Fall is the season of crisp air, vibrant colors, and, of course, apples! While apples are delicious all year round, they truly shine in the fall. We can’t help but daydream about all the ways we can indulge in this versatile fruit. When simplicity is key, there’s nothing quite like Baked Apples. With just a few minutes of prep and a hot oven, you can enjoy the warm, sweet flavors of this delightful dessert. Whether you pair them with ice cream or serve them alongside a savory meal like pork tenderloin, Baked Apples are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Fabulous Fall: Celebrating Apples
Baked Apples are a straightforward treat that allows you to make use of any apples you have on hand. The best part? The preparation is a breeze, with only five simple ingredients. You have the freedom to make as many or as few as you desire. And if you’re looking to elevate the experience, try serving them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or crown them with a drizzle of Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce. The combination of flavors is nothing short of magical!
Perfectly Moist Pork Tenderloin: The Ideal Companion
To create an unforgettable meal, pair your Baked Apples with succulent and flavorful Perfectly Moist Pork Tenderloin. Impress your loved ones with this simple yet elegant dish that requires minimal effort. And why stop there? Top each baked apple with a generous dollop of Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce for a truly unforgettable dessert experience. The combination of savory and sweet is a match made in culinary heaven.
Other Recipes to Elevate Your Baked Apple Experience
If you’re in the mood to celebrate the arrival of fall, we have some delightful recipes that perfectly complement your Baked Apples:
- Apple Whiskey Sour: Cheers to fall with this delicious cocktail that combines the tangy sweetness of apples with a hint of whiskey.
- Apple Cider Muffins: Start your morning with a burst of fall flavors in these moist and aromatic muffins. They are sure to make getting out of bed a little easier.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make Baked Apples, gather the following ingredients:
- Apples: Choose your favorite variety or mix and match to suit everyone’s taste. Keep in mind that this recipe is for four apples, so adjust accordingly if you’re making more.
- Sugar and Spice: Enhance the natural flavors of the apples with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar.
- Butter: A small amount of butter goes a long way in adding richness and flavor.
- Apple Juice: You’ll need apple juice as a key component of this recipe.
How to Make Baked Apples in Three Simple Steps
Let’s get started with the preparation of these delectable Baked Apples:
STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and select a baking dish with high sides. Remove most of the apple core, but ensure that the bottom of each apple remains intact to create a hollow cup-like shape.
STEP TWO: In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon and sugar. Add a dollop of butter to each apple, followed by a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the apples in the baking dish and pour apple juice into the bottom of the dish.
STEP THREE: Cover the dish with foil and bake the apples for approximately 45 minutes or until they are tender. When serving, handle the apples with care to avoid spilling the delicious juices inside. Enjoy the Baked Apples on their own, as a side dish, or as a decadent dessert with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Baked Apples turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a small melon baller or a paring knife to remove the apple’s core, leaving the base intact to retain the delicious juices.
- Opt for medium to large apples, as they are easier to work with and provide a more satisfying eating experience. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady apples are excellent choices, but any apple variety will work.
- Store any leftover Baked Apples by covering them and refrigerating. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect the texture of the apples.
The Best Apples for Baking
When it comes to baking apples, choose firmer varieties that hold their shape during cooking. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Cortland, and Fuji apples all make excellent choices. However, it’s best to avoid using Red Delicious apples for baking, as they tend to become soft and lose their structure.
Baked Apples: A Healthy Delight
Worried about indulging in a sweet treat while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Fear not! Baked Apples are a simple, nutritious dish. With minimal ingredients, the star of the show is undoubtedly the apple itself. Compared to many other desserts, baked apples are lower in calories and fat. When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, recipes with fewer ingredients, especially those featuring whole foods like fruits and vegetables, are always a better choice.
It’s Always Apple Season!
Embrace the never-ending apple season with these mouthwatering recipes:
- Apple Dumplings
- Apple Cider Shandy
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Wrapped Apple Rings
- Apple Pie Cookie Cups
- Homemade Apple Cider
For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Ekilove.
This post was originally posted on 09/11/2013.
