Baked Apples
on Feb 07, 2023, Updated Oct 07, 2023
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My Bapche’s 👵🏽 (grandma’s) stuffed baked apples 🍎 with walnuts and honey 🍯. I couldn’t do a voiceover without getting emotional, so I left this video ASMR style. Feb 14, 2023 marks one year since my grandma’s passing and there’s not a day I don’t think of her; not a day goes by that I don’t hear her voice in my head. Both of my grandmas had a massive impact on my life and left a forever imprint on my heart—they shaped me and who I am today.
Why You’ll Love Baked Apples
This recipe is in honor of those who left us too early and our loved ones who have paved the way to make us better! I see you, I feel you, and our angels are always with us 🙏! Today, I choose to honor her with her favorite recipe, a recipe that was passed down from my great-grandmother. These baked apples are exactly what my home smelled like every day growing up, so I hope you enjoy it! Obicham te Bapche. If this recipe resonates with you, please share and let me know in the comments below.
How to Prepare Baked Apples
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s ready to go when the apples are prepped and filled.
Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Then, using a sharp knife 🔪, cut off a small portion from the top of each apple.
Core the Apples: To make room for the delicious filling, use a small teaspoon or a melon baller to scoop out the core of each apple, but be careful not to puncture the bottom of the apple. You just want to create a hollow space in the center.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and place each cored apple in the pan, making sure they fit snugly without toppling over.
Fill the Apples: In the center of each apple, place a generous tablespoon of crushed walnuts, followed by a teaspoon of brown sugar. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon. If you prefer a sweeter touch, drizzle some honey 🍯 over the filling in each apple. Finally, crown each apple with a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil.
Bake the Apples: You have two baking options here, both of which work perfectly. You can either bake the apples uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes or cover them and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The choice between covered and uncovered baking depends on your preference. Keep a close eye on the apples as the exact baking time can vary depending on your oven. You’ll know they’re ready when they become soft, develop a slightly darkened color, and partially collapse.
Serve and Enjoy: Once your baked apples are ready, take them out of the oven. You can serve them as they are, but for an extra treat, consider pairing them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream 🍨.
Substitutions and Variations
Baked apples are quite versatile, and you can certainly make substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Apple Varieties: While Honeycrisp apples are excellent for baking, you can use other varieties like Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Fuji for a sweeter option.
- Nut Substitutions: If you have allergies or prefer different nuts, you can replace crushed walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts.
- Sweeteners: Instead of brown sugar or coconut sugar, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices for unique flavors. Nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom can be excellent alternatives to or in addition to cinnamon.
- Butter Substitutes: Instead of butter use a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Other Holiday Recipes
- Gravy
- Juicy Turkey
- Mac and Cheese
- Stuffing
- Sweet Potato Donuts
- Pumpkin Pie
- Brussels Sprouts
- Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Squash
- Turkey Noodle Soup
- Butternut Squash Pasta
- Cranberry Sauce
- Mushrooms
- Green Beans
- Whole Roasted Sweet Potato
Common Questions
Any apples of choice work. I used honeycrisp which can be tart, so feel free to use a sweeter apple of choice.
I like adding walnuts, cinnamon, and a touch of coconut oil (instead of butter). After they’re baked I add a tiny drizzle of honey and they’re just as good!
Yes, you could blend pumpkin or sunflower seeds until fine and use that instead of nuts.
You can bake the apples covered or uncovered but the baking time will vary. Both work but keep an eye on them as every oven is different.
Bake time will depend on the baking dish you use. Some baking dishes that are thicker will take more cooking time, while thinner baking dishes will take less.
Yes, you can certainly make these ahead of time, and you can reheat these in the oven, covered, the following day.
This recipe should also work beautifully in the air fryer, so feel free to experiment.
Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 apples , honeycrisp or your favorite variety
- 4 tbsp walnuts, crushed
- 4 tsp brown sugar, or coconut sugar
- ground cinnamon
- honey, optional
- 4 tsp butter, or coconut oil
- ice cream , for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Wash and dry the apples. Cut off a little bit off the top of each apple.
- Using a small teaspoon or a melon baller, gently scoop out the core of each apple to make a hole for the filling. (You can snack on any edible apple scraps or use them in a smoothie.)
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper and place each cored apple inside.
- In the center of each apple add a heaping tablespoon of crushed walnuts, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, tiny drizzle of honey, if using, and 1 teaspoon butter.
- Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes OR covered for 35 to 40. We have made them both ways (covered and uncovered) and both work. The bake time will depend on your oven, so keep an eye on them. When the apples are soft, darkened, and partially collapsed, they are ready.
- Serve as is or enjoy with a scoop of ice cream.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I adored both my grandmothers and my great grandmother made baked apples often for me. She added a touch of warmed brandy at the end. Now that apple season is in full farm picking mode, I’m going to bake off a few using your method in honor of all our grands!
LOVE this! Thank you
Absolutely delicious! I will be making this recipe again and again! Thank you for sharing it 🙂
Aw soooooo happy Kelly 🙂
Made this after dinner out for a little Valentine’s Day dessert. I made the healthy option and Wow! It was everything I was craving and hoping it would be. My husband loved it as much as I did and we can’t wait to warm up the 2 extras tomorrow! Might just have to have them for breakfast. I am so excited about this recipe as I don’t eat dairy or sugar and I certainly didn’t miss those here. Thank you, Sneji aka Nonna!
Aw Denise! This review means so much to me. So happy you both enjoyed the recipe so much. Kisses!
Absolutely, completely and shocking to myself that I am totally at a loss for words. Insanely delicious, creative and 100% a must go to dessert for everybody. If you have any sort of a sweet tooth, this is everything you could possibly hope for. Texture is incredible, flavour is out of this world !
Just yummy yummy yummy
Keep it up with this awesomeness
Thanks again Nonna
You’re amazing in what you do and extremely gifted !!!!
Thanks Taz 🙂