruit and nuts.
What should I do if the dried fruit is very large?
If the dried cranberries or cherries are large, you should chop them before mixing them with the walnuts.
How should I arrange the apples in the baking dish?
Place the cored apples upright in the baking dish before pouring the cider over them.
Can I use apple juice if I don't have cider?
While cider is preferred for its deeper flavor, apple juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
What kind of texture does the walnut mixture provide?
The walnut and fruit mixture provides a sweet and crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender baked apple.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, this is considered an easy dessert recipe that is simple to prepare and assemble.
Can I add more cinnamon?
Yes, the amount of cinnamon can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
How much nutmeg is required?
The recipe requires 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg to be sprinkled over the apples.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The primary flavor profile is a combination of tart apples, sweet dried fruit, and warm autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Is there a specific way to pack the filling?
You should stuff each apple generously and pack the fruit and walnut mixture in gently.
What makes the cider 'spiced' in this recipe?
The cider becomes spiced as it bakes alongside the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Can I make this recipe for more than 6 people?
Yes, you can easily scale the ingredients up to accommodate more servings by using more apples and a larger baking dish.
Why is skin removed from the top of the apple?
Removing a small amount of skin from the top prevents the skin from splitting and makes it easier to eat once baked.