Brown Sugar Baked Apples

$- 4 medium-sized apples, cored - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup rolled oats - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries - 1/2 cup apple juice or water You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. They give a nice crunch. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries add sweet flavor too. Feel free to skip these if you prefer a simpler taste. For the best results, I suggest using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples. Honeycrisp apples have a sweet and tart flavor. Granny Smith apples are crisp and tart, perfect for baking. Both types hold their shape well and make a great treat. First, choose your apples. I love using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for this dish. They hold their shape well and have a nice balance of sweet and tart. Start by coring the apples. You want to remove the center but keep the skin intact. This helps the apples stay firm while they bake. Place the cored apples upright in a baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly in the dish. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well. If you like, add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. This filling brings a great texture and flavor. You can also toss in raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet kick. Once mixed, spoon the filling into each apple. Press down a bit to fill them nicely. Now, it's time to bake! Drizzle melted butter over each filled apple. This adds flavor and helps the filling caramelize. Next, pour apple juice or water into the bottom of the dish. This keeps the apples moist and helps them cook evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Look for tender apples and a bubbly filling. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma filling your kitchen! To get the best brown sugar baked apples, watch the time. Bake them for 25 minutes covered. After that, remove the foil. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You want them soft and juicy. The filling should bubble and turn golden. If you like them firmer, check them early. If you want them softer, add a few more minutes. These warm apples make a great dessert. Serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also drizzle the caramel sauce from the dish over the top. For a fun twist, try serving them with yogurt. The creamy texture pairs well with the sweet apples. You can also sprinkle some extra nuts or cinnamon on top for a nice crunch. Want to mix it up? Try adding some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. They add nice texture and sweetness. You can also swap out the nuts. Use almonds or skip them for a nut-free treat. For a spicy kick, add more cinnamon or a pinch of ginger. These simple changes can make each batch special. {{image_2}} To make a nut-free version, simply leave out the nuts. Your baked apples will still taste great without them. Focus on the filling with brown sugar, oats, and spices. The apples will still be sweet and soft. For a vegan twist, swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar if you prefer. This keeps the treat tasty and plant-based. Check the raisins or dried cranberries to ensure they are vegan too. You can add other flavors to the filling. Try mixing in vanilla extract or maple syrup for extra sweetness. Chopped dried fruit like apricots or figs can bring new tastes. You could also add some lemon zest for a fresh twist. Each add-in will give your baked apples a unique flavor! Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy, just take them out when you crave a sweet snack. The apples will remain tasty, but they may lose some crispness. To freeze baked apples, let them cool completely first. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat your baked apples in the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the apples in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat them in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds, until warm. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! Yes, you can use different apples. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are best. However, you may try Fuji or Braeburn apples. Each type gives a unique taste and texture. Just make sure they are firm and crisp. Baked apples last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container. If you notice any off smells, it’s best to toss them. You can prepare the apples ahead of time. Fill them with the brown sugar mixture. Cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. They can stay fresh for one day before baking. Serve baked apples with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You could also add a drizzle of caramel sauce. Chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can enhance flavor and texture. You learned about making delicious baked apples from ingredient choices to baking steps. We covered tips to perfect your dish and ways to store it. Remember, you can also try variations like vegan or nut-free options. Baked apples are not just tasty; they’re fun to make! Explore different flavors to make each batch unique. Enjoy your baking and share this treat with others!$

Indulge in a delicious dessert with these Brown Sugar Baked Apples! This easy recipe features tender apples filled with a mouthwatering mixture of brown sugar, oats, and spices, all baked to perfection. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat any day, these baked apples will impress everyone. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to make this delightful dish that’s sure to warm your heart!

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Ingredients

4 medium-sized apples, cored (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup rolled oats

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

1/2 cup apple juice or water (for baking)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped nuts if using. This will be the filling for the apples.

Take the cored apples and place them upright in a baking dish.

Spoon the brown sugar mixture into the center of each apple, pressing down slightly to fill them well.

Drizzle the melted butter over the filled apples, ensuring that the filling is coated.

Pour the apple juice or water into the bottom of the baking dish to help with moisture while baking.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam, and bake for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly and caramelized.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the baked apples warm, drizzled with a bit of the caramel sauce from the bottom of the dish, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra treat!