Brown Sugar Baked Apples

$- 4 medium-sized apples, cored (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended) - 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed - 1/4 cup rolled oats - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for a crunchy texture) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional for added sweetness) - 1/2 cup apple juice or water (to create steam during baking) I love using Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples for this recipe. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. Their crisp texture makes them perfect for baking. Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness that pairs well with brown sugar. Both hold their shape well when baked. You can boost the flavor with a few add-ins. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you want extra sweetness, toss in some raisins or dried cranberries. These add-ins make the dish more interesting and delicious. Feel free to mix and match. The goal is to create a filling you enjoy! First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step makes sure your apples bake evenly. A hot oven helps caramelize the sugar and makes the apples tasty. In a medium bowl, mix the following: - 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed - 1/4 cup rolled oats - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) Stir these ingredients well. This mix will create a sweet and crunchy filling for your apples. Next, take your four cored apples. Place them upright in a greased baking dish. If you use parchment paper, cleanup will be easier. Now, fill each apple with the brown sugar mixture. Press it down gently to pack it in tight. This helps the flavors blend as they bake. Now, drizzle 1/4 cup melted butter over each apple. This step adds flavor and helps the filling stay moist. Pour 1/2 cup of apple juice or water into the bottom of the dish. This juice creates steam, keeping the apples soft. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. You want the apples to be tender, and the filling should bubble and turn caramelized. Once done, take the dish out and let the apples cool for a few minutes. This helps avoid burns when serving. Enjoy your delicious brown sugar baked apples! To make the best brown sugar baked apples, start with good apples. I recommend using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These apples have a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. They hold their shape well during baking. Look for apples that are firm, with smooth skin. Avoid soft or bruised apples, as they won't bake well. Fresh apples will enhance the taste of your dessert. For perfectly baked apples, follow these steps. First, core the apples but leave the bottoms intact. This keeps the filling inside. Next, pack the brown sugar mixture tightly into each apple. This helps create a rich, gooey filling. Bake the apples covered with foil for the first part. This traps steam and keeps them moist. Remove the foil later to caramelize the top. Bake until the apples are soft and the filling bubbles. Serve your baked apples warm for the best flavor. Drizzle the sticky caramel sauce from the dish over the apples. For a special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs well with the warm apples. You can also sprinkle some extra nuts on top for crunch. Enjoy this cozy dessert with friends and family! {{image_4}} You can swap brown sugar for other sweeteners. Try maple syrup or honey for a unique taste. Both work well and add different flavors. Honey gives a floral note, while maple syrup adds depth. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference. Use less if you prefer a lighter sweetness. While pecans and walnuts add a nice crunch, feel free to explore other nuts. Almonds or hazelnuts can bring new flavors to your baked apples. Chopped nuts add texture and richness. Just make sure to chop them small so they mix well with the filling. Spices can elevate your baked apples. Consider adding ginger or allspice for warmth. A pinch of cloves can also deepen the flavor. Mix and match spices to find your favorite blend. Just a little can make a big difference in taste. Enjoy experimenting! Store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep the apples covered to avoid drying out. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the apples in a baking dish. Add a splash of apple juice or water to keep them moist. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also heat them in the microwave for one to two minutes. You can freeze baked apples for later use. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Wrap each apple in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use other sugars. Try white sugar or coconut sugar. Brown sugar gives a rich flavor, but others can work too. Just know, the taste may change. White sugar will be less sweet than brown. Coconut sugar adds a caramel note. You can also mix sugars if you like. Check the apples after 40 to 45 minutes of baking. The apples should be soft when you poke them with a fork. The filling will bubble and caramelize. If the apples are still firm, bake them longer. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. They should be tender but not mushy. Yes, this recipe can easily be vegan. Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You can enjoy these baked apples without any animal products! You learned about the key ingredients for baked apples and how to choose the best types. I shared easy step-by-step instructions for perfect results. You can explore fun variations and tasty add-ins for more flavor. Plus, I provided tips on storing leftovers and reheating them well. Baked apples are simple to make and always delicious. Now, use these ideas to impress your friends and family with your baking skills! Enjoy the process and make it your own.$

Indulge your taste buds with these irresistible brown sugar baked apples! This simple recipe features tender apples filled with a sweet and crunchy mixture of brown sugar, oats, and spices, all baked to perfection. Perfect for dessert or a cozy treat, these apples are sure to impress. Ready to create this mouthwatering dish? Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a deliciously sweet experience!

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Ingredients

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

1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/4 cup rolled oats

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for a crunchy texture)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional for added sweetness)

1/2 cup apple juice or water (to create steam during baking)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and chopped nuts if you're using them. Stir until well mixed; this will form a delicious filling for the apples.

Take your cored apples and arrange them upright in a baking dish that’s been slightly greased or lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Generously spoon the brown sugar mixture into the center of each apple. Press down gently to ensure the filling is compact and well-packed inside.

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the tops of the apples, allowing it to coat the filling and enhance the flavor.

Carefully pour the apple juice or water into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help create steam and keep the apples moist while they bake.

To trap the steam, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender, and the filling is bubbling and caramelized to perfection.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the apples cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve these delectable baked apples warm, drizzled with the sticky caramel sauce that has formed at the bottom of the dish. For an indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream beside each apple to create a delightful dessert experience!