Cranberry Hazelnut Baked Apples are a cozy treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. This recipe combines crisp apples with a delightful mix of tart cranberries and crunchy hazelnuts, creating a mouthwatering dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Apples: The star of the show, providing a sweet and juicy base. Choose large, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results.
Dried Cranberries: Adds a tart and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples.
Hazelnuts: Bring a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cranberries.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the natural sugars in the apples.
Unsalted Butter: Helps to create a rich and creamy filling while adding a bit of indulgence.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth, making the dish feel comforting and cozy.
Honey: Drizzled over the apples for a natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze.
Apple Cider: Adds moisture and a concentrated apple flavor that infuses the apples as they bake.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
These baked apples are delightful on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. They also pair well with a warm caramel sauce drizzle.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's heating, grab your apples and core them. Be careful not to go all the way through; you want a nice little well for all that delicious filling.
Next, in a mixing bowl, toss together the cranberries, hazelnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until everything is well combined. This will be your scrumptious filling.
Pack this mixture tightly into each apple. Don’t be shy—press it down gently so you can fit as much as possible.
Place your stuffed apples in a baking dish. Top each one with a little pat of butter. This will melt down and help all those flavors meld together.
Drizzle honey over the tops of the apples. Then, pour apple cider into the bottom of the dish. This will keep things moist and add extra flavor as it steams up during baking.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 25 minutes.
After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for tender apples and a golden, bubbly top.
Once done, let them cool for a bit before serving. Trust me, you don’t want to burn your tongue on that hot filling!
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