Easy Baked Apples Recipe: A Cozy Treat for Sweet Cravings

Autumn’s crisp mornings invite warm baked apples that bring comfort to your kitchen.

Fragrant cinnamon and sweet maple syrup dance together in this simple dessert.

Cozy weekend afternoons demand something special for family gatherings.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this classic recipe that feels like a warm hug.

Minimal effort creates maximum deliciousness with each caramelized bite.

Soft, tender apples become a canvas for delightful spices and nutty textures.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this irresistible treat.

Questions About Baked Apples Answered

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a nice balance to the sweet filling.

• How do I core the apples correctly?

Use an apple corer or a sharp paring knife to remove the core, leaving the bottom intact so the filling stays inside during baking.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed apples a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

• Is this dessert suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The basic recipe can be easily adapted for vegetarian diets. For gluten-free needs, ensure all ingredients like butter and spices are certified gluten-free.

What Makes Mary Berry Baked Apples Irresistible

• Quickly Craft Comfort: Dive into a dessert that wraps you in warmth with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without complicated techniques.
• Celebrate Seasonal Goodness: Transform fresh apples into a delightful treat that highlights autumn's bounty, bringing natural sweetness and aromatic spices to your table.
• Flexible Family Pleaser: Adaptable for all ages, this recipe offers a healthier dessert option that feels indulgent while being simple enough for kids to help prepare.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a stunning dessert using just a handful of pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and stress-free for spontaneous cooking adventures.

Ingredients for Mary Berry Baked Apples

• Apples: Firm, sweet apples that hold their shape during baking.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the filling.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
• Zest: Adds bright citrus notes to enhance the overall flavor.

• Zest, Juice: Citrus elements that brighten the dish and add depth.
• Spices: Warm spices that complement the natural sweetness of the apples.

• Creme Fraiche: Creamy, tangy topping that balances the sweet baked apples.
• Syrup: Provides additional sweetness and moisture from the baking process.

Cooking Mary Berry Baked Apples Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 220°C (200°C for fan-forced ovens). This high heat will help create a perfectly caramelized exterior on your apples.

Step 2: Create a Magical Filling

• Brown sugar
• Orange or lemon zest
• Citrus juice
• Warming spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg)
• Chopped dried fruits (raisins or cranberries work wonderfully)

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Carefully hollow out the center of each apple, leaving the bottom intact. This creates a cozy pocket for your delicious filling. Pro tip: use a melon baller or sharp spoon to core the apples gently.

Step 4: Stuff and Arrange

Generously fill each apple with the prepared mixture, letting it overflow slightly for extra deliciousness. Nestle the apples close together in a baking dish to help them stay upright and cook evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are tender and the filling is bubbling with golden-brown edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Present your baked apples while they’re still warm. Top with a dollop of creme fraiche and drizzle with the extra syrupy juices from the baking dish. Each bite promises a burst of comforting, sweet flavors.

Top Advice for Baked Apples

• Choose Firm Apples: Select crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide excellent texture.
• Prevent Browning: Brush apple surfaces with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain a fresh, appetizing appearance.
• Create Perfect Filling: Mix dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the stuffing for added complexity and delightful bursts of sweetness.
• Control Baking Time: Check apples at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking; they should be tender but not mushy, with a slight resistance when pierced.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom or nutmeg to elevate the traditional cinnamon profile and create a unique taste experience.

Fun Variations of Mary Berry Baked Apples

• Vegan Apple Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of sugar for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bake: Swap traditional stuffing with quinoa, nuts, and dried cranberries for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener and add chia seeds to the filling for reduced sugar content.
• Nutty Spice Variation: Incorporate chopped almonds, pecans, and a dash of cardamom for extra crunch and warmth.

Great Pairings With Baked Apples

• Creamy Companion: Pair these warm, spiced baked apples with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream for a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Dessert Wine Match: Select a sweet Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling to complement the caramelized fruit and warming spices, enhancing the apple's natural sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch Topper: Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds over the baked apples for an added layer of richness and satisfying crunch that brings depth to every bite.
• Breakfast Transformation: Transform leftovers into a morning delight by serving alongside Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a luxurious breakfast treat.

Storage Tips for Baked Apples

• Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Warm individual apples on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, drizzling extra syrup to maintain moisture and restore their juicy texture.
• Restore crispness by placing apples in a preheated 180°C oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap each apple separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Baked Apples Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Baked Apples bring warmth and sweetness to your autumn dessert table, blending wholesome ingredients with classic flavors. Simple yet elegant, this dessert invites you to savor the pure delight of perfectly spiced, tender fruit.

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Ingredients

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Fruits:

• 4 large firm apples
• 100 grams mixed dried fruit
• Zest and juice of 1 orange

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 50 grams light brown soft sugar

Fats and Dairy:

• 50 grams unsalted butter
• Creme fraiche (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 220°C (200°C fan), creating an ideal environment for transforming crisp apples into a decadent dessert.
2. Gently melt butter in a mixing bowl, then incorporate sugar, citrus zest, fresh juice, aromatic spices, and chopped dried fruit, creating a rich, fragrant filling.
3. Carefully hollow out the apple centers using an apple corer, ensuring you leave the bottom intact to hold the delectable mixture.
4. Generously fill each apple cavity with the prepared spiced mixture, pressing gently to compact the stuffing and allow flavors to meld.
5. Arrange the stuffed apples in a snug, ceramic baking dish, ensuring they sit securely and upright during roasting.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the apples to soften and caramelize with a golden, glistening exterior.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow the intense flavors to settle and the fruit to cool slightly.
8. Plate the warm baked apples and crown with a dollop of creamy creme fraiche, drizzling the remaining syrupy juices over the top for an indulgent finish.

Notes

• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness.
• Create deeper flavor by adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the filling mixture.
• Customize the spice blend by experimenting with cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger for unique taste profiles.
• Transform into a gluten-free and vegan dessert by substituting butter with coconut oil and using maple syrup instead of sugar.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg