Cinnamon Nutmeg Baked Apples

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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These Cinnamon Nutmeg Baked Apples are a warm, comforting dessert perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of spices and fruit creates a cozy aroma that fills your home, making it an ideal treat for fall or winter gatherings.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Nutmeg Baked Apples

Apples: Choose large baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their ability to hold shape during baking. Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the apples. Walnuts provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, while raisins add a chewy contrast. The cinnamon and nutmeg are the stars, offering warmth and depth. Finally, unsalted butter adds a touch of richness, and water helps create steam, ensuring the apples bake evenly.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use an apple corer for quick and easy coring.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds.
  • If your apples are tipping over, slice a small piece off the bottom to create a flat base.

Serving Suggestions

These baked apples pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent touch, drizzle with caramel sauce. Consider serving alongside a warm cup of spiced cider for an autumnal treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work well too.
What if I don't have raisins?
Cranberries or chopped dried apricots are great substitutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Cinnamon Nutmeg Baked Apples Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's hot and ready once your apples are prepped. Next, core the apples. You want to remove the seeds and create a hollow for the filling, but keep the bottom intact. This way, the delicious mixture won't escape during baking.

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed. This is your filling, packed with sweet and spicy goodness.

Stuff each cored apple with the sugar mixture. Be generous, but avoid overfilling. Place a small pat of butter on top of each apple. This will melt down, enriching the filling and adding a lovely sheen.

Arrange the apples in a baking dish, ensuring they sit upright. Pour the water into the dish's bottom; this helps keep the apples moist. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking allows the apples to steam and soften.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, letting the apples turn tender and the tops slightly caramelize. You'll know they're ready when a fork easily pierces through.

Serve the apples warm. Feel free to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
  • Quick prep and minimal cleanup.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Customizable with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.

Ingredients

4 large baking apples
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.
3. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Stuff each apple with the sugar mixture, then top with a small pat of butter.
5. Place the apples in a baking dish and pour water into the bottom of the dish.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until apples are tender.
7. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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