Traditional Baked Apple Delight is a classic dessert that captures the essence of cozy fall evenings. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and spiced, offering a warm and comforting treat that’s both simple and satisfying.
Apples are the stars of this dish, offering a natural sweetness and tender texture when baked. Choose medium-sized apples that hold their shape well, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness and subtle molasses flavor, enhancing the apple’s natural taste.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are the dynamic duo of spices, providing warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Walnuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the soft texture of the baked apples.
Raisins contribute a chewy texture and extra sweetness, balancing the spices.
Butter adds richness and helps to meld all the flavors together as it melts.
Apple cider keeps the apples moist while baking and infuses them with even more apple flavor.
Serve these baked apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also pair beautifully with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-savory contrast.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when you're ready to bake, helping the apples cook evenly.
Next, core your apples carefully, making sure to leave the base intact. This creates a little pocket for the filling while keeping the juices inside as the apples bake.
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, walnuts, and raisins. Stir until everything is well mixed. This mixture will be your delicious filling.
Stuff each apple with the filling, pressing it in gently so it’s packed but not overflowing. You want every bite to have a good mix of flavors.
Place your filled apples in a baking dish. Add a small pat of butter on top of each apple — this will melt into the filling as it bakes, making it even more indulgent.
Pour apple cider into the baking dish, just enough to cover the bottom. This will create steam in the oven and infuse the apples with a deeper apple flavor.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the apples are tender to the touch.
Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes them easier to handle.
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