These baked apple treats are a comforting fall dessert infused with cinnamon and brown sugar from the inside out. Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce and enjoy them for breakfast or dessert. This easy baked apple recipe tastes just like apple pie filling without the crust. For more baking inspiration, see this guide by Allrecipes.
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Baked Apple Video
These baked apples taste just like the warm filling for homemade apple pie. Watch me make delicious baked apples stuffed with buttery cinnamon sugar filling. You’ll love the cozy aroma that creates in your kitchen as the apples bake in the oven.
Easy Baked Apple Recipe
These sweet, buttery baked apple treats are the ultimate fall dessert. Like my baked pears recipe, they’re easy to make, filled with caramelized cinnamon sugar and tangy cranberries, then baked until tender. Aside from apple crisp, this is one of our favorite ways to use apples in season. My husband and kids love these!
Serve baked apples for breakfast or brunch, or as a gluten-free dessert topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce, or top warm apples with a scoop of ice cream that will melt right into them – such a comforting treat during apple season!
Ingredients for Baked Apples
- Apples – You will need 6 medium baked apples. Aim for crisp, firm varieties such as Rome Beauty or Granny Smith apples.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar gives the baked apple a lot of caramel flavor when baked.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg – A combination of warm spices bring out major fall flavors and really let the baked apple shine.
- Dried cranberries – You can use dried cranberries or raisins, or substitute 1/4 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats for a crumble-like texture.
- Butter – Spreading a spoonful of butter over the baked apple before baking will caramelize the brown sugar filling and deepen the flavor. You can substitute ghee or dairy-free butter.
- Walnuts – If you like, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to give the topping a little extra crunch.
Best Apples for Baked Apple Recipe
Choose round, firm, larger apples for the perfect baked apple. This way, they stand upright and you can stuff them with more delicious fillings. The best varieties of apples for baking are those that are hard, crisp, and tart, such as:
- Rome Beauty
- Granny Smith
- Honeycrisp
- Pink Lady
- Golden Delicious
- Braeburn
How to Core an Apple for Baked Apple
To core an apple for this baked apple recipe, use an apple corer, melon baller, or sharp paring knife to cut out the center. The key to cored baking apples is to keep the bottoms intact. Cutting completely will cause the filling to leak!
How to Make Baked Apples
The process of stuffing apples and then baking them in the oven couldn’t be easier for this baked apple recipe:
- Combine fillings – In a bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried cranberries.
- Core and fill the apples – Core the apples, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. Next, place the apples in a 9×13 casserole dish and spoon the cinnamon filling between the apples. Spread a pat of butter on top of each and sprinkle over the walnuts, if using.
- Add water – Pour 1 cup hot water into the bottom of the roasting pan. If you have water on hand, you can substitute apple juice for the water.
- Bake – Cook until baked apple is soft and tender, but not mushy. Mine usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour at 375°F.
Pro Tip for Baked Apple
Don’t overstuff the baked apple, and bake in a casserole large enough to accommodate the apples without crowding them together. For 6 apples, a 9×13 pan is perfect.
When Is the Baked Apple Done?
Baking time may vary depending on the size of the apples. Bake until the baked apple is tender but not falling apart. You should be able to pierce the apples easily with a fork.
How to Serve Baked Apple
Do you see the amber pan juices underneath the baked apples? Spoon those pan juices over the baked apple to let them shine before serving. Baking stuffed apples is a treat in itself, but there are many ways to serve them and use up leftover apples:
- Baked Apple Dessert – We like to top it with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A generous helping of homemade caramel sauce makes these baked apples absolutely irresistible.
- Leftover baked apples? – Slice freshly baked apples or reheat leftover baked apple for breakfast the next day. We love serving warm baked apples over overnight oats or steel-cut oats. They’re also great for apple pancakes.
Baked Apple Recipe Card
Baked Apple
- Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg and stir with a fork. Add 1/3 cup dried cranberries, stir and set aside.
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Wash and core the apples Using a melon baller or a small paring knife, keep the bottom intact to retain the filling – don’t cut all the way through! Place the apples in a casserole dish large enough to hold the apples without them touching.
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Stuff Apple: Divide filling evenly among apples. Spread each stuffed apple with 1/2 tablespoon butter, top with walnuts if using, and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon mixture. Place apples in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Bake: Pour 1 cup hot water into the casserole and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until apples are tender (but not mushy). Baking time may vary depending on the type and size of apples you use.
- Serve: Spoon the juices from the baking dish over the baked apple, then top each apple with whipped cream and caramel or a scoop of ice cream.
*You can substitute 1/4 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats for the raisins.
Prepare and store ahead of time – I don’t recommend making the baked apple ahead of time as they will change color and soften, but you can pre-make the filling up to two days in advance. The remaining baked apples also kept well.
- Refrigeration: Bake and cool the baked apple to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing baked apples because they will become mushy.
- Reheat baked apple: Microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through.
Baked Apple FAQs
What apples are best for baked apple recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Rome Beauty work best for baked apple recipes because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet filling.
Can I make baked apple ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling for baked apple up to two days in advance, but it’s best to bake the apples fresh for optimal texture and flavor. Leftover baked apples store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How do I know when baked apple is done?
The baked apple is done when it’s tender but not falling apart. You should be able to pierce the apple easily with a fork, and the filling should be bubbly and caramelized.
Can I freeze baked apple?
Freezing baked apple is not recommended as the texture will become mushy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy baked apples fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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